Upgrade Your Life with 21 Rules of Dokkodo
21 Principles of The “Dokkōdō” (The Way of Walking Alone”) by Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi (1584 – 1645) was arguably the greatest legendary figure whose methods of thought and strategy have been studied and adopted across a wide spectrum of society, from martial artists to military leaders to captains of industry. The iconic sword saint of Japan was clearly a genius, yet he was also a functional psychopath—ruthless, fearless, hyper-focused, and utterly without conscience.
Shortly before he died, Musashi wrote down his final thoughts about life for his favorite student Terao Magonojo to whom Go Rin No Sho, his famous Book of Five Rings, had also been dedicated. He called this treatise Dokkodo, which translates as “The Way of Walking Alone.”
It was written for the occasion where Musashi was giving away his possessions in preparation for death.
It was given to Terao Magonojo, his most skilled disciple in Niten-Ichi-Ryu. After the Gorin-No-Sho, Dokkodo is the summary of Musashi’s life, his will and his philosophy.
21 Principles of The “Dokkōdō”
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.
If you are distressed by anything external the pain is not due to the things itself but your estimate of it.
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 or others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
The willingness to sacrifice, the ability to delay gratification is the key to achieving your dreams.
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.
When you remove unnecessary things from your life, when you simplify, you will find new and profound levels of freedom. This brings liberty that is deep and personal.When you remove unnecessary things from your life, when you simplify, you will find new and profound levels of freedom. This brings liberty that is deep and personal.
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 honour.
21. Never stray from the Way
Musashi’s original 21 precepts of the Dokkodo along with five different interpretations of each passage written from the viewpoints of a monk, a warrior, a teacher, an insurance executive, and a businessman. Each contributor has taken a divergent path from the others, yet shares the commonality of being a lifelong martial practitioner and published author.
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