Ancient Eastern Philosophers

Under the sword lifted high, There is hell making you tremble. But go ahead, And you have the land of bliss.

—Miyamoto Musashi

There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.

—Miyamoto Musashi

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

—Miyamoto Musashi

All man are the same except for their belief in their own selves, regardless of what others may think of them.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.

—Miyamoto Musashi

If you know the way broadly you will see it in everything.

—Miyamoto Musashi

You should not have any special fondness for a particular weapon, or anything else, for that matter. Too much is the same as not enough. Without imitating anyone else, you should have as much weaponry as suits you.

—Miyamoto Musashi

You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain

—Miyamoto Musashi

Never be jealous.

—Miyamoto Musashi

It is difficult to understand the universe if you only study one planet.

—Miyamoto Musashi

The important thing in strategy is to suppress the enemy’s useful actions but allow his useless actions.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Whatever the Way, the master of strategy does not appear fast.. Of course, slowness is bad. Really skilful people never get out of time, and are always deliberate, and never appear busy.

—Miyamoto Musashi

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

—Miyamoto Musashi

Be indifferent to where you live.

—Miyamoto Musashi

To know ten thousand things, know one well.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Do not regret what you have done.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Perception is strong and sight weak. In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Do not fear death.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Do not sleep under a roof. Carry no money or food. Go alone to places frightening to the common brand of men. Become a criminal of purpose. Be put in jail, and extricate yourself by your own wisdom.

—Miyamoto Musashi

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

—Miyamoto Musashi

Do not pursue the taste of good food.

—Miyamoto Musashi

In battle, if you you make your opponent flinch, you have already won.

—Miyamoto Musashi

The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Never stray from the Way.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

—Miyamoto Musashi

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

—Miyamoto Musashi

The only reason a warrior is alive is to fight, and the only reason a warrior fights is to win.

—Miyamoto Musashi