Musashi’s 21 Principles
Musashi’s 21 principles are a collection of guidelines for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Miyamoto Musashi was a legendary Japanese swordsman and rōnin (masterless samurai) who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest swordsmen of all time, and his treatise on swordsmanship, “The Book of Five Rings,” has become a classic in the field.
His 21 principles offer a holistic approach to living, encouraging self-awareness, self-improvement and self-discipline. They aim to help individuals navigate through life’s challenges with integrity and purpose. The principles cover various aspects of life, from personal development, relationships, spirituality, and ethics. They provide a framework for living a balanced and fulfilling life, and can serve as a guide for personal growth and development.
One of the key principles is the acceptance of the present moment and the things we cannot change. It encourages individuals to let go of resistance and to accept reality as it is. Another principle is the moderation and balance in all things, it encourages individuals to not seek pleasure for its own sake, and to avoid excess. Rationality and objectivity are also emphasized in decision making. The principles also encourage freedom from attachment, taking responsibility for our actions, self-confidence, open-mindedness, mindfulness in relationships, and the acceptance of death as a natural part of life.
Spirituality and ethics are also covered in the principles. It encourages individuals to respect Buddha and other gods without relying on them for help, and to protect their honor and integrity. The principles also encourage individuals to stay true to their principles and beliefs, and to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. These 21 principles offer a comprehensive guide for living a balanced and fulfilling life, and can serve as a valuable tool for personal growth and development.
- Accept everything just the way it is
- Do not seek pleasure for its own sake
- Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling
- Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world
- Be detached from desire your whole life long
- Do not regret what you have done
- Never be jealous
- Never let yourself be saddened by a separation
- Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others
- Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love
- In all things have no preferences
- Be indifferent to where you live
- Do not pursue the taste of good food
- Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need
- Do not act following customary beliefs
- Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful
- Do not fear death
- Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age
- Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help
- You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor
- Never stray from the Way
“Accept everything just the way it is.”
Embracing reality and accepting the present moment for what it is, without resistance or judgment.
By accepting things as they are, one can free their mind from distractions and negative emotions such as fear, doubt, and anger. This allows them to focus on the task at hand and respond to any situation with clarity and efficiency. By accepting reality, one can also gain a deeper understanding of the situation and find new opportunities.
One must be mindful and present in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By accepting things as they are, one can let go of regrets and worries and focus on what they can do in the present moment.
Moreover, accepting things as they are means that one doesn’t hold on to expectations or preconceptions, but instead is able to see things for what they truly are. This can help one to be more open-minded, adaptable and make better decisions.
“Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.”
This encourages one to avoid the pursuit of pleasure for the sake of pleasure itself and to focus on a higher purpose or goal.
Musashi believed that the pursuit of pleasure can be a distraction from what is truly important in life. It can cause one to lose sight of their goals and values and can lead to a lack of discipline and self-control. He encouraged individuals to focus on their goals and to use pleasure as a means to achieve them, rather than an end in itself.
This also encourages one to be mindful and aware of their actions and their motivations. By not seeking pleasure for its own sake, one can avoid making impulsive or short-sighted decisions and instead make deliberate and well-informed choices that align with their values and goals.
This is also related to the concept of detachment. By not being overly attached to pleasure, one can be less affected by negative emotions such as disappointment or frustration when things don’t go as planned.
“Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.”
One of Musashi’s key principles is the idea that one should “think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.” This means that one should approach life with humility and a willingness to learn, rather than thinking that one already knows everything. By being humble and open to learning, one can gain a deeper understanding of the world and oneself, which can lead to greater success and fulfillment in life.
This applies not only to swordsmanship but also to any field of endeavor.
“Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling”
Here is a reminder to always approach situations with a clear and balanced mindset.
It advises against making decisions or taking actions based on emotions or biases that may cloud our judgment. Instead, it encourages us to consider all perspectives and gather all the information necessary before making a decision. This principle is especially important in high-stakes situations where a hasty or emotional response could lead to negative consequences.
By remaining objective and considering all factors, we can make more informed and strategic decisions. This principle is also helpful in personal development, it helps to avoid impulsive behavior and promotes self-control.
“Be detached from desire your whole life long”
One must approach life with a sense of detachment or non-attachment.
It suggests that by not becoming too attached to specific outcomes or desires, we can better navigate through the challenges and obstacles that we may encounter. Being detached from desire allows us to remain more objective and flexible in our thinking, which can lead to more effective problem solving and decision making.
This principle also encourages us to focus on the present moment rather than getting lost in the anticipation of future events or the regrets of past ones. This can help us to be more content and satisfied with what we have, rather than constantly striving for more.
Additionally, this principle encourages us to live in a state of equanimity and not be swayed by our emotions. It leads to inner peace and enhances overall well-being.
“Do not regret what you have done”
We must take responsibility for our actions and not dwell on past mistakes or regrets. Instead of dwelling on regrets, we should focus on what we can learn from our experiences and how we can use that knowledge to improve ourselves and our future actions.
