★★★☆☆.5
The Book of Five Rings (translated by William Scott Wilson) is a manifesto written by the undefeated Samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Born in either the Harima Province of Japan or the small village Miyamoto in Mimasaka in 1584, Musashi won his first fight against the swordsman Arima Kihei at just 13 years old. Other than the small amount of information he writes about himself, (literally half a page in his book), everything else we know of this incredibly successful samurai has been pieced together from bits of sources here and there. At the age of 62, in 1645 Musashi died as an undefeated warrior, and not long before his death, he wrote down his Ways.
The Book of Five Rings, detailing Musashi’s beliefs and practices of his Way of Truth. The book is really easy to read, and accompanied by an insightful introduction and a great bibliography at the end. Coming into this with no prior information about Japanese samurai culture didn’t feel like a disadvantage after reading the introduction, and the accessible way in which it has been written. It can be understood as Musashi’s guide book on how to be a successful samurai, and hints many times at the things he thinks you should research more thoroughly, or practice consistently.
The book is split up into five sections ‘The Earth Chapter’ ‘The Water Chapter’ ‘The Fire Chapter’ ‘The Wind Chapter’ and ‘The Emptiness Chapter,’ and each deals with a separate facet of Musashi’s practice and beliefs, known as his ‘Way’. Chapter one is the Earth Chapter and is an introduction into Musashi’s Way, and give an overview of what he is going to cover in the next four chapters. Chapter two is the Water Chapter, which uses water as a model for the mind, and focusses on the swordsmanship of his Way. Musashi detail practical knowledge and tips to holding and handling swods, specifically in his preferred style of the ‘Two-Sword Style. Of course, he takes the time to tell you why his style is the correct one, and why any other style is inferior. Musashi runs through a number of different scenarios and the ways in which you can defeat your opponent. He also stresses the importance of the mind and the body; specifically, the eyes, hands, feet, head, neck, and posture when learning the Ways. The use of a sword is a full-body experience.
"You should consider these principles as though they were discovered from your own mind, and continually make great efforts to make them a physical part of yourself."
Miyamoto Musashi
The Fire Chapter is chapter three, and in this section, he uses fire as an analogy for battle since, like fire, battles can be small or large. This section focusses on the use of your mind in every situation to your advantage. This is also the section in which he explains ways you can use your physical surroundings to your advantage. Where the best place to stand is in regards to the light source, and the strategies to keep in mind when fighting. This is also the section that focusses more on issues that may arise during battles, and different tactics to gain the upper hand, like using fear to your advantage, and working with the rhythm of your opponent. The Wind Chapter is pretty much all about why the other ways of martial arts are wrong, and why his is superior. And finally, The Emptiness Chapter (which is the shortest chapter) was written: "so that you might naturally enter the Way of Truth.”
“Fear resides in all things, and the great of fear is in the unexpected”
Miyamoto Musashi
This book was a VERY interesting read. As I was getting into the rhythm of the writing style and the content of the manifesto, I started to make comparisons to how you can use his rules and tips in your everyday life. One of the sections that resonated with me was ‘Renewel’ in which Musashi writes ‘when you and your opponent are fighting and nothing is going right, nor is there progress, be of mind to throw off your former intention and start entirely anew.’ When I read this I thought of the times that I got in the way of myself, and how switching up a routine or starting something anew after being stuck in a lull gave me a fresh perspective and renewed energy or enthusiasm for a project or task. If you are going to read this, keep an open mind and try and see how you might be able to use some of Musashi’s tips in your own life.
This was a bit of a different read for me, but still really enjoyable! Let me know if you’ve read this, or something similar, or if you have knowledge of the history of samurai’s in Japan! I would love to learn more about this history!