Upgrade Your Life with the 21 Rules of Dokkodo by Miyomoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi lived from 1584 – 13 June 1645 was a Japanese swordsman, philosopher, strategist, writer and rōnin, who became renowned through stories of his unique double-bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 61 duels (apparently next recorded best is 33!)

In his final years authored The Book of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho) and Dokkōdō (The Path of Aloneness).

WHY AM I STUDYING DOKKODO? 

At the time of writing this article, I am 41 years old, single (divorced with 2 kids). 

I recently decided to change my career by finishing up my role as Lawyer in order to pursue a more meaningful vocation as a full time online creator and movement teacher.

My current goals are to grow my current online business, travel, continue expanding my movement practice and to spend as much time with my Children as possible. 

I’d like to eliminate or at the very least minimize any distractions that could prevent me from achieving these goals in the most efficient time possible.

Any sort of proven Code or set of guiding principles for living that will help me achieve my goals is worth considering.

As Bruce Lee famously said, “Take what’s useful, discard the rest” – or something like that.

WHO WAS MUSASHSI? 

Musashi had his first dual at 13, left home and then spent the rest of his life wandering feudal Japan, dueling and dedicating himself to swordsmanship and later, painting and writing. 

He was a devoted warrior who answered to no one and while his extraordinary abilities are now legendary in Japanese folklore, we must also remember that by modern psychological standards, he shares characteristics with a complete psychopath. 

By all accounts he never married or had children, never stayed in one place for very long and most of his relationships were with disciples who were required to obey him.

But, as he also famously said, it’s better to be a Warrior in a Garden than a Gardener in a War. 

So, let’s dive into the 21 principles. 

The 21 Precepts

1. Accept everything just the way it is.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor.
21. Never stray from the way.

These 21 principles serve as a guide for how to live a meaningful and purposeful life, and they are as relevant today as they were in Musashi's time.

They encourage individuals to live with detachment, humility, and a focus on what is truly important in life. By following these principles, one can achieve inner peace and live a life of purpose and meaning.

Dokkodo offers valuable insight into the way of the warrior and the path to inner peace.

By embracing these 21 principles, individuals can cultivate a sense of self-awareness and live a life free from regrets and desires.

Whether you are a martial artist, a philosopher, or simply someone seeking to live a more meaningful life, the 21 Precepts of Dokkodo are a guide that is worth exploring.