GB passed this on to me.
Musashi's 9 Points of Success
by: Tracy Warrener
The Book of Five Rings was written in around 1643 by Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most famous Samurai warriors who ever lived. This book was titled “Go Rin No Sho” and translated to The book of Five Rings. He addressed this book to one of his students right before his death in 1645. This book has been heavily referred to in both the Japanese Military and business world for understanding strategy among its many lessons. To the Martial Arts world it has been a piece of literature to help us understand philosophy, fighting strategy and to help us to be our personal best. Within this book were many lessons about life. However one that he outlines in it for anyone who wants to learn his strategy for success is found in first chapter, ‘The Book of Ground’.
Taken from The Book of Five Rings, The Book of Ground…
1. Do not think dishonestly
2. The Way is in training
3. Become acquainted with every art
4. Know the Ways of all professions
5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters
6. Develop intuitive judgment and understanding for everything
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen
8. Pay attention even to trifles
9. Do nothing which is of no use
I think when I first read these from this book, what stuck with me was everything he wrote back in 1643 still applies to this very day. To read these points, they seem very simple. However once you read them and really understand each of them separately, you see just how mindful one must be in order to succeed in anything we set out to do. Each point encourages to develop our body, our mind and our spirit. Upon reading these, as with the rest of his book, you see he really did live these points. What a wonderful legacy he wrote so many years ago. The Book of Five Rings and its many lessons serve as a continuous source of inspiration, knowledge of strategy and how to succeed in life. It is a true gift to future generations from an accomplished, author, artist, Samurai warrior and martial artist.