Known for his prowess in swordsmanship and his exceptional philosophy, Miyamoto Musashi’s teachings have transcended centuries, still offering valuable insights for modern-day life. His wisdom, penned in “The Book of Five Rings” and the “Dokkodo,” spans topics of martial arts, strategy, personal development, and mindfulness.
In this article, we continue our exploration of Musashi’s wisdom with 50 more insightful quotes.
- “The way of the warrior is the resolute acceptance of death.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “There is timing in the whole life of the warrior, in his thriving and declining, in his harmony and discord.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “If you wish to control others you must first control yourself.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “See yourself as you truly are and you will see the world as it truly is.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Do not hold onto possessions you no longer need.” (Dokkodo)
- “Do not let the body be dragged along by mind nor the mind be dragged along by the body.” (Dokkodo)
- “You win battles by knowing the enemy’s timing and using a timing which the enemy does not expect.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Do not fear death.” (Dokkodo)
- “You should not have any special fondness for a particular weapon, or anything else, for that matter.” (The Book of Five Rings)
READ MORE: 50 Quotes by Miyamoto Musashi | Wisdom from the Sword - “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “To know ten thousand things, know one well.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “All things entail rising and falling timing. You must be able to discern this.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “In all forms of strategy, it is necessary to maintain the combat stance in everyday life and to make your everyday stance your combat stance.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Step by step walk the thousand-mile road.” (Dokkodo)
- “Do not regret what you have done.” (Dokkodo)
- “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.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “You must always be prepared to kill.” (Dokkodo)
- “With your spirit open and unconstricted, look at things from a high point of view.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “There is no one way to salvation, whatever the manner in which a man may proceed. All forms and variations are governed by the eternal intelligence of the Universe that enables a man to approach perfection. It may be in the arts of music and painting or it may be in commerce, law, or medicine. It may be in the study of war or the study of peace. Each is as important as any other. Spiritual enlightenment through religious meditation such as Zen or in any other way is as viable and functional as any “Way.”…” (The Book of Five Rings)
READ MORE: Miyamoto Musashi Posters (and 10 Interesting Facts about the Legendary Swordsman) - “Forget your sadness, anger, grudges, and hatred. Let them pass like smoke caught in a breeze. You should not deviate from the path of righteousness; you should lead a life worthy of a man.” (Dokkodo)
- “Become one with the universe.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Understand that there is not one thing that does not become a sword.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Do not regret your actions.” (Dokkodo)
- “Learn to see everything accurately.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Avoid what is strong and strike at what is weak.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Get beyond love and grief: exist for the good of man.” (Dokkodo)
- “Do not become possessed by a single thing.” (Dokkodo)
- “Make a decision within the space of seven breaths.” (The Book of Five Rings)
READ MORE: Miyamoto Musashi iPhone Wallpapers (and 12 Fascinating Facts About Japan’s Greatest Swordsman) - “Do not let your spirit be influenced by your body, or your body be influenced by your spirit.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Fixation is the way to death. Fluidity is the way to life.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.” (Dokkodo)
- “In fighting and in everyday life you should be determined though calm.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Do not regret what you have done.” (Dokkodo)
- “In all things have no preferences.” (Dokkodo)
- “Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.” (Dokkodo)
- “Do not act following customary beliefs.” (Dokkodo)
- “Do not shun death in the path of righteousness.” (Dokkodo)
- “With your spirit settled, accumulate practice day by day, and hour by hour.” (The Book of Five Rings)
READ MORE: Miyamoto Musashi’s 21 Principles and Rules Explained: A Guide to Life and Strategy - “Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.” (Dokkodo)
- “To win any battle, you must fight as if you are already dead.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “The only reason a warrior is alive is to fight, and the only reason a warrior fights is to win.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “The important thing in strategy is to suppress the enemy’s useful actions but allow his useless actions.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “When your spirit is not in the least clouded, when the clouds of bewilderment clear away, there is the true void.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “All things entail rising and falling timing. You must be able to discern this.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “In the void is virtue, and no evil. Wisdom has existence, principle has existence, the Way has existence, spirit is nothingness.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “You should not have a favorite weapon.” (The Book of Five Rings)
- “If you wish to control others you must first control yourself.” (The Book of Five Rings)
READ MORE: Miyamoto Musashi’s Grave: The Final Resting Place of the Legendary Swordsman
Continuing to delve into Miyamoto Musashi’s wisdom, we further appreciate his timeless insights that remain relevant to various aspects of our lives. His teachings, while rooted in the way of the sword, extend beyond to encompass lessons on mindfulness, self-discipline, and personal growth. These 50 quotes serve as reminders of his remarkable intellect and the enduring legacy of his philosophy.
