The Book of Five Rings

To Hold Down a Pillow. Crossing at a Ford. To Know the Times. To Tread Down the Sword. To Become the Enemy. To Release Four Hands. To Move the Shade. To Hold Down a Shadow. To Cause Loss of Balance. To Injure the Corners. To Throw into Confusion. To Mingle, To Crush. To Penetrate the Depths.

Rat's Head, Ox's Neck. The Commander Knows the Troops. The Body of a Massive Rock. Other Schools with many Methods of using the Long Sword. Fixing the Eyes in Other Schools. Use of the Feet in Other Schools. Speed in Other Schools. The Book of Earth. The Book of Emptiness. The meaning of water in relation to life is flexibility.

Follow the Authors

Water demonstrates natural flexibility as it changes to conform with the boundaries which contain it, seeking the most efficient and productive path. A person should master many aspects of life allowing them to possess both balance and flexibility.

The spiritual bearing in strategy, which Musashi writes about concerns your temperament and spirituality whilst in the midst of, or in formulation of a battle. Being a buddhist, most of what is written in the section concerning spirituality refers to principles of calmness, tranquility and spiritual balance;. In strategy your spiritual bearing must not be any different from normal. Both in fighting and in everyday life you should be determined though calm. This balance refers to what could be thought of as yin and yang within yourself.

The over-familiarity or over-use of one weapon is discouraged by Musashi, as it would be seen to reveal your spirituality to your enemy. The idea is that a perfectly balanced spirit is also a perfectly balanced physical presence, and neither creates weakness nor reveals it to your enemy.

During battle, the spirituality and balance is something of which Musashi notes that you should take advantage. Since small people know the spirituality of big people, they can thus note differences and weaknesses between each other. This is something which seems easy, but it is said to change when you are on the battlefield, as then you must know to both adjust your spiritual balance according to what is around you, and to perceive the balance of those around you to take advantage accordingly.

• The Book of Five Rings.
• Territorios en tiempos de crisis. El derrumbe económico mundial y las regiones argentinas (Spanish Edition);
• Navigation menu?
• Two Dragons Cross Stitch Pattern.
• How to Stay Healthy and Fit Forever?

Just as your spirit should be balanced, your various techniques be honed to a perfectly balanced demeanor. In terms of stance, much like balance within the trooper, Musashi notes that stance is an important part of strategy, or battle: Adopt a stance with the head erect, neither hanging down, nor looking up, nor twisted. This is part of what Musashi notes as wedging in.

In regards to the gaze of someone, he notes that a person must be able to perceive that which is all around him without moving their eyeballs noticeably, which is said to be a skill which takes an enormous amount of practice to perfect. He notes that this is again one of the most important parts of strategy, as well as being able to see things which are close to you, such as the technique of an enemy.

It is also used to perceive things far away, such as arriving troops or enemies, as that is the precursor to battle. You can then change your actions according to what you see. The five attitudes of swordsmanship are referred to as the five classifications of areas for attack on the human body. These are areas which are noted for their advantages when striking at an enemy, and the strategist is said to think of them when in situations where, for any reason, you should not be able to strike them.

Then his mind should adjust accordingly. Your attitude should be large or small according to the situation. Upper, Lower and Middle attitudes are decisive. Left Side and Right Side attitudes are fluid. Left and Right attitudes should be used if there is an obstruction overhead or to one side. The decision to use Left or Right depends on the place.

As each is thought of as an attitude, it could be thought of that Musashi means to practice with each "attitude" so that you do not become over-reliant upon one, something which Musashi repeatedly notes as being worse than bad technique. This is similar to taking chances as opposed to making chances. The attitude of "Existing - Non Existing", mixes the Five Attitudes with the Attitude of "No Attitude", meaning that the user of the longsword uses the techniques and principles of both at whichever moment he or she finds most opportune.

Although this is said to be difficult, Musashi notes that masters of this technique are usually masters of the five attitudes because they must be perceptive of weaknesses. It is rumored that Musashi disgraced a former sword master by using such a technique with a Bokken , but there are no descriptions mentioning "In one" timing.

Although the technique seems relatively simple, Musashi lists this as one of the hardest techniques to time correctly. Aside from this philosophical approach to the meaning, the technique is relatively simple to explain: This is the most important method of hitting. It is often used. You must train hard to understand it. When attacking fast, Musashi notes that you will always be at stalemate, so like Stagnant water, you must cut as slowly as possible with your long sword. At the beginning of this technique you and your opponent will be searching for an opening within each other's defense.

When your opponent either tries to push off your sword, or to hasten back as to disengage it, you must first expand your whole body and your mind. By moving your body first and then that of your sword, you will be able to strike powerfully and broadly with a movement that seems to reflect the natural flow of water. Ease and confidence will be attained when this technique is continuously practiced upon.

