Become Undefeatable: The philosophy of Miyamoto Musashi
I have lately been reading a lot of self improvement and recently realised that this can become toxic too. I came across lots of people who protected their energy too much that they become robots. For them, this self improvement worked like a software update and then we forget their motives. Self improvement is something that is undefinable. It means something different for me and you.
For me, self improvement might be waking up on time to attend my morning call but for you it might mean starting to eat healthy. We as humans cannot be bound by a single definitions and that implies to our personalities too. Don’t practise self improvement to an extent that you become a factory product. While reading more about it, I came across the japanese philosophies. After finishing Ikigai, I was looking up more such idea and came across Miyamoto Musashi.
Miyamoto Musashi, a name that resonates with the spirit of the samurai, a legend etched into the annals of time. The more I read about it, the more intrigued I was; so much that I have to sit down and share his knowledge with you too.
Musashi, a man of both sword and pen, was born in 1584 amidst the tumultuous era of Japan. He emerged as a legendary swordsman, undefeated in countless duels, and renowned for his unique dual-sword fighting style. But Musashi was not merely a master of the blade; he was a philosopher, an artist, and a seeker of truth.
His idea of self improvement was pretty straightforward: practise self-discipline.
In the depths of his being, Musashi understood that self-improvement was not confined to the physical realm. He believed that the path to mastery was one that encompassed the mind, body, and spirit. His teachings resonate with those who seek to transcend their limitations and embrace their true potential.
He understood that true growth required the unwavering commitment to practice and honing one’s skills. Musashi wrote “The Book of Five Rings” a masterpiece that delves into strategy, combat, and the art of self-improvement. Within its pages, he emphasizes the importance of daily training and repetition, for it is through disciplined practice that one can achieve true mastery.
“there is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.”
Musashi also believed in the power of simplicity. He embraced a minimalist approach to combat, stripping away unnecessary movements and techniques.
You want to become undefeatable? How far are you willing to go?
Are you willing to challenge yourself to face your fears? Are you willing to detach yourself from a desire and aim for honor? Can you break the bonds that pull you down? Fail 10 times but have the courage to get back up?
Musashi understood that in order to excel, one must focus on the essentials and eliminate distractions. But perhaps Musashi’s most profound lesson lies in his unwavering spirit and indomitable will. He believed that setbacks and failures were not to be feared but embraced as opportunities for growth. It is through adversity that we discover our true strength and unleash our potential.
“You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain”
Which is to say that it is paramount to fail if you want to grow. A person that has never failed has never known their dark side. If you want something bad enough, you will have to run your hands and try as many things as possible. He also practised stoic ideologies and said quotes like Get beyond love and grief: exist for the good of Man. Meaning find your purpose.
Find why you do what you do. Find what makes you something that is unique. Find how you can conquor your mind and create something that cannot be copied. If you think you’re like everybody else, what actions do you take to change it.
“Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world”
So, how can we implement Musashi’s lessons in our own lives?
- Firstly, you must cultivate discipline in our daily routines.
Whether it be in our work, our hobbies, or our relationships, consistent practice and effort will pave the way for growth and improvement.
We must also strive for simplicity, decluttering our lives and focusing on the essentials. By eliminating distractions, we create space for clarity and progress. - Furthermore, we must embrace resilience and view failures as stepping stones on the path to success.
Each setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and evolve. Musashi’s teachings remind us that true strength lies not in avoiding defeat, but in our ability to rise from the ashes and continue the pursuit of greatness. - In the end, Musashi’s legacy is not merely confined to the realm of the samurai. His teachings on self-improvement are timeless and can be applied to every aspect of our lives.
Through discipline, simplicity, and resilience, we can unlock our own potential and embark on a journey of continuous growth and self-discovery. So, let us heed the wisdom of Miyamoto Musashi, my friends, and embrace the path of self-improvement with a fiery passion in our hearts.
Thank you for reading my content. I and a no code creator who talks about startups, philosophy and growth. Get to know about each new blog by subscribing to emails! Want to want together? Mail me at moulshreee@gmail.com
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