Miyamoto Musashi is my name, <br />I have survived in over sixty mortal fights. <br />I lived to achieve great Japanese fame, <br />Therefore I offer the following advice. <br /> <br />Tis not the craftsman's deeds nor words, <br />But the warrior's inner spirit gives life, <br />To the finely crafted sword, <br />And the razor sharp knife. <br /> <br />I have made this arrival, <br />By connecting five rings nevertheless, <br />This has allowed for my survival: <br />Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and No-thing-ness. <br /> <br />Earth: <br />Study all arts and things, <br />In order for the spirit to reveal itself. <br />But the study of only one brings, <br />The world upon oneself. <br /> <br />Water: <br />Water connects the world's continents, <br />Being a warrior connects self with thoughts: <br />Spirit resolved and filled with calmness, <br />Vision to see what is and what is not. <br /> <br />Fire: <br />Music played note for note without feeling, <br />Is not music but merely repetition. <br />A warrior must practice the skill of killing, <br />With soul, purpose and without hesitation. <br /> <br />Wind: <br />Know the difference between others and yourself. <br />Know quickness over speed, power over strength. <br />A way of being merely not for result itself, <br />Depend not on any one weapon nor length. <br /> <br />No-thing-ness: <br />Look at things with no attachment, <br />And you will know your place. <br />Nothing outside yourself can make you excellent, <br />All resides within yourself-seek no other fate. <br /> <br />Simply be. Because you are the spirit of the Thing Itself. <br />(Based on the Book of Five Rings)<br /><br />Mark Anderson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/samurai-thoughts-of-miyamoto-musashi/
