The Way of Walking Alone: 21 Principles For Life by Miyamoto Musashi (Dokkodo)

foreign[Music]also known as the way of walking alonethis is a set of principles created byMiyamoto Musashi a famous Samurai andswordsmanship expert in Japanthe dokodo is a guide To Living afulfilling life through self-disciplinemindfulness and detachmentbefore we get into the principles of thedokodo let's first understand thecontext in which it was createdMiyamoto Musashi lived during the 17thcentury a time when Japan was in a stateof constant turmoil he was a ronin amasterless samurai who spent much of hislife traveling the country and engagingin duels with other Warriors despite hisreputation as one of the greatestSwordsmen in history Musashi eventuallygrew tired of violence and sought tofind a more peaceful way of lifeit was during this time that he wrotethe dokodo which he intended as a guidefor himself and others who wished tolive a fulfilling lifethe doc kodo is divided into 21principles Each of which offers a uniqueperspective on how to live a fulfillinglifefirst let's take a look at some of theoverarching themes of the dokodoself-disciplineMusashi believed that self-disciplinewas the key to living a fulfilling lifewithout it we're easily swayed by ouremotions and impulses which can lead topoor decisions and a lack of Directionby cultivating self-discipline we'reable to stay focused on our goals andmake choices that align with our valuesthe second theme is mindfulness Musashibelieved that being present in themoment was essential to living afulfilling lifewhen we're mindful we're able toappreciate the beauty of the worldaround us and find joy in SimplePleasureswe're also able to recognize our ownthoughts and feelings which allows us torespond to them in a more constructivewaythe final theme of the dokodo isdetachmentMusashi believed that being attached tomaterial possessions or external factorswas a source of suffering by letting goof our attachments we're able to findinner peace and live a more fulfillinglifeaccept everything just the way it is[Music]now that we've established the themes ofthe dokudo let's take a closer look ateach of the 21 principlesthe first principle is accept everythingjust the way it isthis principle emphasizes the importanceof accepting reality for what it israther than trying to impose our ownexpectations onto it by accepting thingsas they are we're able to avoidunnecessary frustration anddisappointment we're also able torecognize the opportunities that existwithin any given situation rather thanfocusing solely on its drawbacksacceptance is a powerful tool for innerpeace and contentment when we learn toaccept everything just the way it is welet go of our need to control or changeexternal circumstances this principleencourages us to look at our lives withan open mind and heart free fromjudgment or preconceived notions bydoing so we allow ourselves to see theworld as it truly is rather than throughthe lens of our own expectations anddesiresof course acceptance is easier said thandone it can be difficult to let go ofour attachment to certain outcomes orsituations especially when they don'talign with our vision for our livesbut by practicing acceptance we cancultivate a greater sense of inner peaceand contentment regardless of what lifethrows our waywe can also learn to appreciate thebeauty and wonder of the world around useven in the midst of adversity[Music]the second principle is do not seekpleasure for its own sakethis principle reminds us that pleasureshould not be our sole focus in lifewhile it's important to enjoy thepleasures of life such as good foodentertainment and companionship weshould not become so consumed by themthat we lose sight of our goals andvalues by avoiding excessive pleasureseeking we are able to maintain a senseof balance and perspective in our livesthe pursuit of pleasure is a natural andhuman desire but it can also be a sourceof suffering when we seek pleasure forits own sake we often become trapped ina cycle of craving and addictionthis principle encourages us to approachpleasure with a sense of moderation anddiscernmentrecognizing that true happiness comesnot from external Pleasures but fromwithinof course this is easier said than doneit can be challenging to resist theAllure of instant gratification and tocultivate a sense of inner contentmenthowever by practicing self-disciplineand moderation we can learn to find joyin Simple Pleasures and to cultivate agreater sense of satisfaction in ourlivesthe third principle is do not under anycircumstances depend on a partialfeeling[Music]this principle warns against makingdecisions based solely on our emotionsor temporary impulses instead We shouldstrive to make decisions based on a deepunderstanding of ourselves and ourcircumstancesby doing so we are able to avoid makingrash or ill-informed decisions that wemay later regret this principleencourages us to cultivate a sense ofDetachment from our emotions andfeelingsrather than becoming attached tospecific emotions or moods we areencouraged to remain open and receptiveto all experiences by doing so wecultivate a greater sense of innerbalance and stability free from thehighs and lows of emotional volatilityof course this principle does notencourage us to become numb orindifferent to our emotions instead itencourages us to approach our emotionswith a sense of Detachment andnon-attachment recognizing that they areimpermanent and subject to changeby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and stability evenin the face of challenging circumstances[Music]the fourth principle is think lightly ofyourself and deeply of the worldthis principle encourages us to behumble and avoid becoming too attachedto our own sense of importance byfocusing on the world around us we'reable to gain a greater appreciation forits beauty and complexitythis in turn can help us to feel moreconnected to others and to the largerforces that shape