Monday Morning Motivational Message - 21 Teachings To Live By (Part 2) From Japanese Samurai Miyamoto Musashi

What values, philosophies, or teachings do you live by?

I've been interested in the courage, discipline, and honor of the Japanese Samurai warriors, for some time.

Shortly before he died in 1645, Japanese swordsman, philosopher, and Samurai, Miyamoto Musashi wrote the book, Dokkodo (which means, The Path of Aloneness). This work outlines 21 precepts that express an ascetic (meaning a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals), honest, and stringent way a person should live their life.

In Part 2 of the Monday Morning Motivational Message we will examine the last eleven precepts of Musashi's teachings:

11. In all things have no preference.

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 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 honor.

21. Never stray from “The Way.”   

Many of these teachings require us to forego our attachment to our feelings for the purpose of acquiring a higher meaning or intention of a sacred nature.

Please leave me a comment about your thoughts regarding detaching from your feelings toward earthly items, with the intention of experiencing something of a higher spiritual quality.