How I learned about acceptance and resilience from Musashi.

I was first heard about about the 17th century samurai Miyamoto Musashi when (aged 15) I read the classic novelisation of his life. It was my first introduction to a Zen inspired approach to self mastery and philosophies & mindsets that you could apply from drinking tea to facing multiple adversaries armed with razor sharp swords. When the opportunity arose this Spring to spend a whole day learning his art from world-renowned expert Sensei Jorge Kishikawa in London, it was the nudge I needed to revisit his original writings.

The real life figure of Miyamoto Musashi, a masterless samurai who lived in tumultuous times - regime change, advancing technology - and was the victor in 60 duels before the age of thirty. While he had mentors like the Zen master Takuan (his book The Unfettered Self is also essential reading),  he created himself and left behind a unique style called Niten Ichi Ryu the Two Heavens School (which is what I got to learn a little of this month).

The rest of his life was devoted to self-mastery. He became a renowned  calligrapher and wrote the classic Book of Five Rings and The Way of Walking Alone, which emphasise self-reliance, acceptance and detachment. Two examples:

See things as they are.

If you can view things without attachment, both broadly and up close, then will be able to respond in the appropriate way and at the appropriate time. Our fears and desires are what interfere with a successful rhythm in our lives.

Do not regret what you have done.

This feels harder for many of us today, but it is not about avoiding responsibility. The insight is that dwelling on past actions - rather than learning from them - will hinder our progress. A focus on the present is a prerequisite of of effective action. Earlier this year, I realise I was turning over some regrets in my head, but when I wrote them down and looked at the lessons cleanly I was able to move on and begin a new, exciting chapter.

While Musashi’s writings are full of lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders - and for me as a coach and martial artist - he stresses we must investigate these lessons thoroughly. Don’t just parrot them - experience, reflect, repeat.

Would love to hear your reflections.