TLDR;
"The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi is a guide to strategy, combat, and life philosophy. It emphasizes adaptability, understanding the ways of different professions, and mastering the art of war through diligent training and spiritual discipline. The book is divided into five sections—Ground, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void—each exploring different aspects of strategy and combat.
- Strategy is not just about sword fighting but a way of life applicable to various professions.
- Adaptability and understanding the enemy are crucial for victory.
- Diligent training and spiritual discipline are essential for mastering strategy.
- The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of "void," a state of enlightenment and naturalness.
Introduction [0:11]
Miyamoto Musashi introduces himself as a warrior from Harima province, now 60 years old, writing to Teruo Maganojo. He recounts his early duels, starting at age 13, and his extensive experience in strategy, having won over 60 encounters by the age of 29. Reflecting on these victories, he realized they weren't solely due to his mastery of strategy but perhaps natural ability or the inferiority of his opponents. Musashi then dedicated himself to deeper study, finally understanding the way of strategy at age 50, and now aims to explain the true spirit of his school in writing, guided by heaven and Kannon.
The Ground Book [2:47]
The Ground Book establishes the foundations of strategy as the craft of the warrior. It contrasts the warrior's path with other ways of life, such as those of gentlemen, farmers, artisans, and merchants, emphasizing the warrior's resolute acceptance of death and the importance of overcoming men through victory. Musashi critiques contemporary strategists who focus merely on sword fencing, advocating for a broader understanding of strategy that encompasses various arts and skills. He draws a comparison between the way of the carpenter and strategy, highlighting the importance of planning, skill, and understanding the abilities of one's men, similar to how a commander leads warriors.
Outline of the Five Books [11:22]
Musashi outlines the structure of "The Book of Five Rings," dividing it into five books: Ground, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void, each addressing different aspects of strategy. The Ground Book explains the body of strategy from the viewpoint of his Ichi school. The Water Book uses water as a metaphor for the spirit, emphasizing clarity and adaptability. The Fire Book discusses fighting, highlighting the importance of quick decisions and treating training as a part of normal life. The Wind Book examines other schools of strategy, focusing on their traditions and strategies. Finally, the Book of the Void explores the concept of nothingness, emphasizing the way of nature and the importance of following the true way.
The Name Ichirou [15:51]
Musashi explains the significance of carrying two swords, the long sword and the companion sword, as part of the warrior's way. He advocates for training with both swords in either hand from the start, emphasizing the importance of making full use of weaponry. He argues against holding a sword with both hands, as it restricts movement, especially on horseback or uneven terrain. Musashi asserts that the way of his Ichi school is the spirit of winning, regardless of the weapon's size, and that mastering strategy allows one to see everything.
The Benefit of the Two Characters Reading Strategy [19:10]
Musashi discusses the essence of strategy through the longsword, asserting that mastering it allows one to govern the world and oneself. He emphasizes that in his strategy, one man is equivalent to ten thousand, making it the complete warrior's craft. While the way of the warrior doesn't include other ways like Confucianism or Buddhism, knowing the way broadly allows one to see it in everything.
The Benefit of Weapons in Strategy [20:51]
Musashi details the appropriate use of various weapons, noting that the companion sword is best in confined spaces, while the longsword is effective in all situations. He considers the halberd inferior to the spear on the battlefield, as the spear allows for initiative. Musashi also discusses the tactical strengths and weaknesses of the bow and gun, emphasizing the importance of endurance and sturdiness in weapons. He advises against having a favorite weapon, advocating for using weapons one can handle properly and avoiding likes and dislikes.
Timing in Strategy [23:26]
Musashi emphasizes the importance of timing in all aspects of life, including strategy, dancing, music, and the military arts. He notes that timing in strategy requires extensive practice and involves understanding applicable and inapplicable timings, as well as discerning relevant timings from large and small things. Winning battles relies on the timing in the void, born of cunning and exploiting the enemy's timing. He concludes by stating that the five books are chiefly concerned with timing and that consistent practice will broaden one's spirit.
The Water Book [27:45]
Musashi introduces the Water Book, explaining that the spirit of the Niten Ichi school of strategy is based on water. He advises studying the book diligently, pondering each word to avoid mistaking the way. The principles of strategy are written in terms of single combat, but should be broadly applied to understand battles with ten thousand aside. He warns that merely reading the book is insufficient; one must absorb the principles and realize them from within one's own heart.
Spiritual Bearing in Strategy [28:58]
Musashi describes the importance of maintaining a consistent spiritual bearing in both fighting and everyday life. One should be determined yet calm, meeting situations without tenseness but not recklessly, with a spirit that is settled yet unbiased. He cautions against being influenced by the body or spirit, and against being either insufficiently spirited or over-spirited. Small people must understand the spirit of large people, and vice versa, and one must cultivate wisdom and spirit, distinguishing between good and evil.
