Unveiling The Wisdom of 'Gorin No Sho' by Miyamoto Musashi Part 3 | #thebookoffiverings #summary #zen #samurai
- YaDu
- 2 days ago
- 8 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.
This post explores 'The Ground Book' of 'Go Rin No Sho' which explains about 'The Way of Warrior' and 'The Four Oaths of a Samurai.'
Overview of the Previous Post:
The Way of the Sword (Kendo) embodies the moral teachings of the samurai, deeply intertwined with Confucian philosophy and Shinto religion. From the Kamakura to the Muromachi periods, Zen Buddhism was promoted among samurai, focusing on the true nature of things and offering personal rewards. In Zen, enlightenment is about realizing the essence of ordinary life, where Nirvana is the direct experience of reality.
Miyamoto Musashi developed Niten Ichi-ryū, a Kenjutsu school characterized by dual-wielding swords, emphasizing pragmatic and lethal combat. His teachings begin with "Ground" and end with "Void," representing understanding as nothingness. Kendo parallels Zen's challenges, guiding students from turmoil to realization, where the sword becomes "no sword" and intention becomes "no intention."
Musashi, a renowned swordsman born in 1584, embarked on a "Warrior Pilgrimage," achieving victory in numerous duels. He was dedicated to mastering Kendo, living a solitary life, and teaching in his later years. His most significant work, "Go Rin No Sho" (The Book of Five Rings), provides insights into strategy, influencing various fields beyond military applications.
Musashi's life was marked by humility, hard work, and a pursuit of knowledge across disciplines. Revered as a "Sword Saint," his legacy endures through his art, writings, and the schools he established, embodying "humility and hard work" in his teachings.
Book 1: THE GROUND BOOK
Strategy is the essence of the warrior. Commanders must master this art, and troopers should be well-versed in this 'Way'. Today, no warrior truly understands the 'Way of Strategy'. There are various paths: the 'Way of Salvation' through Buddha's law, the 'Way of Confucius' guiding learning, the 'Way of Healing' as a doctor, the poet's 'Way of Teaching' Waka, tea, archery, and many other arts and skills. Each person follows the path they are drawn to. It is said that a Warrior's Way is twofold, involving both pen and sword, and he should excel in both. Even without natural talent, one can become a warrior by diligently adhering to both aspects of the Way. Generally, the Way of the warrior is a resolute acceptance of death. While not only warriors, but also priests, women, peasants, and others have been known to die willingly for duty or out of shame, this is different. The warrior stands apart because studying the 'Way of Strategy' focuses on overcoming opponents. Through victory in duels or battles with many, we can achieve power and fame for ourselves or our lord. This is the virtue of strategy.
Explanation of Terms as Provided in 'Go Rin No Sho' -
[Waka - Waka (和歌) is a traditional genre of Japanese poetry, literally meaning "Japanese poem" or "Japanese song". Primarily popular between the 6th and 14th centuries, it is characterized by a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable structure (often called tanka), focusing on themes like seasons, love, and nature.
Tea: In Japanese traditional schools, tea drinking is studied similarly to sword-fencing. Essentially, it is a ritual involving a few individuals in a small room, guided by simple, refined rules.
Archery: During the Nara and Heian periods, the samurai primarily used the bow as their main weapon, which was eventually replaced by the sword. Archery is practiced ceremonially, similar to tea and sword rituals. Hachiman, the God of War, is commonly portrayed as an archer, and the bow is often shown as part of the gods' equipment.
Pen and sword: 'Bunbu Itchi, meaning "Pen and sword in accord," is frequently showcased in brushed calligraphy. During the Tokugawa period, young men were rigorously trained in writing the Chinese classics and mastering swordplay. Indeed, the pen and sword were integral to the life of the Japanese nobility.
Resolute Acceptance of Death as per ' Bushido '
Resolute acceptance of death in Bushido is the core philosophy that a warrior must contemplate mortality daily to live without fear and act with absolute loyalty and honor. It means treating oneself as already dead, thus removing hesitation, fear, and attachment to life, allowing for supreme courage, focus, and unwavering dedication in battle. This concept is powerfully captured in the philosophy detailed in "Ha Gakure" or "Hidden Leaves," a seminal work authored in the seventeenth century by Yamamoto Tsunenori and other distinguished samurai from the Nabeshima Han province, now known as Saga. During the Tokugawa era, the Confucian-influenced system's enforced logic ensured stability among the samurai. However, it also led to the erosion of certain elements of Bushido. As a result, discipline among both samurai and commoners waned. Bushido, meaning "the way of the warrior," is a revered Japanese code of conduct and ethics followed by the samurai class, emphasizing honor, loyalty, courage, and self-discipline. Developed over centuries and codified during the Edo period (1603–1867), it underscores duty to one's lord, mastery of martial arts, and bravery, drawing parallels to European chivalry.
