Mastering Self-Discipline: Unveiling the 21 Rules of Dokkodo by Miyamoto Musashi

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The 21 Precepts of Dokkodo:

1. Accept everything just the way it is.

It is crucial to acknowledge that some things in life are beyond our control, and we must learn to accept them as they are. Denying the reality of our present circumstances or past experiences will only create unnecessary internal conflict. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate an open mind and avoid having a rigid worldview. Rather than trying to force a pre-existing structure onto something, we should remain flexible in our understanding of it.

Moreover, cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort that arises when we hold two or more conflicting beliefs or values, can be a significant obstacle to personal growth. To avoid it, we should strive to maintain consistency in our thoughts, actions, and beliefs. We can do this by being self-aware and actively seeking out new information and perspectives to challenge our existing views. By doing so, we can cultivate a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the world around us.

2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

Do not seek pleasure for its own sake. Do not become emotionally attached to pleasure, because pleasure for the sake of pleasure can lower your 'level' as a human being. It can make you less human and more animalistic. If you don't understand this point, just think of people who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or other things. They have only one god - their fix.

Pleasure itself won't fulfill you. Satisfaction is secondary to purpose. Happiness is a by-product of achievement, self-understanding, and calmness. Pleasure must be earned. When you chase pleasure solely for the sake of pleasure, you feel good without earning the right to dopamine. This only fulfills the body, not the spirit.

Just take a look at the story of the Buddha. The man had everything. He was a prince, and yet he still wasn't satisfied. Something was lacking.

3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.

It is important not to rely on a partial feeling in any situation. If you are uncertain about something or someone, it is crucial to proceed with caution. Merely "kind of" believing in something is not the same as truly believing in it, and this applies to self-belief as well. Some things require your complete conviction, and if you feel unsure, it is best to take a step back, refine and rethink your plan. Attacking thoughtlessly leaves you vulnerable to a counterattack.

4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

"Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world" means that you should not be self-centered and think only about yourself. It is important to have a broader perspective and create a mental model of the world that is constantly improving as you gain more knowledge and experience. By not being too absorbed in yourself, you are more likely to be adaptable to change and able to move beyond obstacles. Your ability to change and thrive will make you stand out from others.

5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.

It is essential to remain detached from your desires throughout your life. It's natural to have desires, but it is necessary not to become too attached to them to the point of losing perspective. Just like a drug addict who is blinded by the consequences of their actions, an attachment to desire can make you vulnerable to manipulation and errors.

6. Do not regret what you have done.

One of the most common human emotions is regret. It's natural to feel remorseful about certain decisions or actions taken in the past. However, it's important to realize that regret is a wasted emotion. It's a sunk cost that won't do anything to change the situation at hand. It's important to acknowledge and accept what has happened, but dwelling on it for too long will only slow you down.

If you feel guilty about something, it's a sign that you've learned from that mistake. It's a reminder to be more careful and thoughtful in the future. Don't suppress your guilt, but rather make a note of it and try to understand what went wrong. This will help you avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Remember, you cannot change the past. The only thing you can do is learn from it and grow. Holding onto deep regrets will only hinder your personal growth and development. So, instead of focusing on what you could have done differently, focus on the present and how you can make a positive change moving forward.

7. Never be jealous.

Jealousy is a complex emotion that can make us feel uneasy and insecure. It often arises when we perceive that someone has something we do not have or when we feel that we are not receiving the same level of attention or admiration as someone else. However, it is important to remember that jealousy is not a productive or healthy emotion to hold onto. It can lead to feelings of resentment, bitterness, and even anger towards others.

Instead of allowing jealousy to consume us, we should strive to use it as a source of inspiration. When we see someone who has achieved something we desire, we can learn from their success and use it as motivation to improve ourselves. By focusing on our own growth and development, we can turn jealousy into a positive force in our lives.

Ultimately, jealousy is a futile emotion because our wants and desires are infinite. No matter how much we achieve or acquire, there will always be something else we desire. By embracing a mindset of gratitude for what we have and using the success of others as inspiration, we can find greater happiness and fulfillment in our own lives.

8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.

Throughout our lives, we will inevitably experience separation from people we care about. However, it is important to remember that attachment is not the same thing as love. While we may become emotionally attached to others, true love transcends the physical and temporal limitations of our human existence. We must also acknowledge that people come and go from our lives, and that everyone, regardless of gender, will eventually pass away. Despite the impermanence of our human relationships, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God is a constant presence in our lives, providing us with the love and support we need to navigate the ups and downs of life.

