Miyamoto Musashi and The Book of Five Rings
Who was the real Miyamoto Musashi? So often we only see him as Japan's greatest swordsmen and duelist, but he was so much more. Musashi was philosophical, artistic, and lived a life way beyond his famous duel against Sasaki Kojiro. In this video we explore Musashi the man, as well as his many works he completed throughout his life.
The main source I used for this video was "The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works" by Alexander Bennett. Get yourself a copy here: www.amazon.com/Complete-Musas...
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Classical art, which in most cases can be considered public domain.
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#Samurai #Japan #MiyamotoMusashi
“Truth is not what you want it to be; It is what it is and you must bend to its power or live a lie.” - Musashi Miyamoto
@@skdrake9803 bruh shutup
beautiful
Obviously, he wasn't an SJW.
@@k3D4rsi554maq sjw noblemen calling for sword control
@@k3D4rsi554maq Hmm. This statement says far more about you. Than it does Musashi, or "SJW's".
"There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to become better, stronger, richer, quicker or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself" - Miyamoto Musashi. Great video for a great Swordsman and his wisdoms. Thank you.
This! ^^
Steroids, metabolism boosters, guns, armor, weapons, technology, etc. A weak man with a nuclear bomb will kill millions of strong men.
I feel like Musashi is interested because he knew that he was living at this very interesting Cross Roads in Japanese history. He was old enough to have participated in the Sengoku conflicts, however, the wars are all over for most of his life. So there’s this fundamental question underlying much of his philosophy and writing - what’s the point of a being a warrior in a country at peace? What do you do with yourself? This is a question that he and thousands of his fellow samurai or forced to wrestle with over the next 260 years. Legally at the top of the social order, these “warriors” are instead becoming bureaucrats, yet are required to maintain warrior skills. So it makes sense to me how this would resonate through the Edo period and beyond.
Well said. He was born as the daimyos fight for Japan was ending.
The answer to the question is this: “It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” 🎴
@@FolkBoyifyyes but what is best is to be a warrior in war and a gardener in a garden
His 21 points about his life now explain why we don't see him leaving any historical items and relics like his swords and armor or any personal items. Instead he left the world with his philosophy in the form of books he wrote or his few art pieces. Also now I understand why he didn't stay long in one place, and become an official sword instructor for a clan with a yearly Koku. For me, Musashi is a "Martial artist" instead of a "Warrior". Because a good martial artist seek to perfect their art to win a fight meanwhile a good warrior seek to survive in a fight. I think Bruce Lee read the book of fiver rings as his life philosophy sounds similar to Musashi
It's said in one of the Samurai museum (can't remember which) has on display the actual nihonto he used and the refurbished koshaire he used.
@@outboundflight4455 is his sword normal looking? I thought Musashi only see sword as a "tool" with no much affection or giving them nicknames like most famous swords in Japan that had a title after getting a certain kill. Like Helmet Cracker or Boar Killer
@@hanchiman pretty much but with a lacquered tsuka. And his trademark mokko gata tsuba. There's a video of it on KZhead you just gotta find out which museum has it.
@@outboundflight4455 I actually attempted to check if there was any of his sword in google before I wrote this comment before, but all I could find then was just katana shops, so assumed there wasn't much artifacts from Musashi
"Because a good martial artist seek to perfect their art to win a fight" so by your definition then it´s strange that you mention an actor that only ever oficially fought once. granted he won that fight but it was only against one other high shool. that´s not to say that lee couldn´t have been a good fighter but the fact is lee was never really tested, that´s just not where is interests lay. where musashi was tested constantly in deadly duels that he himself thought out for the most part. so i dunno they may have had similar philophies in general but how they actually lived their lives could hardly be more different.