Yamamoto Tsunetomo (1659 – 1721), also known by the Buddhist name Yamamoto Jōchō was not only a military man but also a great philosopher. We decided to talk about this Samurai also because of his importance in the literary field. Yamamoto Tsunenori served as a counsellor to Mitsushige, lord of Nabeshima Han, for many years. Upon his lord's death, he was determined to commit suicide with his family in the traditional manner. However, this form of suicide was strictly forbidden by the new legislation. Despite his deep remorse, Yamamoto withdrew in sadness to the boundary of Nabeshima Han. There, he encountered others in the same situation, and together they composed a lament about what they perceived as the decline of Bushido. Their critique offers a profound insight into the transformation of Japan during Musashi's era: "There is
no way to describe what a warrior should do other than that he should adhere to the Way of the warrior (Bushido). I find that all men are negligent of this. There are few men who can quickly reply to the question 'What is the Way of the Warrior?' This is because they do not know in their hearts. From this, we can see they do not follow the Way of the warrior. By the Way of the warrior is meant death."
The Way of the warrior is death. This means choosing death whenever faced with the choice between life and death. It signifies nothing beyond this. It involves seeing things through with determination. Sayings like "To die with your intention unrealized is to die uselessly," and similar, stem from the weak Kyoto, Osaka Bushido. They waver when deciding whether to stick to their original plan when confronted with life and death. Every man desire to live, and they theorize with survival in mind. "The man who lives on when he has failed in his intention is a coward" is a harsh definition. "Live for nothing or die for something" is a famous quote spoken by John Rambo in the 2008 film Rambo. It highlights a choice between a meaningless existence and sacrificing oneself for a purpose. The line emphasizes the necessity of having a cause worth fighting for.
Life's a vector, and it's up to you to infuse it with value! Seize the opportunity to enrich your life by pursuing meaningful actions and passions, whether it's through living vibrantly or standing for something profound!
Embracing Mortality: The Way of the Warrior and the Four Oaths
Claiming that dying after failing is dying uselessly is a misguided perspective. This is not disgraceful. It is the essence of the 'Way of the Warrior'. By maintaining the right spirit from morning to night, being accustomed to the notion of death, and resolved on it, considering oneself as already dead, one becomes united with the Way of the Warrior, navigating life without failure and fulfilling one's duties properly. "The servant must earnestly consider the business of his employer. Such an individual is an exemplary retainer. In this house, there have been generations of remarkable gentlemen, and we are profoundly impressed by their warm kindness... all our ancestors. This was simply the abandonment of body and soul for the sake of their lord."
Steve Jobs viewed death as "life's best invention," a necessary agent for change that clears out the old to make way for the new. In his 2005 Stanford speech, he emphasized that remembering one's mortality is the best tool for making big life choices, as it strips away external expectations and fear
Moreover, our house excels in wisdom and technical skill, which can be advantageous. "Even an unadaptable man who is completely useless becomes a most trusted retainer if he does nothing more than earnestly think of his lord's welfare. To focus solely on the practical benefits of wisdom and technology is vulgar. "
Some men are prone to sudden inspirations. Some do not quickly have good ideas but arrive at answers through slow consideration. If we delve into the heart of the matter, even though people's natural abilities differ, by adhering to the Four Oaths*, when your thinking transcends concern for personal welfare, wisdom that is independent of thought emerges. Whoever thinks deeply, even while considering the future, often centers their thoughts around personal welfare. Such self-centered thinking leads only to evil actions. It is challenging for most to rise above thoughts of personal welfare. "So, when embarking on something, set your intention on the Four Oaths and leave selfishness behind. Then you cannot fail. "The Four Oaths: Never be late with respect to the Way of the warrior. Be useful to the lord. Be respectful to your parents. Transcend love and grief: exist for the good of humanity."
*The Four Oaths (Shikun) of the Samurai, popularized by Yamamoto Tsunetomo in the Hagakure, serve as a mental framework for warrior duty and self-surrender, urging samurai to put selfish intentions aside. They emphasize unwavering commitment to the Way, service to their lord, filial piety, and compassionate action.
The four oaths are commonly stated as:
Never be late in respect to the Way of the Warrior (Bushido).
Be useful to your Lord (always be ready to serve the master).
Honor your parents (filial piety).
Serve compassionately for the benefit of others (often interpreted as exercising compassion to help the masses).
Core Principles Behind the Oaths:
Ready to Die: According to the Hagakure, a samurai must be prepared to choose death over dishonor.
Efficiency: Act without wasting time or resources (do nothing of no use).
Constant Improvement: Always act as the best version of oneself.
In the following section, we explore 'The Way of Strategy' from 'The Ground Book', which provides an in-depth explanation of how Chinese and Japanese warriors mastered warfare strategy.
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