The 9 Principles by Miyamoto Musashi - These are from two various sources that have different translations for the same text. Paraphrased from Wikipedia, Miyamoto Musashi (c. 1584–June 13 (Japanese calendar: May 19), 1645), was a Japanese swordsman famed for his duels and distinctive style. Musashi, as he is often simply known, became legendary through his outstanding swordsmanship in numerous duels, even from a very young age. He is the author of The Book of Five Rings, a book on strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is still studied today.
1. Follow what is true and right, avoid dishonesty, and tell no lies.
2. Practice and train dilligently.
3. Study every other art. You must be able to create beauty.
4. Learn the ways of all professions.
5. Watch for the good and evil in all things.
6. Develop and trust your intuition.
7. Stay keenly aware of those things you cannot see.
8. Study the details.
9. Avoid useless endeavors.
or
1. Do not think dishonestly
2. The Way is in training
3. Become acquainted with every art
4. Know the Ways of all professionsv 5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters
6. Develop intuitive judgment and understanding of everything
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen
8. Pay attention even to trifles
9. Do nothing which is of no use
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March 14th, 2008 at 3:32 am
Makes you wonder if he had any time to put all his training and philosophy into practise.
Jack of all trades and master of none?
But better to know a little about a lot than to know a lot about a little eh?
The Baldchemist- living life in all of its superlatives.
March 14th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
baldchemist: You seem to know a little about nothing if you’re speculating on something you obviously have no clue about, instead of actually researching… “wondering” if Miyamoto Musashi actually practiced those principles 500 years later is ironic, don’t you think?
March 14th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
great post.
i especially liked #9. without focus there is not success.
March 15th, 2008 at 7:23 am
>Baldchemist: “Become acquainted with every art” refers to a specific list of 10 activities that include swordsmanship, tea ceremony, music, etc.
Context my friend, read the book.