"in fighting and in every day life you should determined though calm. Meet the situation without tenseness yet not recklessly, your spirit settled yet unbiased. An elevated spirit is weak and a low spirit is weak. Do not let the enemy see your spirit". -Miyamoto Musashi
What I love about Go Rin No Sho is that it is written in a (mostly) straight forward way, as in there isn't a ton of flowery language and he mostly just explains his philosophy as clearly as possible, while at the same time being strangely artistic about it. Basically his wordplay and metaphors for the most part felt effortless. In the translation I listened to the audiobook of, the "ether" chapter was referred to as the "Void" chapter. And when you get what he's trying to say, it makes sense that it is as short as it is. He's basically saying "to understand the way of the warrior is to never think you fully understand it. Never stop learning, never stop training" which I think is easily the best lesson in the entire book. To keep that chapter super short really drives that point home. The fact that Musashi lived as long as he did, and died of something not a ton of Samurais died of; old age, makes him easily one of the most credible sources on the way of a fighter in the world, not just in Japan, but anywhere.
As much as he is loved for bringing samurai culture to modern consciousness, the inaccuracies regarding his historicity also helped perpetuate misconceptions and exaggerations about samurai as well and it's often not easy to distinguish between both.
''If your enemy and fallen into retreating or evasive postures you must crush him. You must crush him all at once without even allowing him time for breath''. It was reading this that inspired me to think very deeply about how I taught squash.
I've always superficially thought that Musashi's figure was too overly glorified, but after this video I seriously feel total respect toward him and his way of living, not necessarily as a warrior but mostly as a human. Great work!
this scroll series by Musashi is amazing. it's impacted my life so profoundly that it made me get more involved into Japanese Martial arts and culture, specifically JuJitsu, Iaijutsu and Kendo. William Scott Wilson made an amazing translation. I was very privileged to practice Iai with his Iaito.
Inoue's Vagabond is one of the best depiction of Musashi, too bad it went on hiatus
Visualy I agree tottaly. Story- wise......Kojiro wasn't such a nice guy, he was a pompous dick with an inflated ego and yes, a very long sword. ( compensating much?) The mostly known book about his life is a romanticized novel, like the 3 musketeers was. But its still damn good too. I hope to find more historical accounts of the man's deeds. His Go Rin no Sho book is a real treasure of wisdom.
When Rin Go, He No Sho
I am 63 years old and have been an avid reader since 5 yeaes of age. The book written by Eiji Yoshikawa about Musashi's life is my all-time favorite out of the thousands of books I have read. It is also supposed to be the most accurate, Eiji having spent many years researching his life. I highly suggest it.
I like the simple lesson that wielding two swords gives better balance when on uneven ground as opposed to holding one sword with both hands.
YEAH BUT NOT A KATANA AND A WAKIZASHI BUT 2 KATANAS INDEED
@@ALEJANDROARANDARICKERTot necessarily. Your stance being slightly forward, it's more about how you balance yourself in a guard. Even if either the wakizashi or the katana are held forward. Works with rapier/ dagger combo the same way.
I have never lifted or weilded a sword, let alone two. I can only imagine the discipline of this gentleman. It would be near impossible in the modern world to be so disciplined now.
@@hughbarr8408 Katanas are decently light but still weildly with one hand. I cant imagine swinging two on two seperate hands.
Beat his rival with a wooden sword. That's some next level savage stuff.
Some even say he widdled a staff from the dick skin of a Ox, and beat his rival into submission.
Recently watched the Musashi trilogy staring Toshiro Mifune, this video is quite timely for me.
I own that very book you referenced by Alexander Bennett's and it has become a treasured possession of mine in my life. Like your friend, I'm a Martial Artist and it was because of my being such that I came to learn that Mas Oyama (the founder of Kyokushin Karate) apparently had nothing but the Gorin no Sho to read during his years of isolation training in Mt. Minobu. With that knowledge I took the aforementioned copy of said book and now, like Mas Oyama before me, it has become a strong influence in my philosophy in life. Miyamoto Musashi was a unique individual whose wisdom extended beyond his era. My life right now is a difficult one but Martial Arts and teachings like those of Musashi allow me to survive. I hope one day to be able to find the enlightenment he found as a warrior on the path. P.S.) I've been reading Takehiko Inoue's "Vagabond" manga lately and while it, like Eikichi Yoshikawa's novel before it, is a mostly fictional recounting of Musashi's life.. It is a rather enjoyable and relatable read for someone like me walking the so-called "Way of the Sword". Stay safe and much love from an Arnisador/Karateka from the Philippines. 🙏🥋
cringe
An actual person, who lived a remarkable life, elevated to myth. Similar to what happened with Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, etc.