Stance in Strategy [30:32]
Musashi details the proper stance in strategy, emphasizing an erect head, relaxed forehead, and slightly narrowed eyes. The line of the nose should be straight, with a feeling of slightly flaring nostrils, and the rear of the neck should be straight. He advises lowering both shoulders, bracing the abdomen, and putting strength into the legs. The combat stance should be maintained in everyday life, and one must research this well.
The Gaze in Strategy [31:48]
Musashi explains that the gaze should be large and broad, encompassing both perception and sight, with perception being stronger. It is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distance view of close things. In strategy, one must know the enemy's sword and not be distracted by insignificant movements. This gaze is the same for single combat and large-scale combat, and one must be able to look to both sides without moving the eyeballs.
Holding the Long Sword [32:46]
Musashi describes the proper grip for the long sword, with a floating feeling in the thumb and forefinger, a middle finger that is neither tight nor slack, and the last two fingers tight. There should be no play in the hands, and one must feel intent on cutting the enemy. The grip should not change when dashing the enemy's sword aside or warding it off, and fixedness in both long swords and hands is discouraged.
Footwork [33:53]
Musashi advises treading firmly with the heels, with the tips of the toes somewhat floating, and moving the feet as in normal walking, whether fast or slow, with large or small steps. He dislikes jumping foot, floating foot, and fixed steps, and emphasizes the importance of yin-yang foot, which involves moving the feet left-right and right-left when cutting or warding off a card.
The Five Attitudes [34:35]
Musashi identifies five attitudes: upper, middle, lower, right side, and left side, all with the purpose of cutting the enemy. One should not be conscious of making the attitudes but only of cutting, and the attitude should be large or small according to the situation. The middle attitude is the heart of the attitudes, and in strategy, it is the seat of the commander, with the other four attitudes following.
The Way of the Long Sword [35:50]
Musashi explains that knowing the way of the longsword means wielding it easily, even with just two fingers. Wielding the longsword quickly is a mistake; it should be wielded calmly. When cutting downwards, lift the sword straight upwards, and when cutting sideways, return the sword along a sideways path, always stretching the elbows broadly.
The Five Approaches [36:58]
Musashi details five approaches to combat, starting with the middle attitude, where the sword point confronts the enemy's face. The other approaches involve different stances and techniques to counter the enemy's attacks. Mastering these approaches requires repeated training with a long sword, allowing one to control any attack the enemy makes.
The Attitude No Attitude Teaching [40:22]
Musashi explains that attitude no attitude means there is no need for fixed long sword attitudes, but attitudes exist as the five ways of holding the long sword. The sword must be held in a way that makes it easy to cut the enemy well, according to the situation and place. The primary thing is the intention to cut the enemy, whatever the means, and one must thoroughly research this.
To Hit the Enemy in One Timing [42:15]
Musashi describes various timings for striking the enemy. "In one timing" means hitting the enemy as quickly and directly as possible, without moving the body or settling the spirit, while the enemy is still undecided. The "abdomen timing of two" involves feinting a cut when the enemy retreats, then following up and hitting him as he relaxes. The "no design no conception" cut involves hitting with the body, spirit, and hands from the void, accelerating strongly.
The Flowing Water Cut [43:44]
Musashi describes the flowing water cut, used when struggling blade to blade with the enemy. When the enemy breaks and quickly withdraws, trying to spring with his long sword, expand your body and spirit and cut him as slowly as possible with your longsword, following your body like stagnant water.
Continuous Cuts [44:14]
Musashi explains that continuous cuts involve attacking and, when the enemy also attacks and your swords spring together, cutting his head, hands, and legs in one action. This requires detailed practice to understand.
The Fire and Stones Cut [44:39]
Musashi describes the fire and stones cut, where, when the enemy's long sword and your long sword clash together, you cut as strongly as possible without raising the sword even a little. This means cutting quickly with the hands, body, and legs, all three cutting strongly.
The Red Leaves Cut [45:05]
Musashi explains that the red leaves cut involves knocking down the enemy's sword, with the spirit of getting control of his sword. You should strongly hit the enemy's sword with the fire and stones cut, and if you then beat down the point of his sword with a sticky feeling, he will necessarily drop the sword.
The Body in Place of the Longsword [45:45]
Musashi explains that, while usually we move the body and sword at the same time to cut the enemy, according to the enemy's cutting method, you can dash against him with your body first and afterwards cut with the sword. Generally, you hit first with the body and then cut with the longsword.
