Dokkōdō

Miyamoto Musashi is a legendary swordsman, undefeated in 63 one-one-one duels. He killed his first man when he was 13. He fought in numerous wars, then transitioned into being a wandering swordsman, pursuing mastery over his chosen path. Later in his life he put down the sword, and pursued mastery in calligraphy, painting, philosophy, metallurgy, and more.

Miyamoto Musashi is the legend of many paths.

Musashi was a Ronin. His master, Hirata Takehiko died in 1609. His masters death lead him to becoming a wandering ronin. A Ronin is a samurai without a master.

Many believe a Ronin is an honorable figure. However, a Samurai’s purpose was to serve their lord, called a “Daimyo”. So a Samurai without a lord was seen as disgraceful, or an act of failure. Many Samurai would follow their lords into the afterlife, taking their own life to continue service in the spirit world. If they chose not to follow their masters into the afterlife, many would become hermits, retiring from their samurai duty.

People in 17th century Japan viewed Ronin as untrustworthy sell-swords without honor. This stigma made it difficult to advance as a samurai; there was no structure to advance for Ronin. However, some Ronin were renown for their proficiency in battle and desirable as bodyguards, soldiers, and other careers in warfare.

Musashi specialized in fighting with two swords at the same time. It’s a style he created, called Niten Ichi-ryu (二天一流) which translates into “Two Heavens as One” or “two swords as one”. He believed the left hand should be as good as the right hand–balance.

He created a school to teach his method, as well as draw competitors to come to his school and challenge him, which Musashi never lost.

Musashi wrote his philosophy of life and battle, the required reading, The Book of Five Rings. The Book of Five Rings is just as applicable today, as it was written almost 400 years ago.

He also wrote The Dokkōdō , or “the path of aloneness”, 21 precepts for life, a few days before his death. These are his precepts for living a fulfilling life.