Samurai Thoughts Of Miyamoto Musashi Poem by Mark Anderson

Miyamoto Musashi is my name,
I have survived in over sixty mortal fights.
I lived to achieve great Japanese fame,
Therefore I offer the following advice.

Tis not the craftsman's deeds nor words,
But the warrior's inner spirit gives life,
To the finely crafted sword,
And the razor sharp knife.

I have made this arrival,
By connecting five rings nevertheless,
This has allowed for my survival:
Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and No-thing-ness.

Earth:
Study all arts and things,
In order for the spirit to reveal itself.
But the study of only one brings,
The world upon oneself.

Water:
Water connects the world's continents,
Being a warrior connects self with thoughts:
Spirit resolved and filled with calmness,
Vision to see what is and what is not.

Fire:
Music played note for note without feeling,
Is not music but merely repetition.
A warrior must practice the skill of killing,
With soul, purpose and without hesitation.

Wind:
Know the difference between others and yourself.
Know quickness over speed, power over strength.
A way of being merely not for result itself,
Depend not on any one weapon nor length.

No-thing-ness:
Look at things with no attachment,
And you will know your place.
Nothing outside yourself can make you excellent,
All resides within yourself-seek no other fate.

Simply be. Because you are the spirit of the Thing Itself.
(Based on the Book of Five Rings)