9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others.

When we hold onto resentment and constantly complain, it not only affects us but also those around us. These negative emotions can impede progress and prevent us from achieving our goals. Moreover, they can decrease our happiness and inner calmness, making it difficult to enjoy the present moment. Therefore, it's important to let go of resentments and practice gratitude and positivity instead. By doing so, we can cultivate a more peaceful and fulfilling life for ourselves and those we interact with.

10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.

It is important to exercise caution when making decisions that are driven by emotions of love or lust. These powerful feelings have the potential to cloud our judgment and lead us down a path that we may later regret. History is replete with examples of individuals who acted impulsively due to a momentary desire, only to find themselves facing serious consequences such as loss of reputation, financial ruin, or even incarceration. Therefore, it is essential to take a step back and evaluate the situation rationally before making any decisions that may have long-term implications.

11. In all things have no preferences.

It's important to maintain an open mind when it comes to new experiences. Having strong preferences can limit your growth and prevent you from broadening your horizons. By staying open to different ideas, perspectives, and ways of doing things, you give yourself the opportunity to learn and grow in ways that you might not have otherwise. So, be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences, even if they don't align perfectly with your preconceived notions. You never know what you might discover and how it might positively impact your life.

12. Be indifferent to where you live.

The place where you reside should not be a factor that affects your happiness or contentment. Whether you live in a luxurious palace or a dense jungle, your life satisfaction should not be determined by your surroundings. Similarly, your social status, whether you are impoverished or affluent, should not dictate your level of sadness or disappointment. The life of Siddhartha, famously known as Gautama Buddha, is a perfect example of this philosophy. He left his privileged life to seek enlightenment and was able to find true inner peace despite living a simple life. Nowadays, with the internet, you can work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have access to an internet connection. This means that you can run your business from any location, regardless of where you physically reside.

13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.

Miyamoto Musashi, a renowned Japanese swordsman and warrior, had a unique perspective on food. To him, food was not merely a source of pleasure or enjoyment but rather a means of providing necessary nutrition and energy to sustain his body. As a disciplined and focused warrior, he viewed food as a tool to fuel his physical and mental abilities, rather than something to be indulged in for its taste. Musashi's approach to food reflects his philosophy of simplicity and practicality, where he prioritized function over form and focused on what was essential for his survival and success as a warrior.

14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.

When traveling, it's advisable to release the possessions that are no longer necessary for your journey. Whether you're going on a long hike or a sightseeing tour, carrying too much luggage can make your trip more challenging and put you at risk of getting tired, injured, or lost. Furthermore, letting go of unnecessary possessions can provide you with a sense of freedom and lightness, allowing you to enjoy your trip more fully. Therefore, it's essential to assess your belongings and identify what you genuinely need to bring with you and what you can leave behind. By doing so, you can ensure a safer and smoother journey both physically and metaphorically.

15. Do not act following customary beliefs.

It's essential to avoid blindly following customary beliefs without questioning their validity. It's crucial to think for yourself and avoid becoming like an NPC. Just because everyone else is doing something, it doesn't necessarily make it a good idea. It's important to evaluate the situation and make an informed decision based on your own judgment. On the other hand, just because no one else does something, it doesn't make it a bad idea. Sometimes, the best ideas are the ones that break away from the norm and challenge the status quo. It's crucial to be open to new ideas and perspectives and not be afraid to stand out from the crowd. By doing so, you can create something unique and valuable that others may not have thought of before.

16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.

The message "Master one form to perfection. Do not be the rabbit that picks up a carrot and then drops it as he tries to pick up another" is a piece of advice that comes from a Shaolin discipline. This advice seems to suggest that one should focus on mastering a single skill or discipline instead of trying to learn too many things at once. On the other hand, Miyamoto Musashi, a famous Japanese swordsman and philosopher, prioritized specialization over being a generalist. However, it's important to consider that Musashi lived in a time when automation and technology were not available, and people had to rely on their individual skills and expertise to survive. In today's world, we have access to code and machines that can do highly specialized tasks for us. Therefore, being a polymath or multi-disciplinary seems to be a better approach in the modern-day context. By learning multiple skills, we can adapt to different situations and have a better chance of success in a rapidly changing world.

