Unveiling The Wisdom of 'Gorin No Sho' by Miyamoto Musashi Part 2 | #thebookoffiverings #summary #zen #samurai
- YaDu
- 3 minutes ago
- 6 min read
What secrets did an undefeated samurai leave behind in 1645 that still shape success today? The Book of Five Rings (五輪書, Go Rin No Sho) is not just a manual on sword fighting — it’s a timeless guide to mastering conflict, strategy, and even modern‑day challenges. Written by the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, who never lost a duel, this text reveals principles that apply far beyond the battlefield — from business negotiations to personal growth. Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into KENDO 'The Way of the Sword' AND ZEN, capturing the essence of the samurai's moral teachings, deeply intertwined with Confucian philosophy. We'll also delve into the exhilarating concept of Enlightenment, as seen through the lens of Zen Buddhism. Plus, we'll uncover the fascinating life of MIYAMOTO MUSASHI, revealing thrilling details about the legendary Musashi's birth, family, his incredible achievements, and his later life.
Overview of the Previous Post:
Summary of Japan During Musashi's Lifetime
Miyamoto Musashi was born in 1584, a time when Japan was transitioning from centuries of internal conflict. The emperors' power had waned since the twelfth century, leading to civil wars among provincial lords, warrior monks, and brigands. By the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, daimyo, or feudal lords, had constructed large stone castles, which stifled trade growth. Oda Nobunaga, a formidable daimyo, became Shogun in 1573, unifying Japan significantly until his assassination in 1582. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a determined samurai, continued Nobunaga's legacy, reinforcing social hierarchies with actions like the "sword-hunt," restricting sword ownership to samurai. Despite Hideyoshi's efforts, internal unrest persisted until the Tokugawa era began in 1603 under Tokugawa Leyasu, marking a stable period until 1868. Leyasu curtailed the emperor's role, controlled the lords, and established a rigid class system with samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants.
Musashi, a samurai, lived during this era of peace, becoming a "ronin" or masterless samurai. While many samurai adapted to peaceful roles, Musashi and others pursued enlightenment through martial arts. The Tokugawa government supported Kendo schools, integral to samurai culture and bureaucracy. Kendo, the Way of the Sword, evolved from its traditional roots, with Dojo proliferating in castle towns. Ronin sought fame by defeating Dojo students and masters, hoping for employment. Samurai carried two swords, training often with wooden or bamboo swords. Duels, sometimes fatal, occurred, but the introduction of the shinai and padded armor reduced injuries. Training in Kendo demanded self-subjugation and a calm mind amidst danger, embodying the samurai's code of honor. Mastery of the sword required accepting death resolutely, a pursuit continued by Kendo practitioners today.
KENDO AND ZEN:
'The Way of the Sword' (Kendo) embodies the moral teachings of the samurai, deeply rooted in the Confucian philosophy that shaped the Tokugawa system, alongside Japan's native Shinto religion. From the Kamakura to the Muromachi periods, Japan's warrior courts actively promoted the rigorous study of Zen among samurai, seamlessly integrating it with the arts of war. Zen focuses directly on the true nature of things, free from elaborations. It dispenses with ceremonies and teachings, offering a fundamentally personal reward.
Ultimately, what truly matters is nature! Embrace it wholeheartedly and stay close to it!
Miyamoto Musashi famously developed and practiced Niten Ichi-ryū (二天一流), a specialized school of Kenjutsu (swordsmanship) that he founded, characterized by the simultaneous, dual-wielding use of the Katana and Wakizashi (long and short swords). This Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū (Strategy of Two Heavens as One). style was highly pragmatic, focusing on efficient, lethal combat.
Enlightenment in Zen is not about altering behavior but realizing the essence of ordinary life, where simplicity is the ultimate virtue. In Zen Buddhism, Nirvana is not a far-off paradise, but the immediate, direct experience of reality when the ego, conceptual thinking, and attachment are "extinguished". It is considered identical to daily life (samsara) seen through an enlightened, empty mind, often realized during Zazen (meditation) or as Kensho (seeing one’s true nature).
