The way to lead a life

Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵) was a Japanese swordsman, philosopher, strategist, writer, artist and well-learned Buddhist. He was a rōnin (浪人), which means a samurai without a master.

The Japanese word rōnin describes a samurai without a master, who wanders alone. The status of a ronin varied across different time-periods. In a general sense, being a ronin implied failure. More specifically, a ronin had renounced the act of seppuku, which is a form of Japanese ritual suicide that was applied to restore honor after defeat. Those who refused seppuku became outcasts that endured a reputation of disgrace.

The picture is a self-portrait by himself. Dokkōdō (独行道) is a short work written by Musashi a week before he died in 1645. Dokkōdō consists of 21 principles. These are timeless rules and key to live a worthy life.

Accept everything just the way it is.

Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.

Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

Be detached from desire your whole life long.

Do not regret what you have done.

Never be jealous.

Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.

Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others.

Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.

In all things, have no preferences.

Be indifferent to where you live.

Do not pursue the taste of expensive food.

Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.

Do not act following customary beliefs.

Do not collect weapons/tools or practice with weapons/tools beyond what is useful.

Do not fear death.

Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.

Respect Nature without counting on its help.

You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor.

Never stray from the way.