Great video man, thank you for taking the time.
My most favorite historical figure! His life and accounts of battle is just so fascinating.
He was such a Legend he’s one of my favorite characters and persons from this era
Very interesting, informative and worthwhile video.
Finally, the time has come...☺ I've been waiting and hoping for this video to pop up at some point and time. This is top-tier quality content to say the least. I'm glad that I made the right purchase when buying Alex Bennett's translation. I'd actually written an essay on Miyamto Musashi for a school project, based on his life's works. One of my proudest projects, to say in my humble opinion. There is just so much depth to explore within the Gorin-no-sho and the Dokkodo. Really appreciate this video, my man. This does, indeed, put a smile on my face...😁❤💪
this is the very first book i read for & to myself, people think they understand it but it's amazing how many don't understand even after reading carefully & others that truly do understand it.
A legendary figure in Japanese history. Thanks for this video. I was always very curious about him.
Fantastic job of crafting this video.
Thanks again for all your exhaustive, detailed, accurate work and amazing channel. I'm right in the middle of Kenji Tokitsu's very detailed work "Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings" which contains the "Gorin No Sho" along with most everything else written (and translated) by the master. Tokitsu presents usually more than one theory and ideas on the events, since there is a lot of dispute with historical events.
Thanks for this 👍
It makes you wonder, where did he leave his drafts of his works, like Mirror on the Way to Combat, while he was traveling across Japan. How many other Samurai, who died in combat, had similar writings stowed away on a shelf in a small village never to see the light of day again?
Like snowflakes falling gently on a freshly gritted road ☘️❤
Another great video, I've really enjoyed your productions. Please keep up the good work.
I really enjoyed this video! I have seen many biographical videos about musashi on KZhead and they all seem to have facts that contradict each other. Yours is the first video I’ve seen that acknowledges the inaccuracies and things we don’t know about his life, and I applaud you for this. Well done!
We need to set the record straight about his life!
A great video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 nice information. Keep up the good work 👍🏻
i will definitely get the alexander bennet version to se the extra info on it, the man brought real wisdom from the period, a real legend in my opinion!! 🤗
Great video man!
👍 I've been learnning with him for almost 40 years.
Excellent video!
I feel like Eiji Yoshikawa's novel created alot of false info on Musashi. It's an excellent novel, but it's made to be entertaining. I liked how you clarified what was true and false. The Book of five rings is such a great read. I recommend the audio book because you can go outside and listen to it whenever you want, thinking about it's messages. I liked how Musashi wasn't just a swordsman, he also did art and calligraphy. So maybe the key to being great is to be rounded in everything. Great vid!
Hell yeah, Alexander Bennett!
Been waiting for this. I am interested in knowing who the real historical musashi really was
Awesome video bro
Dude, that was sick. I Couldnt tell which piece you were gonna go for on that last cut. Triple smooth as butter.
When a book that you own and have read many times is the feature in a banger of a video 😎 I'm still relatively new to Musashi. But he has become that guy I want to study in depth...maybe the first such person..
I haven't read the book of 5 rings yet, thanks to this video, I certainly will, the only information I could gather about this legendary swordsman was from the Internet, and it was always a mix of facts and fiction. I also read Vagabond which is a fantastic manga, probably the best samurai manga I've ever read, but obviously the author changed a few things from the original story of Musashi Miyamoto, like for example Sasaki Kojiro being def. I'm glad I got a more realistic stand point on who Musashi was and his history, I thank you for that. Would love to see a video on Ito Ittosai, its very hard for me to find information about him, but I'd love to know more. Keep up the great content!