17. Do not fear death.

One should not let the fear of death consume them, as it can weaken even the most valiant of warriors. Instead, it is crucial to approach life with the same level of composure and attentiveness as one would when engaging in a sparring match. By doing so, you can increase your likelihood of achieving your goals and fulfilling your potential. Ultimately, it is important to remember that regardless of our differences and accomplishments, we are all mortal beings who share the same fate in the end.

18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.

Miyamoto Musashi was a renowned Ronin, a samurai who lived in Japan during the 17th century and was known for his impressive swordsmanship skills. He was not affiliated with any lord or master and lived his life on his own terms. One of his teachings, which has been widely discussed, was "Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age." This advice may have been appropriate for the feudal era, but in today's world, not having any resources for retirement may not be practical.

It is advisable to save money for your old age as it can provide a sense of financial security and independence. Relying on others or hunting for food may not be a viable option for most people in the modern age. Therefore, it is important to plan and prepare for the future by investing in retirement plans, building up savings, and creating a sustainable financial plan. This will ensure that you can live comfortably and independently in your old age without being a burden on others. Remember, financial planning is a crucial aspect of life and should not be ignored.

19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.

It is important to acknowledge and show respect to Buddha and the gods, but it is equally important to understand that relying solely on their help may not always be enough. Buddha and the gods are often seen as sources of wisdom, guidance, and protection, and many people turn to them for assistance in navigating the challenges of life. However, it is essential to recognize that they may not provide all the answers or solutions to our problems.

Instead, it is vital to understand that our actions and efforts play a critical role in achieving our goals and aspirations. Luck alone cannot guarantee success, and those who rely on it often fail due to a lack of planning and effort. Therefore, it is essential to work hard, be diligent, and have a clear plan to achieve our objectives.

By doing so, we can increase our chances of success and lead a fulfilling life. We can seek inspiration from the teachings of Buddha, and the gods can offer us protection and guidance along the way. However, ultimately, it is up to us to take the necessary steps towards our goals and not rely solely on external forces. By having a well-thought-out plan, working hard, and being diligent, we can achieve our objectives and lead a successful and fulfilling life, all while acknowledging the role of Buddha and the gods in our journey.

20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.

The following words contain a deep and profound message that holds great significance for individuals who value honor and integrity. The statement "You may abandon your own body, but you must preserve your honor" suggests that maintaining one's honor and dignity is critical, even in the face of grave danger or adversity. It underscores the idea that physical death is inevitable, but one's honor is something that should not be compromised under any circumstances.

Furthermore, it is essential to avoid dishonorable actions and behaviors that conflict with one's internal moral compass. The statement "While you should not regret anything you've done, it does not mean you should do dishonorable things" emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one's actions and decisions. It is crucial to stay true to your values and beliefs, even when faced with external pressures or difficult situations.

In Japanese culture, honor, respect, and dignity hold immense value. The phrase "The Japanese value honor above life" reflects a cultural value system that prioritizes integrity over everything else. It is a reminder that one's reputation and honor are worth more than anything else.

The statement "I would rather lose honor than life, but only in life and death situations" suggests that while maintaining one's honor is of utmost importance, there may be rare and extreme situations where it is acceptable to compromise it for survival. However, such situations should be carefully evaluated, and one should strive to maintain their honor and values whenever possible.

Finally, the phrase "Honor can be regained, but once you lose your dice, you can never play again" highlights the notion that once lost, regaining honor can be a challenging task. It is a valuable asset that should never be taken for granted, and every effort should be made to protect and uphold it.

21. Never stray from the Way.

The path we take in life is critical to our success and happiness. It's essential to choose the right path and make conscious decisions that align with our values and aspirations. When we believe in something, it's crucial to give it our all and fully commit to it. This means dedicating our time, effort, and resources to achieve our goals and dreams.

Time is a most precious commodity because it's something we can never get back. It's crucial to use every moment wisely. Each moment presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the world around us. As we age, we realize that our energy levels decrease, making it even more vital to prioritize our time and make every moment count.

Success is not just about achieving our goals; it's also about the journey we take to get there. The obstacles we overcome, the people we meet, and the lessons we learn along the way shape us into who we are and prepare us for the future. It's essential to stay focused, stay determined, and always keep moving forward, even when faced with challenges. By doing so, we can achieve our goals, make a positive impact on the world, and live a fulfilling life.