Cut and Slash [46:19]
Musashi distinguishes between cutting and slashing, stating that cutting is decisive with a resolute spirit, while slashing is merely touching the enemy. Even if you slash strongly and the enemy dies instantly, it is still slashing. When you cut, your spirit is resolved.
Chinese Monkey's Body [47:02]
Musashi describes the Chinese monkey's body as the spirit of not stretching out your arms. The spirit is to get in quickly without extending your arms before the enemy cuts. If you are intent upon not stretching out your arms, you are effectively far away.
Glue and Lacquer Emulsion Body [47:35]
Musashi explains that the spirit of glue and lacquer emulsion body is to stick to the enemy and not separate from him. When you approach the enemy, stick firmly with your head, body, and legs, so that there is not the slightest gap between the enemy's body and your body.
To Strive for Heights [48:07]
Musashi explains that to strive for height means, when you close with the enemy, to strive with him for superior height without cringing. Stretch your legs, stretch your hips, and stretch your neck face to face with him. When you think you have won and you are the higher, thrust in strongly.
To Apply Stickiness [48:32]
Musashi explains that, when the enemy attacks and you also attack with the longsword, you go in with a sticky feeling and fix your long sword against the enemy's as you receive his cut. The spirit of stickiness is not hitting very strongly but hitting so that the long swords do not separate easily.
The Body Strike [49:12]
Musashi describes the body strike as approaching the enemy through a gap in his guard. The spirit is to strike him with your body, turning your face a little aside and striking the enemy's breast with your left shoulder thrust out. Approach with a spirit of bouncing the enemy away, striking as strongly as possible in time with your breathing.
Three Ways to Parry His Attack [49:49]
Musashi outlines three methods to parry a cut: dashing the enemy's longsword to your right as if thrusting at his eyes, thrusting the enemy's longsword towards his right eye with a feeling of snipping his neck, or, with a short long sword, closing with him quickly and thrusting at his face with your left hand.
To Stab at the Face [50:34]
Musashi explains that to stab at the face means, when you are in confrontation with the enemy, that your spirit is intent on stabbing at his face, following the line of the blades with the point of your longsword. If you are intent on stabbing at his face, his face and body will become rideable.
To Stab at the Heart [51:18]
Musashi explains that to stab at the heart means, when fighting and there are obstructions above or to the sides and whenever it is difficult to cut, to thrust at the enemy. You must stab at the enemy's breast without letting the point of your long sword waver, showing the enemy the ridge of the blade square on and with the spirit of deflecting his longsword.
To Scold Tat [51:57]
Musashi explains that "scold" means that, when the enemy tries to countercut as you attack, you countercut again from below as if thrusting at him, trying to hold him down. The way to scold tart tart is to time the cuts simultaneously with raising your longsword as if to thrust the enemy.
The Smacking Parry [52:39]
Musashi describes the smacking parry as meeting the enemy's attacking cut on your longsword with a tidam tidam rhythm, smacking his sword and cutting him. The spirit of the smacking parry is not parrying or smacking strongly but smacking the enemy's sword in accordance with his attacking cart, primarily intent on quickly cutting him.
There Are Many Enemies [53:21]
Musashi explains that "there are many enemies" applies when you are fighting one against many. Draw both sword and companion sword and assume a wide stretched left and right attitude. The spirit is to chase the enemies around from side to side, even though they come from all four directions.
The Advantage When Coming to Blows [54:22]
Musashi states that you can know how to win through strategy with the longsword, but it cannot be clearly explained in writing. You must practice diligently in order to understand how to win.
Oral Tradition [54:38]
Musashi states that the true way of strategy is revealed in the long sword.
One Cut [54:46]
Musashi states that you can win with certainty with the spirit of one cut. It is difficult to attain this if you do not learn strategy well.
Direct Communication [55:07]
Musashi explains that the spirit of direct communication is how the true way of the Nito Ichi school is received and handed down. The recorded book is an outline of Ichi school sword fighting. To learn how to win with the long sword in strategy, first learn the five approaches and the five attitudes, and absorb the way of the long sword naturally in your body.
The Fire Book [57:12]
Musashi introduces the Fire Book, describing fighting as fire. He criticizes those who think narrowly about the benefit of strategy, using only their fingertips and specializing in dexterity. In his strategy, the training for killing enemies is done by way of many contests, fighting for survival, discovering the meaning of life and death, learning the way of the sword, judging the strength of attacks, and understanding the way of the edge and ridge of the sword.
