21 Principles of the Dokkodo: Miyamoto Musashi’s Way of Walking Alone

doodo or the way of walking alone is a path mamoto Masashi forged in the later years of his life after countless battles and victories had shown him the limits of a life driven by conflict as a ronin Musashi wandered Japan honing his skills and Duels and surviving by the strength of his sword yet in time he saw that true Mastery went beyond the sword it lay in mastering the self from this understanding he wrote doodo a set of 21 principles to guide his Spirit rooted in self-discipline mindfulness and attachment these principles were not merely for

battle but for living a life of inner peace free from the distractions of the world these are the 21 principles of [Music] doodo number one accept everything just the way it is life flows like water resist it and you will be swept away the world unfolds as it will and no one must resist its natural flow to fight against reality is to weaken in oneself acceptance is the first step towards Mastery of your own destiny number two do not seek pleasure for its own sake the pursuit of pleasure distracts from the path of discipline true

fulfillment comes from mastering the self not indulging in temporary desires seek Instead The Joy found in the process of becoming stronger A Warrior's path is one of balance not excess number three do not under any circumstances depend on a partial feeling half-heartedness is the enemy of progress commit fully to your purpose trust in incomplete feelings leads to uncertain action let your decisions rise from a calm whole mind Clarity comes when you embrace the entirety of your experience number four think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world do not burden yourself with excessive self-regard Focus

instead on understanding the world around you a humble heart opens the mind to Greater truths to grasp the world's complexities one must first relinquish the burden of self-importance number five be detached from desire your whole lifelong desire is a chain that binds the spirit to walk freely one must cast off its weight Liberation lies in prioritizing purpose over personal Cravings in DET attachment find the strength to pursue your path without distraction number six do not regret what you have done regret weakens the present by chaining you to the Past face forward for the past cannot

be changed but the future can every misstep is an opportunity for growth and learning each step taken is part of your journey embrace it fully number seven never be jealous jealousy stems from insecurity and clouds the spirit be content with your own path for it is yours alone to walk instead of envying others learn from them their success can be a guide not a curse curse appreciate the success of others as a source of inspiration not resentment number eight never let yourself be saddened by separation separation is a natural part of life's journey the warrior

moves forward carrying no sorrow for what is Left Behind each parting paves the way for new encounters and experiences embrace the lessons learned from those you lose they strengthen your resolve each departure creat space for New Beginnings number nine resentment and complaint are inappropriate neither for oneself nor others resentment poisons the mind and hinders clear thought a warrior must rise above Petty grievances true strength lies in letting go and focusing on what truly matters release your grievances to find peace number 10 do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love love

and lust can obscure judgment and weaken the spirit let your path be directed by Reason Not fleeting emotions the heart must not overshadow the clarity of the Mind maintain a disciplined mind to discern true affection from fleeting desire love when cultivated wisely can become a source of strength number 11 in all things have no preferences preferences lead to attachment and attachment leads to s suffering walk your path without bias and you will see clearly Freedom comes from viewing each moment as it is without judgment embracing indifference allows you to respond to Life's challenges without hesitation

a mind Unshackled by preference is free to explore all avenues number 12 be indifferent to where you live whether in a castle or a Hut A Warrior's mind remains unchanged do not let your surroundings dictate your spirit do not let yourself be Reliant nor take advantage of luxuries your true home is where your purpose resides cultivate an inner house that no external circumstance can disrupt and can be weathered by no storm number 13 do not pursue the taste of good food nourish the body as necessary but do not seek excess true sustenance arrives from the

strength you build through discipline remember the Warrior's diet is one that fuels the spirit and body alike number 14 do not hold on to possessions you no longer need possessions are a burden that slow your progress keep only what is essential and let the rest Fall Away a clear space allows for a clear mind the act of Letting Go opens the door for New Opportunities and growth a true warrior values utility over sentimentality simplify your life to sharpen your focus and enhance your practice number 15 do not act following customary beliefs tradition and times will

bind you to truths Act only according to what is right not what is customary trust your intuition and the wisdom you gain from experience walk your path based on personal conviction rather than societal expectation number 16 do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful a sword is but a tool in the hands of a warrior Beyond necessity additional weapons are burdens Focus your energy on honing your skills with the tools that truly serve you Mastery comes from Simplicity and focus rather than accumulation number 17 do not fear death death is inevitable

for all so fearing it serves no purpose instead live fully and without hesitation Embrace each day as a gift knowing it may be your last understand that in acceptance of death you find the freedom to live fully number 18 do not seek to possess either Goods or FES for your old age the future is uncertain and preparing for it only distracts from the present a warrior lives in the now invest your energy in experiences and wisdom not Material wealth what you gather in life is not as valuable as what you learn along the way and

past down to those who follow in your footsteps number 19 respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help honor the Divine but do not rely on them to shape your fate for they owe you no gift nor reward your path is yours to undertake through your own actions a warrior must stand firm in their own strength and choice says true respect lies in embodying the principles they represent through your actions number 20 you may abandon your body but you must preserve your honor your body is transient but your honor endures Beyond Death let

honor be your highest aim in the end it is the legacy of your integrity that will endure A Warrior's true strength is measured not by their physical prowess but by the respect they earn number 21 never stray from the way the path of the warrior is a sacred commitment that demands steadfast dedication straying from this path leads to confusion and disarray ultimately compromising your honor and purpose consistency in your actions and thoughts is essential for maintaining the Integrity of your journey in moments of uncertainty return to the fundamental principles that guide you for they serve

as your compass through life's challenges distractions abound but Clarity comes from commitment trust in your training and intuition to guide you [Music] [Music]