In the Itto Ryu school of Kendo, the secret teaching, Kiriotoshi, is the first of many techniques, embodying "Ai Uchi"—cutting the opponent as he cuts you, reflecting ultimate timing and absence of anger. It involves treating the enemy as an honored guest and abandoning fear. The beginner and master act alike, as knowledge forms a full circle. Musashi's teachings begin with "Ground," the foundation of Kendo and Zen, and end with "Void," representing understanding as nothingness. Kendo teachings parallel Zen's intense verbal challenges, guiding the student from turmoil to realization. Through relentless practice, the Kendo student transcends technique, achieving spontaneous knowledge where sword becomes "no sword," and intention becomes "no intention." The first simple teaching evolves into the highest knowledge, and even the master continues this basic practice as a daily ritual.
Enlightenment in Kendo, the way of the sword, is a transcendent state of 'nothingness'—free from emotions, intentions, and even the sword itself.
CONCERNING THE LIFE OF MIYAMOTO MUSASHI:
Miyamoto Musashi, born in 1584 in the village of Miyamoto, Mimasaka province, was a renowned Japanese swordsman and strategist. His lineage traced back to the Harima clan in Kyushu, and his grandfather was a respected retainer of the lord of Takeyama castle. Orphaned at a young age, Musashi was raised by his uncle, a priest, and demonstrated a strong-willed and aggressive nature from childhood. At thirteen, he killed a samurai in single combat, marking the beginning of his legendary career.
Musashi embarked on a "Warrior Pilgrimage," participating in numerous duels and wars, and achieving victory in over sixty contests by the age of twenty-nine. He lived a solitary life, dedicated to mastering the Way of the Sword (Kendo), often appearing uncouth and wretched. Musashi's vendetta against the Yoshioka family in Kyoto is notable, where he defeated several members in duels, further establishing his reputation.
Among his famed duels was the one against Sasaki Kojiro in 1612, where Musashi emerged victorious using a wooden oar. He subsequently avoided using real swords in duels, he was invincible, focusing instead on perfecting his understanding of Kendo. Musashi participated in the siege of Osaka castle, switching allegiances from his youth, and later settled in Ogura with his adopted son, Iori.
In his later years, Musashi devoted himself to teaching, painting, and writing. Musashi proclaimed that mastering the Way of strategy leads to understanding everything. He excelled in arts and crafts, creating acclaimed ink paintings of cormorants, herons, dragons, and more. His calligraphy, such as "Senki" (Warspirit), and his work in metal, including founding a school of sword guard makers, highlight his diverse talents. Though his poems and songs are lost, his influence endures. Commissioned by Shogun Lemitsu, his paintings sometimes bear the seal "Musashi" or "Niten", symbolizing his dual-sword technique. Musashi established schools like "Nitenryu" and "Enmeiryu", embracing all professions to expand his knowledge.
His most significant literary work, "Go Rin No Sho" (The Book of Five Rings), provides insights into strategy and combat, transcending military applications to influence various fields, including business. Despite a reputation for cruelty, his logical pursuit of ideals parallels the often conscience-less success in business. Musashi's teachings remain relevant across cultures, embodying "humility and hard work". The book is not a thesis on strategy, it is in Musashi's words "a guide for men who want to learn strategy" and, as a guide always leads, so the contents are always beyond the student's understanding. Musashi's life was characterized by humility, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge across disciplines, making his teachings relevant beyond his time. He is revered in Japan as 'Kensei', a "Sword Saint," and his legacy endures through his art, writings, and the schools he established.
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Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive deep into the 'Introduction' and then explore the first book, 'The Ground Book' or 'The Book of Earth' (地之巻, Chi no Maki). This section is packed with captivating insights on strategy, including war tactics, healing methods, and so much more, all from the legendary undefeated Samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, in his masterpiece 'Go Rin No Sho.'
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Yadu,
On behalf of Get Inspired Spiritually.
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