Our Livesthis principle encourages us tocultivate a sense of humility andopenness to the world around us bythinking lightly of ourselves we freeourselves from the burden of ego andself-importance by thinking deeply ofthe world we cultivate a greater senseof connection and empathy for others ofcourse this principle does not encourageus to devalue our own Worth or toneglect our own needs rather itencourages us to approach the world witha sense of curiosity and wonderrecognizing the vastness and complexityof the universe around usby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of humility and gratitude andconnect more deeply with the world andthe people around us[Music]the fifth principle is be detached fromdesire your whole life longthis principle emphasizes the importanceof letting go of our attachments tomaterial possessions power and otherexternal factorsby doing so we're able to find innerpeace and live a more fulfilling lifewe're also able to focus our attentionon things that truly matter such as ourrelationships our passions and ourpersonal growth this principleencourages us to cultivate a sense ofnon-attachment to our desires andCravings by doing so we free ourselvesfrom the cycle of craving and addictionthat can trap us in a state of sufferingby cultivating a sense of Detachment welearn to find joy and satisfaction inthe present moment rather than in thepursuit of external desiresof course this principle does notencourage us to neglect our goals or toabandon our dreams rather it encouragesus to approach our desires with a senseof Detachment and non-attachmentrecognizing that they are impermanentand subject to changeby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and contentmenteven when our external circumstances maynot align with our desiresthe sixth principle is do not regretwhat you have donethis principle reminds us that we cannotchange the past and that dwelling on ourmistakes or shortcomings only serves tohold us backinstead of regretting what we've done weshould focus on learning from ourexperiences and moving forward withgreater wisdom and insightregret is a powerful emotion that cantrap us in the past and prevent us frommoving forwardthis principle encourages us to approachour past actions with the sense ofacceptance and forgiveness recognizingthat every experience and decision hasbrought us to where we are todayby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of regret and allow ourselves tofully embrace the present momentof course this principle does notencourage us to neglect the lessons thatwe can learn from our past mistakesrather it encourages us to approach ourpast actions with a sense of Detachmentand non-judgment recognizing that wecannot change what has already happenedby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and acceptance andmove forward with greater Clarity andpurpose[Music]foreignthe seventh principle is never bejealousthis principle warns against thedestructive power of jealousy which canlead us to feel resentful and bittertowards others by cultivating a sense ofequanimity and Detachment we are able toavoid becoming envious of others andinstead focus on our own growth anddevelopmentjealousy is a powerful emotion that canerode our sense of self-worth andconnection with othersthis principle encourages us to approachour relationships and interactions withothers with a sense of generosity andnon-attachment recognizing that we allhave our own unique paths and Journeysin lifeby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of jealousy and allow ourselvesto fully appreciate the beauty andwonder of the world around usthis principle does not encourage us toneglect our own needs or to neglect theimportance of healthy relationshipsrather it encourages us to approach ourrelationships with a sense of Detachmentand non-judgmentrecognizing that we cannot control theactions or decisions of othersby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and contentment andFoster deeper and more meaningfulconnections with the people around us[Music]the eighth principle is never letyourself be saddened by a separationthis principle reminds us thatseparations are a natural part of lifeand that we should not become tooattached to any one person or situationby accepting the impermanence of lifewe're able to find greater peace andcontentment even in the face of loss orchangesorrow is a natural and human emotionbut it can also be a source of sufferingthis principle encourages us to approachour experiences of sorrow and grief witha sense of Detachment and non-attachmentrecognizing that these emotions areimpermanent and subject to change[Music]by doing so we free ourselves from theburden of sorrow and allow ourselves tofully embrace the present momentof course this principle does notencourage us to neglect the importanceof processing our emotions or seekingsupport when neededrather it encourages us to approach ourexperiences of sorrow and grief with asense of Detachment and non-judgmentrecognizing that these emotions are anatural part of The Human Experienceby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and acceptance andmove forward with greater Clarity andpurposethank youthe ninth principle is resentment andcomplaint are appropriate neither foroneself nor othersthis principle warns against thedestructive power of negativity whichcan lead us to become bitter andresentful towards others instead ofcomplaining or harboring resentment Weshould strive to find constructivesolutions to our problems and tomaintain a positive outlook even in theface of adversityresentment and complaints are powerfulemotions that can erode our sense ofinner peace and contentmentthis principle encourages us to approachour experiences of anger and frustrationwith a sense of Detachment andnon-attachment recognizing that theseemotions are impermanent and subject tochangeby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of