Miyamoto Musashi’s 21 Steps to Self-Reliance
- frankminiter
- May 18
- 1 min read
Miyamoto Musashi was a Samurai in seventeenth century Japan who remained undefeated in more than 60 individual matches. He wrote The Book of Five Rings late in his life to explain his Zen philosophy on how a man should live. His final act was to write “The Way of Walking Alone,” which makes up these 21 rules on living as a man.
Do not turn your back on the various Ways of this world.
Do not scheme for physical pleasure.
Do not intend to rely on anything.
Consider yourself lightly; consider the world deeply.
Do not ever think in acquisitive terms.
Do not regret things about your own personal life.
Do not envy another’s good or evil.
Do no lament parting on any road whatsoever.
Do not complain or feel bitterly about yourself of others.
Have no heart for approaching the path of love.
Do not have preferences.
Do not harbor hopes for your own personal home.
Do not have a liking for delicious food for yourself.
Do not carry antiques carried down from generation to generation.
Do not fast so that it affects you physically.
While it’s different with military equipment, do not be fond of material things.
While on the Way, do not begrudge death.
Do not be intent on possessing valuable for a fief in old age.
Respect the Gods and Buddhas, but do not depend on them.
Though you give up your life, do not give up your honor.
Never depart from the Way of the Martial Arts.
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