Miyamoto Musashi - Acceptance

Known to the Japanese as Kensei, "sword saint", Myiamoto Musashi is arguably the greatest swordsman to have ever lived. 

Born into 16th-century Japan, Musashi won his first duel at 13. After tasting victory, Musashi became hellbent on becoming the best warrior in the realm. He ventured across Japan as a Ronin, a masterless samurai, challenging great warriors along the way. At 20, he disgraced the prestigious Yoshioka Clan in Kyoto, by defeating three of their warriors in single combat. He led clans into battles, he started his own dojo teaching his own fighting style and even defeated his nemesis Sasaki Johiro, using a wooden sword made from one of his oars. Masashi retired at 59, undefeated and with over 60 duels to his name. 

So why was Musashi such a great fighter? And what can he teach us about how we should live our own lives? 

Most of us are not feared swordsmen. Nonetheless, Musashi provides clear insight into the nature of discipline and mastery, that are universally applicable. Musashi was not only a feared warrior but a philosopher, strategist and artist. In his most famous works, The Book of Five rings and Dokkodu (the way of aloneness) we can study the principles that allowed him to become so successful. One principle that appears to be given particular emphasis is acceptance. Or as Musashi puts it.

‘Accept everything just the way it is'

We often cause ourselves harm by not accepting what is unavoidable in life. Perhaps we are late for an important interview due to train delays. We feel a surge of rage and want to condemn everything around us. How often have we tried to accept this for what it is and work with what we have? Musashi never had to wait for a delayed train, but he did have to accept the uncontrollable aspects of life. 

By looking to accept things we are not looking to be inactive. Acceptance is necessary for positive action; you must be able to accept that you have flaws for you to be able to work on them.

We must accept what cannot be changed in life and work to improve with what is left. If Musashi can accept that he might die in battle then we can accept that a train is delayed, whether we like it or not. 

By Christian Hotten