resentment and complaints andallow ourselves to fully embrace thepresent momentthis principle does not encourage us toneglect the importance of settingboundaries or addressing injustices whenneeded rather it encourages us toapproach our experiences of anger andfrustration with a sense of Detachmentand non-judgment recognizing that theseemotions are a natural part of The HumanExperienceby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and acceptance andapproach challenging situations withgreater Clarity and purposethe tenth principle is do not letyourself be guided by the feeling oflust or love[Music]this principle emphasizes the importanceof maintaining a sense of Detachment inour relationships rather than becomingtoo caught up in our emotionsby doing so we are able to avoidbecoming overly dependent on others andinstead cultivate a sense ofself-reliance and Independencelust and love are powerful emotions thatcan often Cloud our judgment and lead usastraythis principle encourages us to approachour experiences of Attraction andattachment with a sense of Detachmentand non-attachmentrecognizing that these emotions areimpermanent and subject to changeby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of lust and love and allowourselves to fully embrace the presentmomentit encourages us to approach ourexperiences of Attraction and attachmentwith a sense of Detachment andnon-judgment recognizing that we cannotcontrol the actions or decisions ofothersby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and contentment andFoster deeper and more meaningfulconnections with the people around us[Music]the eleventh principle is in all thingshave no preferencesthis principle reminds us that ourpreferences are often shaped by our ownbiases and limitations and that weshould strive to remain open-minded andflexible in our approach to lifeby doing so we're able to appreciate thediversity of the world and to find joyin the unexpected and the unknownpreferences are a natural part of thehuman experience but they can also be asource of suffering this principleencourages us to approach ourexperiences with a sense of Detachmentand non-attachment recognizing thateverything is impermanent and subject tochangeby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of preferences and allowourselves to fully embrace the presentmomentthis principle does not encourage us toneglect the importance of making choicesor to abandon our values and beliefsrather it encourages us to approach ourexperiences with a sense of Detachmentand non-judgment recognizing that thereis no inherent right or wrong way tolive our livesby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and acceptance andmove forward with greater Clarity andpurpose[Music]be indifferent to where you livethis principle encourages us tocultivate a sense of inner peace andcontentment regardless of our externalcircumstancesby detaching ourselves from our physicalsurroundings we're able to find greaterfreedom and flexibility in our liveswe're also able to focus more fully onour inner development and thecultivation of our own characterour external circumstances such as ourliving situation can often have apowerful impact on our sense ofwell-being and happinessthis principle encourages us to approachour living situation with a sense ofDetachment and non-attachmentrecognizing that our sense of innerpeace and contentment comes from withinrather than from our externalcircumstancesof course this principle does notencourage us to neglect the importanceof creating a safe and comfortableliving environmentrather it encourages us to approach ourliving situation with a sense ofDetachment and non-judgment recognizingthat our external circumstances areimpermanent and subject to changeby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and contentment andfocus our energy on the things thattruly matter in lifeprinciple 13 do not pursue the taste ofgood foodfood is a natural and necessary part oflife but it can also be a source ofattachment and suffering this principleencourages us to approach ourrelationship with food with a sense ofDetachment and non-attachmentrecognizing that the pleasure of goodfood is impermanent and subject tochangeby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of attachment to food and allowourselves to fully embrace the presentmomentthis principle does not encourage us toneglect the importance of nourishing ourbodies or to deprive ourselves of thepleasure of good foodrather it encourages us to approach ourrelationship with food with a sense ofDetachment and non-judgmentrecognizing that food is a means to anend rather than an end in itselfby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and contentment andapproach our relationship with food in ahealthy and balanced wayprinciple 15 do not act following commoncustoms[Music]social norms and Customs can oftendictate how we live our lives andapproach our experiences but they canalso be a source of constraint andlimitation this principle encourages usto approach our experiences with a senseof Detachment and non-attachmentrecognizing that there is no inherentright or wrong way to live our lives bydoing so we free ourselves from theburden of societal expectations andallow ourselves to fully embrace thepresent momentthis principle does not encourage us toneglect the importance of community orto abandon our values and beliefsit encourages us to approach ourexperiences with a sense of Detachmentand non-judgment recognizing that wehave the power to make our own choicesand live our lives in a way that alignswith our true selvesby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and contentment andmove forward with greater Clarity andpurpose[Music]principle 16 do not be jealous orenviousjealousy and envy are common humanemotions but they can also be a sourceof great suffering and discontent thisprinciple encourages us to approach ourrelationships and experiences