Unveiling The Wisdom of 'Gorin No Sho' by Miyamoto Musashi | #thebookofrings #summary #zen #samurai
- YaDu
- 3 minutes ago
- 5 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. The wisdom is divided into five symbolic “rings,” each tied to Buddhist elements - The Book of Earth, The Book of Water, The Book of Fire, The Book of Wind & The Book of the Void.
Translator's Introduction:
JAPAN DURING MUSASHI'S LIFETIME
Miyamoto Musashi was born in 1584 during a time when Japan was emerging from centuries of internal conflict. The traditional power of the emperors had been diminished since the twelfth century, leading to continuous civil wars among provincial lords, warrior monks, and brigands. By the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the daimyo in feudal Japan, who were prominent lords serving as vassals to the shogun—a hereditary commander-in-chief—had built large stone castles, which hindered the growth of trade.
[Note: a hereditary commander-in-chief in feudal Japan. Because of the military power concentrated in his hands and the consequent weakness of the nominal head of state (the mikado or emperor), the shogun was generally the real ruler of the country until feudalism was abolished in 1867.]
Oda Nobunaga, a formidable Japanese daimyo, ascended to the position of Shogun in 1573, achieving significant unification of Japan. Despite his assassination in 1582, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a determined Japanese samurai, carried on Nobunaga's legacy. He reinforced social hierarchies through decisive actions such as the "sword-hunt," which limited the wearing of swords exclusively to the samurai class.
[Note: Oda Nobunaga was a Japanese daimyō and one of the leading figures of the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods. He was the Tenka-bito and regarded as the first "Great Unifier" of Japan. He is sometimes referred as the "Demon Daimyō" and "Demon King of the Sixth Heaven".
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, otherwise known as Kinoshita Tōkichirō and Hashiba Hideyoshi, was a Japanese samurai and daimyō of the late Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods and regarded as the second "Great Unifier" of Japan.]
Despite his efforts, internal unrest persisted until the Tokugawa era began in 1603 with Tokugawa Leyasu's rule, marking a stable period that lasted until 1868. Leyasu curtailed the emperor's role, controlled the lords, and established a rigid class system with samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants, where samurai were esteemed but not necessarily wealthy. Musashi, a samurai, lived during this era of peace, becoming a "ronin" or masterless samurai. The samurai class, originating from the Kondei system in 792 A.D, maintained their martial traditions through Kendo, the Way of the sword. While many samurai adapted to peaceful roles, Musashi and others pursued enlightenment through martial arts. The Tokugawa government supported Kendo schools, such as the Itto and Yagyu schools, which became integral to the samurai culture and even the Tokugawa bureaucracy.
To truly grasp a philosopher's philosophy, it's crucial to first understand the circumstances that shaped them.
Note: A ronin was a masterless samurai in feudal Japan, a "wave man" or "drifter" who lost their lord due to death, disgrace, or other circumstances, wandering the country to offer their sword for hire, sometimes living in poverty or turning to crime, but also embodying figures of honor. The term also refers to modern students failing university entrance exams or unemployed salarymen, embodying the original sense of being unattached or adrift.
KENDO- The Way of The Sword:
In Musashi's era, Japanese fencing halls, or Dojo, evolved from their traditional ties to shrines and temples, proliferating in castle towns with each daimyo sponsoring a Kendo school for training retainers and educating sons. Ronin sought fame by defeating Dojo students and masters in combat, hoping to attract employment. Samurai carried two swords, a longer one for outdoors and a shorter one at all times, with training often using wooden or bamboo swords. Duels, sometimes fatal, occurred in various settings, but with the later introduction of the shinai and padded armor, injuries became less common. Samurai trained with diverse weapons, and many traditional schools still exist today.
Note: A pair of swords—"Long Sword" and "Companion Sword". "The sword is the soul of the samurai." The ancient Japanese sword is the perfect weapon. Sharp and strong, it
can cut through armor. Its excellence as a weapon is reflected in the beautiful, fearsome
patterns on a skillfully polished blade. Swords have remained in pristine condition for a thousand years, safeguarded by generations of proud warriors, swords of such quality that cannot be replicated or found in the armories of any other nation.
Training in Kendo demands the subjugation of the self, enduring intense practice, and maintaining a calm mind amidst danger. The Way of the sword encompasses not only fencing but also adhering to the samurai's code of honour. For the samurai, warfare was integral to daily life, allowing them to face death as a routine. The essence of life and death through the sword was reflected in the daily conduct of feudal Japan. Mastery of the sword was achieved by those who accepted death resolutely in everyday life. This understanding drives individuals to pursue ancient sword-fencing traditions, dedicating their lives to Kendo practice even today.
The samurai confidently embraces death, both his own and that of others.
Note: 2. Tosei Gusoku style. This red-lacquered armor features an inscription from the Nichiren Buddhist sect on the breastplate: "Namu Mioho Renge Kiyo". The armor was assembled around 1800 but reflects the style of the sixteenth century.
In the upcoming episode, we explore KENDO AND ZEN, where Kendo (the "way of the sword") and Zen Buddhism are closely connected, emphasizing the use of martial arts to develop the mind, discipline the spirit, and pursue self-improvement.
So please stay tuned! Tell us what you feel about this.
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Thank you so much!
Yadu,
On behalf of Get Inspired Spiritually.
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