In one motion, when your sword springs away from theirs, Musashi says to use a continuous motion to slash their head, body, and legs. Without raising your sword, you cut as strongly as possible. This means cutting quickly with hands, body, and legs. The Fire Book refers to fighting methods unlike the specific fighting techniques listed in the Water Book.

It goes into a broader scope in terms of hints as to assess a situation, as well as specific situational instructions. He notes obvious advantages of armor and preparedness before a duel or battle as it applies to one man or a whole group of men:. As one man can defeat ten men, so can one thousand men defeat ten thousand. However, you can become a master of strategy by training alone with a sword, so that you can understand the enemy's stratagems, his strength and resources, and come to appreciate how to apply strategy to beat ten thousand enemies.

The dependence of location according to the Go Rin No Sho is crucial. You must be in a place where man-made objects such as buildings, towers, castles, and such do not obstruct your view, as well as facing or standing in a position where the sun or moon does not affect your vision. This is purely so that your vision is focused on nothing but the enemy, and thus there is more concentration upon the enemy's stratagems.

Musashi also seems to note the age old strategy of the High Ground:. Other kinds of tactics which of Musashi tells are way of ensuring that the enemy is at a disadvantage. Forcing yourself on the non-dominant side of a trooper is one way because the left side is difficult for a right-handed soldier. Other disadvantages, such as forcing enemies into footholds, swamps, ditches, and other difficult terrain, force the enemy to be uncertain of his situation.

These things cannot be clearly explained in words. You must research what is written here. Want to Read saving…. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Refresh and try again. Open Preview See a Problem? Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. A Book of Five Rings: Japan's answer to the Harvard MBA Written over three centuries ago by a Samurai warrior, the book has been hailed as a limitless source of psychological insight for businessmen-or anyone who relies on strategy and tactics for outwitting the competition. Hardcover , pages.

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about A Book of Five Rings , please sign up. Is this edition's translation accurate? Jeff Stokes I am told it is, I read this edition and it felt accurate but I'm not an expert in this. I did research it some before reading it 20 years ago though. See 1 question about A Book of Five Rings…. Lists with This Book. Aug 19, Adil rated it it was ok.

I read a translation by Ashikaga Yoshiharu and Rosemary Brant. This book puzzled me in that at first glance I seem to have learned nothing else from it than how to hold a sword and attack and enemy, and obvious things like never let your enemy have a chance to recover. I'm definitely missing something, either due to the translation or my inability to read between the lines. I guess I'm supposed to reflect on it and come back to it until I "get it" if there's any wisdom in here. The book is full of lines such as "research this well," "study this thoroughly," "I cannot elaborate on this in writing" and I'm not sure how these are supposed to evoke any insight in me into anything.

Furthermore, the topics are elaborated on very little in this book. I have a suspicion that all those people who rated this book highly have filled in the gap with their imagination. The edition I read presents the book as "the cornerstone of Japanese Culture" and I have absolutely no idea how this book played any significant role in Japanese culture; it baffles me. But I guess, as the book says, "these things are not explainable in detail.

It left me using sword battle as an analogy for human relations and that might be useful somehow. View all 12 comments. This is one of those books I've been "meaning to read" for years. There's a lot that could be said here, more than can be included in a "review". I think there is much of value here, I think there is much that can be learned and then misapplied by those not wise enough to understand application as well as process.

The book assumes that the one reading will have already spent much time in learning and study and plans to move on wit This is one of those books I've been "meaning to read" for years.

The Book Of Five Rings

The book assumes that the one reading will have already spent much time in learning and study and plans to move on with the learning. The book's 5 rings can in many ways be looked at as "headings" or "reminders". These are in many ways outlines of much larger subjects. There are subjects and views that on the surface seem to to be contradictory.

Musashi speaks of "venerating" the gods and the Buddhas he then speaks of total self reliance especially not appealing to or depending on the "gods or Buddhas". The most commonly used phrase in translation is "this should be investigated thoroughly". An interesting book that does not claim to supply truth but to help in your finding what is the truth Musashi would probably add "for you".

A book to think about and approach with consideration and hopefully wisdom. View all 6 comments. Nov 16, Florencia rated it really liked it Shelves: I do not know how I got here. I did not even know I had this book. But I am glad I read it. This book was written by Miyamoto Musashi, a Japanese swordsman that had his first duel when he was 13 years old. Among all the tactics that can be used, he shared his insightful thoughts on several matters.

Martial arts are not just a I do not know how I got here. Martial arts are not just about technique. There are some principles to follow; there is a clarity of mind to be reached. You have to be able to find a balance between a world of war and a world of peace. The last "ring", the Book of Void Feb 19, Greg rated it really liked it Shelves: I was intrigued by how his nine principles seemd to apply to life in general and leaders in particular, in addition to his intended audience of swordsmen.