This principle encourages us to be mindful of our actions, to be conscious of the impact they have on others, and to take responsibility for the consequences that come with them. It also suggests that we should not be too hard on ourselves when things don’t go as planned, and to always strive to improve in the future.
This principle also reminds us that we can’t change the past and regrets are not going to change it, so it’s better to learn from them and move forward. By not regretting our past, we can free ourselves from the burden of guilt and shame, and focus on becoming a better version of ourselves.
“Never be jealous”
Always avoid the destructive emotion of jealousy. Jealousy is often rooted in feelings of insecurity, inadequacy and fear of losing something we value.
It can be a destructive emotion that can cloud our judgment and affect our relationships with others. According to this principle, jealousy is a sign of weakness and it is important to overcome it. Instead, it encourages us to focus on our own personal growth and development, rather than comparing ourselves to others.
By cultivating self-confidence and self-esteem, we can appreciate the accomplishments of others without feeling envious. Additionally, it suggests that by not being jealous, we can form deeper and more meaningful relationships with others, as jealousy can often lead to mistrust and resentment. By letting go of jealousy, we can open ourselves up to greater opportunities and experiences in life.
“Never let yourself be saddened by a separation”
Always accept change and be resilient in the face of loss.
It suggests that we should not become too attached to people, things or situations, as they will inevitably change or end at some point. By accepting this fact of life, we can prepare ourselves for the eventual separation and not be caught off guard by it.
This principle encourages us to focus on the present moment and cherish the time we have with the people and things we care about, rather than dwelling on the potential loss of them in the future. It also suggests that we should not be defined by our relationships or possessions, but rather to find meaning and purpose in life through our own personal growth and development.
By being able to accept separation and move on, we can experience a greater sense of freedom and openness in our lives.
“Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others”
Avoid negative emotions like resentment and complaint, both towards oneself and others.
Resentment is a feeling of anger or bitterness towards someone or something, and complaining is the act of expressing dissatisfaction or frustration. These emotions are not only detrimental to our own well-being, but they also have negative effects on our relationships with others.
This principle suggests that instead of dwelling on negative emotions, we should focus on finding solutions to problems, or practicing acceptance of the things we cannot change. It also encourages us to be more understanding and empathetic towards others, rather than criticizing or complaining about them. By avoiding resentment and complaint, we can cultivate a more positive and harmonious environment, both within ourselves and with others around us.
“Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love”
Approach relationships and emotions with a sense of balance and rationality.
It suggests that we should not let our emotions control our actions or decisions, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. Lust and love are powerful emotions, but they can also be blinding, leading us to make impulsive or irrational decisions that we may regret later.
This principle encourages us to be mindful of our emotions, and to not let them cloud our judgment. Instead, it suggests that we should approach relationships with a sense of objectivity and balance, considering the long-term consequences of our actions. It also suggests that we should focus on building healthy and meaningful relationships, rather than letting ourselves be guided solely by our emotions. By not letting ourselves be guided by lust or love, we can make more informed and responsible decisions in our relationships.
“In all things have no preferences”
Approach life with a sense of equanimity and impartiality. It suggests that by not having preferences, we can be more open to new experiences and opportunities, rather than being limited by our preconceptions and biases.
It also encourages us to not get too attached to any particular outcome or result, as this can lead to disappointment when things don’t go as planned. By not having preferences, we can remain more objective and flexible in our thinking, which can lead to more effective problem solving and decision making.
Additionally, this principle can help us to not be swayed by our emotions and biases, to be more mindful and aware of the present moment and to be more accepting of the things we cannot change. By not having preferences, we can learn to appreciate the things that come our way, and see the value in all things, rather than just the things we like or want.
“Be indifferent to where you live”
Remember to not become too attached to a specific place or location. It suggests that by not becoming too attached to where we live, we can better navigate through the challenges and obstacles that we may encounter.
Being indifferent to where you live allows us to be more adaptable and flexible in changing circumstances, it also helps to cultivate a sense of inner freedom and detachment from physical surroundings. This principle also encourages us to focus on the present moment, rather than getting lost in the anticipation of future events or the regrets of past ones. It also suggests that by not becoming too attached to a specific place, we can be more open to new experiences and opportunities, and be more accepting of change and new beginnings.
By not becoming too attached to where we live, we can free ourselves from the burden of attachment and focus on what truly matters in life.
“Do not pursue the taste of good food”
Never become too attached to pleasurable experiences and cultivate a sense of moderation.
By not becoming too fixated on the pleasure of good food, we can better navigate through the challenges and obstacles that we may encounter. It encourages us to be mindful of our food choices and not to indulge excessively in pleasurable food experiences as it can lead to addiction, lack of self-control and health issues. Instead, it encourages us to focus on the nutritional value of the food, and to make healthy food choices that will nourish our body and mind.
Additionally, this principle can help us to not be swayed by our emotions and to be more mindful of our physical and mental well-being. By not pursuing the taste of good food too much, we can learn to appreciate simple and healthy food and to nourish our body and mind in a balanced way.
“Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need”
Let go of material possessions that are no longer useful or necessary.
