Miyamoto Musashi's The Book Of Five Rings
There have been many translations of the classic book by Miyamoto Mushashi, "The Book Of Five Rings". Personally, I enjoy the translation or rendition of Thomas Clearly. To get a better understanding and appreciation of this book, you would have to know the original author- Miyamoto Mushashi and the context on how and why he wrote this book.
Miyamoto Mushashi was a samurai swordsman. He fought many battles and won every single one. Swordsman from various parts of Japan challenged him to duel. Miyamoto Mushashi never lost. There has to be a victor and a loser (the one who is killed) in these sword duels. He was not wealthy by any means. He looked like a vagabond. His legend grew as his numerous eccentricities emerged.
The good point about the translation and rendition of Thomas Clearly is that he gives a background spiritual background of the warrior tradition in Japan during this time period. A Ronin was a samurai with no master. Miyamoto Mushashi was more like a Ronin than a traditional samurai.
The book, "The Book of Five Rings", is an insightful and pertinent perspective on the art of any confrontation and struggle. There are many subtle components with this art which the book points out in detail. As you read the book, you can apply it to any interaction or struggle whether it is in business, politics, martial arts, or any other relationships. The book is often used and quoted in business interactions especially when dealing with confrontations. It analyzes this interaction and struggle just like a samurai sword fight. The principles are timeless. When we master these principles, it is about self-mastery and not mastering your opponent who you have no control over.
One note of caution with this book. It should be read slowly and digested thoroughly. You do not want to rush over the text because its principles are subtle and needs to be absorbed. That is the beauty of this book. Even though it was written back in 1643, it still can be applied to our present times even more. There are more confrontations and interactions now since we are more inter-dependent with other people. This inter-dependence occurs because there are more people and more means to interact with anyone in the world (e.g. internet, phone, video, etc.).
You have to consider yourself a master swordsman in every interaction. Most of the battles are won before you even draw your sword. This is what the "The Book of Five Rings" is about.
About the Author
There have been many translations of the classic book The Book Of Five Rings. Personally, I enjoy the translation or rendition of Thomas Clearly. To get a better understanding and appreciation of this book, you would have to know the original author- Miyamoto Mushashi and the context on how and why he wrote this book.
Miyamoto Mushashi was a samurai swordsman. He fought many battles and won every single one. Swordsman from various parts of Japan challenged him to duel. Miyamoto Mushashi never lost. There has to be a victor and a loser (the one who is killed) in these sword duels. He was not wealthy by any means. He looked like a vagabond. His legend grew as his numerous eccentricities emerged.
The good point about the translation and rendition of Thomas Clearly is that he gives a background spiritual background of the warrior tradition in Japan during this time period. A Ronin was a samurai with no master. Miyamoto Mushashi was more like a Ronin than a traditional samurai.
The book, "The Book of Five Rings", is an insightful and pertinent perspective on the art of any confrontation and struggle. There are many subtle components with this art which the book points out in detail. As you read the book, you can apply it to any interaction or struggle whether it is in business, politics, martial arts, or any other relationships. The book is often used and quoted in business interactions especially when dealing with confrontations. It analyzes this interaction and struggle just like a samurai sword fight. The principles are timeless. When we master these principles, it is about self-mastery and not mastering your opponent who you have no control over.
One note of caution with this book. It should be read slowly and digested thoroughly. You do not want to rush over the text because its principles are subtle and needs to be absorbed. That is the beauty of this book. Even though it was written back in 1643, it still can be applied to our present times even more. There are more confrontations and interactions now since we are more inter-dependent with other people. This inter-dependence occurs because there are more people and more means to interact with anyone in the world (e.g. internet, phone, video, etc.).
You have to consider yourself a master swordsman in every interaction. Most of the battles are won before you even draw your sword. This is what the The Book Of Five Ringsis about.
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