Lots of stuff on the internet about this book The Book of Five Rings – Miyamoto Musashi. You might not have to buy it, but its under $10..

Here are some examples of websites ..



http://www.martialdevelopment.com/blog/musashi-on-personal-development/

Few of us can match Miyamoto Musashi’s single-minded devotion to the pursuit of excellence in martial arts.

In fighting over sixty duels, many to the death, Musashi demonstrated great courage. And in winning every one, he showed superior skill and technique. Musashi attributed his outstanding swordsmanship to unrelenting practice of self-reliance and self-discipline.

In his final years, Musashi retired to a cave for a life of quiet contemplation. It was during this time that he composed his famous guide on strategy, The Book of Five Rings.

In his very last days, this Kensei (Saint of Swords) further distilled his insights on self-discipline and personal development into 21 points. Musashi bequeathed this lesser-known work, Dokkodo, to his senior student before passing away.

Dokkodo (The Way to be Followed Alone)

Miyamoto Musashi holding two swords

1. Do not stubbornly rebel against the ways of the world.

2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

3. Do not rely upon any half-hearted feelings.

4. Think lightly of yourself and think deeply of the world.

5. Remain detached from desire.

6. Do not regret what you have done.

7. Never be jealous of others.

8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.

9. Abandon resentment and complaint.

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

11. Disregard your personal preferences.

12. Accept your dwelling and living conditions.

13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.

14. Do not hoard ancient treasures intended for future generations.

15. Do not mindlessly follow the ways of the world.

16. Do not become obsessed with weapons or fighting.

17. Do not run from death.

18. Do not accumulate goods and riches for your old age.

19. Respect the gods, without relying on their help.

20. You can abandon your own body, but never let go of your honor.

21. Never depart from the way of strategy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dokk%C5%8Dd%C5%8D

The Dokkodo (独行道 Dokkōdō; “The Path of Aloneness” or “The Way to be Followed Alone” or “The Way of Walking Alone”) was a work written by Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵) a week before he died in 1645. It is a short work, consisting of either nineteen or twenty-one precepts; precepts 4 and 20 are omitted from the former version. It was largely composed on the occasion of Musashi giving away his possessions in preparation for death, and was dedicated to his favorite disciple, Terao Magonojo (to whom the earlier Go rin no sho had also been dedicated), who took them to heart. It expresses a stringent, honest, and ascetic view of life.

The 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.[1]

20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.

21. Never stray from the Way.