As always I learn many things when I view your video's. Of course, I have a few copies of different translations of the Book of Five Rings, and I'm honestly torn with how I feel about the texts I've read. I have not read or heard of the primary source for this video, but will now have get and read this work. As to Musashi the man I'm also a sceptic on many of the things I've read. I felt that Musashi was a skilled swordsman, but he also had to be a skillful self promoter. As such many things could exaggerated or fabricated to help raise his profile. Without independent verification many fall for the If it's a choice between the truth and the legend, print the legend. Musashi's known life is a perfect canvas to paint myths and partial truths upon that will thrill disciples and attract new fans. The real Musashi will always remain a somewhat shadowy but interesting historical character.
Great Book. Great Man. Great Video.
EXCELLENT
"Try some of your eyeball!" That ending was some of the best comedy I've seen in a long long time!
Thank you
Sweet!
My Ogasawara family employed him when he was older. My great-grandfather was said to have mentioned it but he died and I never met him, he owned land in Yamanashi, Minobu area land was given to the farmers after WW2. The Ogasawara has many sub family’s all over Japan.
I have found it to be much informative.
No matter what the situation the cream rises to the top pure stoic and warrior reminds me of Marcus arulesus reflecting on the end of life
I have this book in my audible...just need to listen. It's looong.
So dope
I enjoyed your video. I still have the pocket version of the five rings and this is better (I read others but that one got me through a long bus trip or two). I liked your perspective both as what to draw from and as a fair analysis. Lols reminds me of my own. It's the soul of the thing right? You don't have to match your life to his but when focusing and selecting goals he can help one pick a point or two eh? Nice work.
Most Interesting..
Miyamoto Musashi is also known to have made some sword fittings as well.
Stan Sakai’s long-running comic series “Usagi Yojimbo” borrows heavily from the legends of Miyamoto Mushashi. It’s an absolute must-read for fans of Japanese culture.
"“Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world”" my man Musashi was deep, you gotta respect it
I've yet to read this book, but this does make it sound interesting. I might have to take a peek. :o
The essence of life is struggle and it’s goal is domination. There are higher goals and deeper meanings but they exist only in the mind of man. The reality of life is war
"Combat Strategy in 35 articles, number 32 will shock you!" Good video
I've been to that cave a couple times. It's in the country side full of orange farmers and great views.
Finally someone with a brain takes on this topic. I recently saw a video where some guy called Musashi "the greatest samurai of all time", when we can't establish whether or not he was even a "good one". He made his mark as a ronin duelist. People fail to appreciate the difference. Everybody and their mother these days want to think of themselves as a modern version of the samurai, spartan warrior, whatever... while failing to appreciate the level of institutionalization, blind obligation and self-discipline that involved. Most people in MY country can't even wait in line at the meats section in the supermarket without undercutting each other, do you think they'd slash their own stomach just because they made a mistake? I know I wouldn't, TBH.
What I found interesting about the 5 Rings was the point he made about being dedicated to one's craft or vocation.
I remember seeing a documentary about Musashi on TV once, and they spoke about his many duels, and the strategies he used such as arriving early or late to the appointed time of the duel to throw off his opponent before besting them, and of course about carving a staff out of a wooden oar to use against an opponent. I seem to remember the use of animated scenes along with live action to depict the duels, which was pretty cool. I enjoyed this video as well, of course. A lot of points you mentioned, I recognized from hearing about elsewhere, but I didn't know the bit about his fighting at Sekigahara was not true. Also, the KZhead channel BioGraphics did a piece on Musashi as well which I liked.
I think I know which one you talking about. Does it have a mini Musashi narrating too?
@@hanchiman The Documentary? No, not that I can recall. I don't remember the name of the show offhand, but I'm pretty sure the main narrator was this martial arts actor guy whose name I can't recall, and I think he was talking about following in the footsteps of Musashi or something like that. It's been a while since I've seen it. It was on the History channel I believe.
@@SuperBondfan007 Hmm... I think Mark Damascos (B-movie action movie star who knows martial art) did a documentary of Musashi before
@@hanchiman That sounds about right. Now I want to look it up, and see if I can find it. EDIT: No such luck. I did find a clip of one of the animated sections I mentioned in my original comment with Mark narrating, but not the whole program. And there was also someone doing a voice-over reading Musashi quotes.