Depending on the Place [59:20]
Musashi advises examining your environment, standing in the sun (with the sun behind you), and, if that's not possible, keeping the sun on your right side. In buildings, stand with the entrance behind you or to your right. Ensure your rear is unobstructed and there is free space on your left. Always look down on the enemy and take up your attitude on slightly higher places.
The Three Methods to Forestall the Enemy [1:01:02]
Musashi outlines three methods to forestall the enemy: attacking first (ken no sen), forestalling as he attacks (tai no sen), and attacking together (tai tai no sen). Because you can win quickly by taking the lead, it is one of the most important things in strategy.
To Hold Down a Pillow [1:04:15]
Musashi explains that "to hold down a pillow" means not allowing the enemy's head to rise. In contests of strategy, it is bad to be led about by the enemy; you must always be able to lead the enemy about. In strategy, you must stop the enemy as he attempts to cut, push down his thrust, and throw off his hold when he tries to grapple.
Crossing at a Forward [1:05:44]
Musashi explains that "crossing at a forward" means, for example, crossing the sea at a strait or crossing over a hundred miles of broad sea at a crossing place. It means setting sail even though your friends stay in harbor, knowing the routes, the soundness of your ship, and the favor of the day. In strategy, it is important to cross at a fort, discern the enemy's capability, and, knowing your own strong points, cross the forward at the advantageous place.
To Know the Times [1:07:18]
Musashi explains that "to know the times" means to know the enemy's disposition in battle—is it flourishing or waning? By observing the spirit of the enemy's men and getting the best position, you can work out the enemy's disposition and move your men accordingly. In a duel, you must forestall the enemy and attack when you have first recognized his school of strategy, perceived his quality and his strong and weak points, and attack in an unsuspected manner, knowing his meter and modulation and the appropriate timing.
To Tread Down the Sword [1:08:19]
Musashi explains that "to tread down the sword" is a principle often used in strategy. In large-scale strategy, when the enemy first discharges bows and guns and then attacks, the spirit is to attack quickly while the enemy is still shooting. In single combat, you must defeat him at the start of his attack in the spirit of treading him down with the feet so that he cannot rise again to the attack.
To No Collapse [1:09:42]
Musashi explains that everything can collapse—houses, bodies, and enemies collapse when their rhythm becomes deranged. In large-scale strategy, when the enemy starts to collapse, you must pursue him without letting the chance go. In single combat, if the enemy loses timing and collapses, you must fix your eye on the enemy's collapse and chase him, attacking so that you do not let him recover.
To Become the Enemy [1:10:42]
Musashi explains that "to become the enemy" means to think yourself into the enemy's position. In large-scale strategy, people are always under the impression that the enemy is strong and so tend to become cautious, but if you have good soldiers and understand the principles of strategy, there is nothing to worry about. In single combat, you must put yourself in the enemy's position.
To Release Four Hands [1:11:47]
Musashi explains that "to release forehands" is used when you and the enemy are contending with the same spirit and the issue cannot be decided. Abandon this spirit and win through with an alternative resource. In large-scale strategy, when there is a forehand spirit, immediately throw away this spirit and win with the technique the enemy does not expect.
To Move the Shade [1:12:36]
Musashi explains that "to move the shade" is used when you cannot see the enemy spirit. In large-scale strategy, when you cannot see the enemy's position, indicate that you are about to attack strongly to discover his resources. In single combat, if the enemy takes up a rear or side attitude of the longsword so that you cannot see his intention, make a faint attack, and the enemy will show his longsword, thinking he sees your spirit.
To Hold Down a Shadow [1:13:25]
Musashi explains that "holding down a shadow" is used when you can see the enemy's attacking spirit. In large-scale strategy, when the enemy embarks on an attack, if you make a show of strongly suppressing his technique, he will change his mind. In single combat, hold down the enemy's strong intention with a suitable timing and defeat him by forestalling him with this timing.
To Pass On [1:14:04]
Musashi explains that many things are said to be passed on—sleepiness, yawning, and time. In large-scale strategy, when the enemy is agitated and shows an inclination to rush, do not mind in the least; make a show of complete calmness, and the enemy will be taken by this and will become relaxed. In single combat, you can win by relaxing your body and spirit and then catching on the moment the enemy relaxes, attacking strongly and quickly, forestalling him.
To Cause Loss of Balance [1:15:07]
Musashi explains that many things can cause a loss of balance—danger, hardship, and surprise. In large-scale strategy, it is important to cause loss of balance. Attack without warning where the enemy is not expecting it, and, while his spirit is undecided, follow up your advantage and, having the lead, defeat him. In single combat, start by making a show of being slow, then suddenly attack strongly, without allowing him space for breath to recover from the fluctuation of spirit.
