Dokkōdō: Following the Way of the Samurai, Musashi's 21 Precepts (Video Recommendation)
As part of our focus on mixed-media content, I'd like to bring a fascinating YouTube video about determination, self-discipline, and finding inner peace through following Musashi's 21 Precepts.
To provide some context: Miyamoto Musashi is considered to be one of the greatest Japanese "warrior-poet" samurai from the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603-1867). He won his first swordfight at the age of 13 and claims say that he's won more than 60 individual swordfights to the death. Following the Tokugawa shogunate taking control of Japan in 1600, he became a ronin, a travelling samurai with no master. During this time, he sought to create perfect sword technique and developed a style of two sword fencing called nitō ichi-ryū.
Now why does all this matter?
In addition to his swordmanship, Musashi was a skilled artist in several mediums, one in particular being writing. On his deathbed, Musashi created his last work. Comprised of 21 precepts, the Dokkōdō is a list of mantras that one should follow in the pursuit of an honest, confident way of life.
The 21 precepts are as follows:
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 or 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 honour.
21. Never stray from the way.
In this video essay, the author; Scott Hebert takes us through his 21 day journey of following the precepts, each day taking on a different challenge on himself whether that be through meditation, hard work, or physical training. With his narration he tells us his thoughts and feelings at the times, tracking his progress as he goes and it's a really insightful video about self-improvement/finding happiness in oneself. I highly recommend a watch and I'll be creating my own version of this video essay for my senior Capstone project.
Stay tuned!
- Yen
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