I've read Von Clausewitz and Sun Tzu. Never read the Five Rings so I just ordered it from Amazon.
"A person who thinks all the time have nothing to think about except thoughts". 😮
In regards to Musashi's win count, British boxer Lenny "The Guvnor" McLean was once quoted saying, "I never lost a fight where it counted"
Well usually the duels were to death so I feel like he isn't lying
Wow, the real life of Kiryu Kazumanosuke!
Gentleman Warrior ❤
According to legend he was buried wearing his armor and swords. He was buried sitting up in a cave. The cave has an iron door that is sealed. I studied Kendo/Kenjitsu and we were a two sword school. Studying Musashi was very interesting.
I visited Kumamoto and the park, a very tranquil place full of ducks and children, to eat an apple
Miyamoto Musashi is known as a legendary samurai I am here to learn more about his legacy
The sign of the true master is knowing that one knows nothing, 8:50 no matter how victories one wins. Arigato.
Can you do a video on the demons sermon on martial arts?
Nick on the battle of nagashino video you make you forget one promenitent figure is called okudaira sadamasa a former takeda retainer but join back to the tokugawa clan because of katsuyori
It's a good video to watch that explains the "traditional" view on Musashi, I'd say. But I'd just like to mention that in Japan, there's been a lot of skepticism on Musashi since the mid '90s, and generally, the opinion of Japanese kendo world is that they hold people like Tsukahara Bokuden or Kamiizumi Nobutsuna in way higher regard than Musashi. One thing you have to remember is that the "traditional" view of Musashi has basically only twoi sources: (1) Musashi himself, and (2) writings on Musashi through his foster son Miyamoto Iori. And often, the claims from those two sources don't really check out when cross referenced with other contemporary sources during the time. One example: there are actually surviving independent references on Musashi's fight with the Yoshioka dojo. And the majority of those sources don't tell the story in the way Musashi described it himself. So I would like to suggest people take in the story of Musashi with a grain of salt, because most of the story as known in the West isn't exactly in-line with the latest trends of research. It usually mirrors '50s ~ pre-'90s "myth of Musashi."
Autumn Leaves" Strike is interesting.
I never heard that Musashi was only written about after he had already died. Is that common for people of that notoriety? If that’s true, I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot was exaggerated or simply untrue which turns Musashi into that ‘legendary’ figure. Similar to Bruce Lee, a man with captivating philosophy and forward thinking but maybe not as proven as the legends would have it. Either way, it’s always fascinating to learn about this stuff
Wassup Shogun, could you possibly explain the feudal clan system they had? That would be amazing
That is something I have planned at some point!
@@TheShogunate wonderful
one of the most epic men ever
what was takezo the wild ? was that just the movie (samurai trilology) (which iv not seen in decades)
Not only have i read the Go RIN NO SHO i have put it into practice to defeat my enemies .
Truth is power.
Im here because of Vagabond
Same😂😅
such a beautiful katana back then
If anyone man is deserves an epic modern 8 season tv series about there life its this guy
The History Channel has a good video on Miyamoto Musashi "SAMURAI"
What game is this in the beginning
He was a part in a great game, as are we all .
Samurai duels were treated like Boxing matches in the late 18 and early 1900s, "The Man that Beat The Man" lineage style duels were pretty common. Musashi very likely fought that many people in defense of his name and legend
I’ve heard Musashi had the ability to throw his Tanto at an enemy would that be a special weapon or did other samurai practice this skill
12:40 need to listen every day
Still waiting on a game about Musashi
It's time to make a movie of him...
Stuff happening years later is the same thing you see today. We have a better picture of WWII and some of its figures now than we did in the 80s as it takes a new generation to actually compile all of the information together into concise volumes. Working out the contradictions is vital, but you shouldn't doubt a work that was compiled from the big picture decades after someone's death. Often you have scholars who dedicate a lifelong career to a figure who they were first taught about by their grandparents.
Was that opening from way of the samurai 2?
God bless everyone and have a wonderful day ❤🙏
This book was a good read
Yes yes yes helllllllllll yes thank you