To Frighten [1:15:56]
Musashi explains that fright often occurs, caused by the unexpected. In large-scale strategy, you can frighten the enemy not by what you present to their eyes but by shouting, making a small force seem large, or threatening them from the flank without warning. In single combat, you must use the advantage of taking the enemy unawares by frightening him with your body, longsword, or voice to defeat him.
To Soak In [1:16:39]
Musashi explains that, when you have come to grips and are striving together with the enemy and you realize that you cannot advance, you soak in and become one with the enemy. You can win by applying a suitable technique while you are mutually entangled.
To Injure the Corners [1:17:17]
Musashi explains that it is difficult to move strong things by pushing directly, so you should injure the corners. In large-scale strategy, it is beneficial to strike at the corners of the enemy's force. If the corners are overthrown, the spirit of the whole body will be overthrown. In single combat, it is easy to win once the enemy collapses; this happens when you injure the corners of his body and thus weaken him.
To Throw Into Confusion [1:18:00]
Musashi explains that this means making the enemy lose resolve. In large-scale strategy, you can use your troops to confuse the enemy on the field, observing the enemy's spirit and making him think "here," "there," "like that," "like this," "slow," "fast." Victory is certain when the enemy is caught up in a rhythm that confuses his spirit. In single combat, you can confuse the enemy by attacking with varying techniques when the chance arises.
The Three Shouts [1:18:49]
Musashi explains that the three shouts are divided thus: before, during, and after. Shout according to the situation. The voice is a thing of life. In large-scale strategy, at the start of battle, you shout as loudly as possible; during the fight, the voice is low-pitched, shouting out as you attack; after the contest, you shout in the wake of your victory.
Mingle [1:20:04]
Musashi explains that, in battles when the armies are in confrontation, attack the enemy's strong points, and, when you see that they are beaten back, quickly separate and attack yet another strong point on the periphery of his force. The spirit of this is like a winding mountain path.
To Crush [1:21:08]
Musashi explains that this means to crush the enemy, regarding him as being weak. In large-scale strategy, when you see that the enemy has few men or, if he has many men but his spirit is weak and disordered, you knock the hat over his eyes, crushing him utterly. In single combat, if the enemy is less skillful than yourself, if his rhythm is disorganized, or if he has fallen into evasive or retreating attitudes, you must crush him straightway with no concern for his presence and without allowing him space for breath.
The Mountain Sea [1:22:07]
Musashi explains that changing the mountain sea spirits means that it is bad to repeat the same thing several times when fighting the enemy. If you once make an attack and fail, there is little chance of success if you use the same approach again. If the enemy thinks of the mountains, attack like the sea, and if he thinks of the sea, attack like the mountains.
To Penetrate the Depths [1:22:52]
Musashi explains that, when you are fighting with the enemy, even when it can be seen that you can win on the surface with the benefit of the way, if his spirit is not extinguished, he may be beaten superficially yet undefeated in spirit deep inside. With this principle of penetrating the depths, you can destroy the enemy's spirit in its depths, demoralizing him by quickly changing your spirit.
To Renew [1:23:57]
Musashi explains that "to renew" applies when you are fighting with the enemy and an entangled spirit arises where there is no possible resolution. You must abandon your efforts, think of the situation in a fresh spirit, then win in the new rhythm. To renew when you are deadlocked with the enemy means that, without changing your circumstance, you change your spirit and win through a different technique.
Rat's Head Ox's Neck [1:24:36]
Musashi explains that "rat's head and ox's neck" means that, when you are fighting with the enemy and both he and you have become occupied with small points in an entangled spirit, you must always think of the way of strategy as being both a rat's head and an ox's neck. Whenever you have become preoccupied with small details, you must suddenly change into a large spirit, interchanging large with small.
The Commander Knows the Troops [1:25:23]
Musashi explains that "the commander knows the troops" applies everywhere in fights in his way of strategy. Using the wisdom of strategy, think of the enemy as your own troops. When you think in this way, you can move him at will and be able to chase him around.
To Let Go the Hilt [1:25:51]
Musashi explains that there are various kinds of spirits involved in letting go the hilt. There is the spirit of winning without a sword; there is also the spirit of holding the long sword but not winning.
The Body of a Rock [1:26:12]
Musashi explains that, when you have mastered the way of strategy, you can suddenly make your body like a rock, and ten thousand things cannot touch you. This is the body of a rock.
The Winds Book [1:28:06]
Musashi introduces the Winds Book, stating that, in strategy, you must know the ways of other schools, so he has written about various other traditions of strategy in this book. Without knowledge of the ways of other schools, it is difficult to understand the essence of his Itchy school.
