The Book of Five Rings: A Samurai’s Guide to the Way in 20 Quotes
by Wesley Banks | Follow Him on Instagram Here
Miyamoto Musashi is considered one of the greatest samurais to every live. Seven days before his death he wrote two books: Dokkōdō and The Book of Five Rings. Each is more than the summary of his life as Kensei, but advice on living and finding the Way.
The Book of Five Rings is officially one of the most influential books I’ve ever read.
But instead of doing a traditional review where I might talk about each of the 5 scrolls (earth, water, fire, wind, emptiness) or the 3 swords (killing sword, life-giving sword, no sword), I think giving a read of my favorite quotes will actually do the book more justice.
20 Quotes from the Book of Five Rings
I know in today’s world people want short, quick, pithy quotes. But I’m starting with a rather long one, and possibly the most important passage in the entire book.
“In the practice of every way of life and every kind of work, there is a state of mind called that of the deviant. Even if you strive diligently on your chosen path day after day if your heart is not in accord with it then even if you think you are on a good path, from the point of view of the straight and true, this is not a genuine path. If you do not pursue genuine path to its consummation, then a little bit of crookedness in the mind will alter turn into a major warp. Reflect on this.”
“Even when still, your mind is not still; even when hurried, your mind is not hurried.”
“Even if superficially weakened, be inwardly stronghearted…”
“Observation and perception are two separate things; the observing eye is stronger, the perceiving eye is weaker.”
“…determine that today you will overcome your self of the day before…”
“…it is bad to be maneuvered around by others.”
“As I see the world, if a burglar holes up in a house, he is considered a powerful opponent. From his point of view, however, the whole world is against him;”
“…act as the sea when the enemy is like a mountain, and act as a mountain when the enemy is like a sea.”
“…while in the midst of minutiae, suddenly you shift to a large perspective.”
“Do you think you have realized how to attain victory just by learning to wield a long sword and training your body and hands?”
“…having a guard without a guard, meaning that one has a defense without being defensive.”
“When you try to fix your eyes on some particular point, there is a sense of distraction, and this becomes what is known as an affliction…”
“Not forgetting about disturbance when times are peaceful is an art of war.”
Musashi later on quotes a poem of which I do not know the author:
“Watching in stolen glances, the dragonfly evades the shrike.”
This is Musashi explaining the concept of “over-focus.” Of being so driven, so fixated on one thing, you are entirely unaware of everything else.
SAMY