with asense of Detachment and non-attachmentrecognizing that the success andhappiness of others does not diminishour own Worth or happinessby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of comparison and jealousy andallow ourselves to fully embrace thepresent moment of course this principledoes not encourage us to neglect theimportance of healthy competition or toabandon our goals and ambitionsit encourages us to approach ourrelationships and experiences with asense of Detachment and non-judgmentrecognizing that we have the power toDefine our own success and happinesswe can cultivate a greater sense ofinner peace and contentment and approachour relationships and experiences in ahealthy and balanced wayprinciple 17. do not hold on to anger orresentmentanger and resentment can be powerful andoverwhelming emotions but they can alsobe a source of great suffering andturmoilthis principle encourages us to approachour emotions with a sense of Detachmentand non-attachment recognizing thatanger and resentment are impermanent andsubject to changeby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of negative emotions and allowourselves to fully embrace the presentmomentthis principle does not encourage us toneglect the importance of acknowledgingand processing our emotions or toabandon our sense of justice andfairnessrather it encourages us to approach ouremotions with a sense of Detachment andnon-judgment recognizing that we havethe power to choose how we respond todifficult situations and experienceswe can cultivate a greater sense ofinner peace and contentment and approachour emotions in a healthy and balancedway[Music]principle 18 do not Place yourself aboveothersthe human ego is a powerful force thatcan often lead us to believe that we aresuperior to others this principleencourages us to approach ourrelationships and experiences with asense of humility and non-attachmentrecognizing that all beings are equaland deserving of respect and compassionby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of egothis principle does not encourage us toneglect the importance of self-respector to abandon our sense of individualityrather it encourages us to approach ourrelationships and experiences with asense of humility and non-judgmentrecognizing that we are allinterconnected and dependent on eachotherby doing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and contentmentand approach our relationships andexperiences in a healthy and balancedway[Music]principle 19 do not be attached to yourposition[Music]Define ourselves by our job titles orsocial status but these external markersof identity can also be a source ofgreat suffering and discontentthis principle encourages us to approachour experiences with a sense ofDetachment and non-attachmentrecognizing that our position in societydoes not define our Worth or happinessby doing so we free ourselves from theburden of attachment and allow ourselvesto fully embrace the present moment ofcourse this principle does not encourageus to neglect the importance of pursuingour passions or to abandon our sense ofpurpose and Direction rather itencourages us to approach ourexperiences with a sense of Detachmentand non-judgment recognizing that ourtrue worth lies in our inequalities andcharacter[Music]we can cultivate a greater sense ofinner peace and contentment and approachour experiences in a healthy andbalanced wayprinciple 20 do not be preoccupied withliving a long life[Music]many of us fear death and cling to lifeas if it is the only thing that mattersthis principle encourages us to approachour mortality with a sense of acceptanceand non-attachment recognizing thatdeath is an inevitable part of The HumanExperiencethis principle does not encourage us toneglect the importance of taking care ofour health or to abandon our sense ofself-preservationit encourages us to approach ourmortality with a sense of acceptance andnon-judgment recognizing that our timeon this Earth is limited and precious bydoing so we can cultivate a greatersense of inner peace and contentment andapproach our lives in a healthy andbalanced wayprinciple 21 do not Stray From the Paththe final principle of the dokudo isperhaps the most straightforward do notStray From the Path this principleencourages us to stay true to our valuesand principles and to avoid gettingsidetracked by distractions ortemptations that may lead us away fromour goalsin many ways this principle is asummation of all the other principlesthat precede itby cultivating a sense of Detachmentself-awareness and inner peace we canstay focused on our goals and maintain asense of clarity and purpose even in theface of adversityof course staying true to our path isnot always easy life is full ofdistractions and challenges that cantest our resolve and lead us astrayhowever by embracing the principles ofthe docoto and making a commitment tostay true to our values and principleswe can stay focused on our path andachieve the success and fulfillment weseekthe docado or the way of walking aloneoffers a powerful and Timeless set ofprinciples for living a meaningful andfulfilling lifewhile these principles were originallyintended for the samurai class they areequally applicable to people from allwalks of life and backgroundsthe principles of the dokodo encourageus to approach our lives with a sense ofDetachment and non-attachmentrecognizing that the pursuit of externalsuccess and happiness can often lead usastrayby cultivating a greater sense of innerpeace and contentment we can approachour relationships and experiences in ahealthy and balanced way and find truefulfillment in the present moment[Music]the part of the Dakota is not an easyone and it requires a great deal ofself-discipline and introspectionhowever by embracing these principlesand striving to live our lives inaccordance with them we can unlock ourfull potential as human beings and Leadlives of meaning and purposeforeign[Music]