The Dokkōdō

The great samurai and legend of many paths, Miyamoto Musashi, wrote the Dokkōdō, or “The Path of Aloneness” a few days before his death in reigando cave. The The Dokkōdō contains 21 precepts for life. Musashi’s wisdom still applies to this day. 

 1. Accept everything just the way it is  2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake  3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling  4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world  5. Be detached from desire your whole life long  6. Do not regret what you have done  7. Never be jealous  8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation  9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate for neither oneself nor others  10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feelings of lust or love  11. In all things, have no preference  12. Be indifferent to where you live 13. Do not pursue the taste of good food  14. Do not hold onto possessions you no longer need 15. Do not act following customary beliefs  16. Do not collect weapons or practice beyond what is useful 17. Do not fear death  18. Do not seek to possess goods or fiefs in your old age 19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help  20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor  21. Never stray from the Way  

 You can read our meditations on Musashi’s 21 precepts here.