His nine principles, from the translation I prefer, are as follows: Do not think dishonestly 2. The Way is in training 3. Become acquainted with every art 4. Know the Ways of all professions 5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters 6. Develop intuitive judgment and understanding of everything 7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen 8. Pay attention even to trifles 9. Do nothing which is of no use As a set of core principles, these are not a bad way to lead one's life.

I have different expectation when l looked at the cover book. There was a modern-day white collar person mimicking ancient Japanese samurai pose. So, I have expectation there was some modern interpretation in business management based on Miyamoto Musashi's teachings. Then I found the book's content was basically translations of ancient text, without much interpretations into modern management style. That's why I rated it only 3 star. The philosophy value itself beyond my own judgment.

View all 4 comments. Nov 01, Kristi rated it liked it Shelves: Despite Musashi's many admonitions to "investigate this thoroughly," I fear that I have not done so enough to truly understand or appreciate the profundity of The Book of Five Rings ; however, it was interesting to read this work about swordsmanship and strategy and to think about the ways that it has been applied to business and perhaps other aspects of Japanese life.

I'm not going to deny the fact that it was hard to see beyond the direct references to sword fighting and martial arts at times-- Despite Musashi's many admonitions to "investigate this thoroughly," I fear that I have not done so enough to truly understand or appreciate the profundity of The Book of Five Rings ; however, it was interesting to read this work about swordsmanship and strategy and to think about the ways that it has been applied to business and perhaps other aspects of Japanese life.

I'm not going to deny the fact that it was hard to see beyond the direct references to sword fighting and martial arts at times--fundamentally, that's what this book is about, although defeating one's opponent is a profoundly psychological and spiritual task as well for Musashi. But particularly in The Fire Chapter where he begins to delve into the art of defeating many foes, the application to the market was much easier to divine. The emphasis on initiative and rhythm and true observation are all very pertinent to many aspects of competition and negotiation.

Still, I have a feeling I would need to read this book carefully a few more times in order to really grasp it. In that sense, it's different from Bushido The Soul of Japan , which is much easier to see as a guide to one's way of life. Bushido The Soul of Japan was also written in English, which may aid its portability.

Frequently bought together

It was harder for me to jump from the literal battle strategy elements of The Book of Five Rings to larger themes. I'd recommend this to people interested in martial arts, the Japanese "way," Japanese history, "traditional" ideas of Japanese culture, and maybe business strategy. But those interested in the latter are going to have to wade through a lot of tall about stances and swords before you get your kernels of wisdom. This book was read for a session of the Nitobe Kokusai Juku.

• Capri 1986 Yoji ishikawa photo library (Japanese Edition)!
• The Old Testament Made Easier - Part 2.
• Alter Schwede!: Zwei Hochzeiten und ein Elchgeweih (German Edition).
• The Book of Five Rings - Wikipedia.
• A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy by Miyamoto Musashi!
• Bestselling Series.

Aug 23, Robert rated it liked it Shelves: This book, written by a famous Japanese duelist, tells one of his relatives how to win with the sword. It is divided into five "Rings" based on five "Elements". He concentrates on Strategy and does not talk about the best guard to take or other technicalities. Many people find this book to be immoral as it espouses winning at all costs in a deadly pursuit. I regard it more as a-moral. Musashi simply never considers the question. He is simply putting down his concept of Strategy.

Perhaps the mora This book, written by a famous Japanese duelist, tells one of his relatives how to win with the sword. Perhaps the moral onus is on the reader of the book? Students of Zen would do well to read the book, particularly the final Ring - entitled The Void. Afterward the perceptive student would take up an individual sport - not necessarily fencing, tennis would do just as well - and give up trying to solve koans. After all, even the Masters say that the more you study Zen the further from enlightenment you get and there can be little doubt that Musashi was a master.

This translation from the original Japanese also contains an insightful introduction. Swordsman Miyamoto Mausashi had written The Book of the Five Rings with a practical approach to swordsmanship, on how to use the sword, where to stand and use the sun or shadows. For him, the point of battle was not showmanship it was winning, That's why he never lost a duel. The Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death. In short, the Way of my school is the spirit o Swordsman Miyamoto Mausashi had written The Book of the Five Rings with a practical approach to swordsmanship, on how to use the sword, where to stand and use the sun or shadows.

In short, the Way of my school is the spirit of winning, whatever the weapon and whatever its size. This is the practical result of strategy. This is the Way for men who want to learn my strategy: Do not think dishonestly. The Way is in training. Become acquainted with every art. Know the Ways of professions.

Book Of Five Rings

Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters. Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything. Perceive those things which cannot be seen. Pay attention even to trifles. Do nothing which is of no use. Water adopts the shape of its receptacle, it is sometimes a trickle and sometimes a wild sea. Water has a clear blue color. Be neither insufficiently spirited nor over spirited. An elevated spirit is weak and a low spirit is weak.