By not holding on to possessions that no longer serve a purpose, we can free ourselves from physical and mental clutter, and open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences. This principle also encourages us to focus on the present moment, rather than getting lost in the anticipation of future events or the regrets of past ones. Additionally, this principle can help us to not be swayed by our emotions, and to be more mindful of the things that truly matter in life.
Holding on to possessions that we no longer need can also be a form of attachment, which can lead to stress, anxiety and dissatisfaction. By letting go of possessions that we no longer need, we can learn to appreciate the things that we have, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment.
“Do not act following customary beliefs”
One must question traditional assumptions and always think independently.
By not blindly following customary beliefs or societal norms, we can better navigate through the challenges and obstacles that we may encounter. It encourages us to think critically and to not accept things just because that’s the way they’ve always been done. Instead, it suggests that we should be open to new ideas and consider alternative perspectives. This principle also encourages us to focus on the present moment, rather than getting lost in the anticipation of future events or the regrets of past ones.
Additionally, this principle can help us to not be swayed by our emotions and biases, and to be more mindful and aware of the present moment. By not acting following customary beliefs, we can learn to be more open-minded, adaptable and creative, and to find new and better ways of doing things.
“Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful”
Always avoid excess and focus on what is truly necessary. By not collecting weapons or practicing with weapons beyond what is useful, we can focus on more important things such as self-improvement, discipline, and strategy. This isn’t just about weapons, it is also about material possessions…
Be mindful and use weapons only when it is necessary, not to have an obsession with them or to use them as a form of entertainment. It also suggests that it is better to master a few weapons than to have knowledge of many but not be proficient in any.
“Do not fear death”
Do not be held back by the fear of death, learn to live fully in the present moment.
Death is a natural part of life and it is something that we all must face eventually. By not fearing death, we can be more open to new experiences and opportunities, rather than being limited by our fear of the unknown. This principle encourages us to focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the future or the past. It also suggests that by not fearing death, we can be more accepting of change and new beginnings.
Additionally, this principle can help us to not be swayed by our emotions and biases and to be more mindful and aware of the present moment. It also encourages us to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, to make the most of the time we have, and to not waste time on things that don’t matter.
It is important to remember that death is not the end, but a transition to something new, and it is not something to be feared but embraced.
“Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age”
Do not become overly focused on material wealth and security in the future.
It suggests that by not seeking to possess goods or fiefs (territories) for our old age, we can better navigate through the challenges and obstacles that we may encounter. Instead, it encourages us to focus on the present moment and to make the most of the time we have, rather than worrying about the future.
This principle also encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to not be swayed by our emotions and biases, to be more mindful and aware of the present moment, and to be more accepting of change and new beginnings. Additionally, it suggests that by not focusing too much on accumulating wealth for the future, we can be more open to new experiences and opportunities and live a more fulfilled and meaningful life.
“Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help”
Always strive to have a balance of spiritual and personal responsibility.
While we can respect and honor spiritual figures like Buddha and the gods, we should not rely on them solely to solve our problems or bring us success. Instead, we should take personal responsibility for our actions and decisions, and strive to improve ourselves through our own efforts.
This principle encourages us to focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the future or the past. It also suggests that by not relying too much on spiritual figures for help, we can be more open to new experiences and opportunities, and be more accepting of change and new beginnings.
Additionally, it encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to not be swayed by our emotions and biases, to be more mindful and aware of the present moment, and to work towards our own personal growth and development.
“You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor”
Prioritize personal integrity and reputation over physical preservation.
It suggests that while one may choose to sacrifice their physical well-being in certain situations, it is essential to maintain one’s moral and ethical principles. It implies that it is better to die with honor than to live a life of dishonor.
This principle encourages us to act with integrity and to make decisions that align with our values, even if it means taking a difficult or unpopular stance. It also suggests that by preserving one’s honor, one can also preserve dignity, respect, and self-esteem.
Additionally, it can help us to not be swayed by our emotions and biases, to be more mindful and aware of the present moment, and to work towards our own personal growth and development. It is important to remember that one’s reputation and integrity are more valuable than anything else, and should be protected at all times.
“Never stray from the Way”
Always, always, always stay true to your principles and beliefs. The “Way” can refer to one’s personal path or code of conduct.
By staying committed to the Way, one can navigate through life’s challenges with integrity and purpose. This principle encourages us to act with integrity and to make decisions that align with our values and beliefs, even if it means taking a difficult or unpopular stance.
It also suggests that by staying true to the Way, one can achieve a sense of inner peace and fulfillment. Additionally, it can help us to not be swayed by our emotions and biases, to be more mindful and aware of the present moment, and to work towards our own personal growth and development.
It is important to remember that one’s principles and beliefs are the foundation of one’s character and should be protected at all times. Staying true to the Way is the key to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
These principles offer a holistic approach to living, encourage self-awareness, self-improvement, and self-discipline, and aim to help individuals to navigate through life’s challenges with integrity and purpose. They provide a framework for living a balanced and fulfilling life and can serve as a guide for personal growth and development.
