This is a brief analysis of Dokkodo, 21 Principles in the Path of Aloneness written by Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi, who began his career as a ronin (landless samurai) killed his first man when he was only 13. It is even said he may have done it with a wooden sword. Over the course of his life, he won over 60 duels, never losing once. Towards the end of his life he served as a retainer for a local Daimyo. He used this time to work on a series of books he would eventually publish, most popular of which was The Book of 5 Rings. A handbook for any inspiring swordsman of the time, and today, for martial artists throughout the world. The Dokkodo echoes many Stoic philosophies despite Musashi almost certainly having no exposure to it. It perfectly gives us insight into the similarities of Eastern and Western Philosophy. Despite difficult wording, in part due to translation, there is much to learn from this short work. We will be exploring Musashi more including an analysis of The Book of 5 Rings as we go forward.

Transcript of the video: https://medium.com/@thewarriorphilosophy/my-analysis-of-the-dokkodo-miyamoto-musashis-21-principles-in-the-of-aloneness-62c6f9deab0a

Version with better mic recording and no music: https://youtu.be/nuv3ayfZzQ8

Song: Gymnopedie no 1
Comic: Vagabond

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