Many years ago, a samurai wrote 20 rules of eternal wisdom that will help in life

Photo byWikimedia commons

20 old samurai wisdoms will help you strengthen your morale and solve all your problems.

Musashi Miyamoto, also known as Benosuke Miyamoto, has gone down in history as one of Japan's most accomplished swordsmen. His life was full of battles and victories, but it was his final work, The Way of Independent Walking, that left an indelible mark on culture and philosophy.

Musashi taught that true mastery is achieved not through defeating enemies, but through defeating oneself. He believed that every moment of life provides an opportunity for growth and that every obstacle is a chance to become stronger. The Way of Independent Walking is a manuscript that teaches us to appreciate every moment of life, to strive for excellence, and to live with honor and dignity. His words are imbued with the understanding that the warrior's path is not only endless battles, but also a constant search for truth, self-knowledge, and wisdom.

Musashi Miyamoto left behind not only stories of his exploits, but also a philosophy that continues to inspire people throughout the centuries.

We have selected 20 of the most important points from the book and adapted them to modern life:

1. Learn to accept life as it is.

Worrying about what tomorrow will bring can only sow seeds of anxiety in your heart. Live in the present, and you will find peace of mind that will help you cope with life's storms.

2. Don't pursue pleasures with the obsession of a hungry wolf

Don't turn the pursuit of joy into an obsession.

True pleasure comes to us not when we expect it, but when we allow ourselves to simply be. Don't let the constant pursuit of happiness prevent you from enjoying life's little joys.

3. Don't be impulsive.

Act thoughtfully. Intuition can be a powerful guide, but it is also important to weigh the pros and cons before making decisions to avoid making rash decisions.

4. Stop focusing on yourself.

Go beyond your ego. In the age of social media, it’s easy to get lost in the pursuit of the perfect image. Let go of empty aspirations and make time for what truly fills your life with meaning and joy.

5. Don't let jealousy control your life.

Avoid letting jealousy control your actions. Jealousy is a chain that pulls you into obsessive thoughts, distorting your perceptions and leading to erroneous judgments. Free yourself from this emotion so that it does not dictate your life.

6. Wean yourself off strong desires.

Release yourself from oppressive desires. A strong attachment can quickly turn into a destructive obsession. Learn to let go to avoid this outcome.

7. Get rid of regrets.

Let go of regrets. Regrets cloud our view of the future, hiding new opportunities from us. Let them go so you can see and take advantage of what life has to offer.

8. Don't dwell on the feelings of breakups.

Don't get stuck in past breakups. Breakups are a part of life, and they happen to everyone. It's important to remember that every event leads to something better. And remember that time is the most reliable healer that can heal any wound.

9. Don't compare yourself to anyone.

Avoid futile comparisons with others. Instead, appreciate your achievements, even if the path to them was thorny. Allow yourself to be proud of your successes or continue to strive for excellence.

10. Don't let passion and instincts control you.

Don't let your desires and instincts get the better of you. We all seek joy, but as the ancient sages teach, true bliss lies in long-term joys, not fleeting pleasures.

11. Always be open.

Be open to new things. Welcome new ideas and experiences, and your life journey will be enriched, bringing more joy and satisfaction.

12. Don't be a slave to your environment.

Don't become a prisoner of circumstances. Life is full of fleeting pleasures, and attachment to them can deprive you of freedom of choice and action.

13. Don't be insatiable.

Give up excessive desires. Musashi, following the example of his teacher Buddha, abstained from excesses. Food serves as nothing more than fuel to sustain our existence.

14. Be ascetic in your desires and needs.

Be moderate in your aspirations and needs. Everything in this world, including our body, is doomed to wither. At the end of life's journey, you cannot take even an empty matchbox with you.

15. Don't get carried away with something just because everyone else is doing it.

Don't give in to general euphoria without discrimination. Believe in what is truly valuable to you, what satisfies your mind and soul.

16. Be grateful to God, but do not rely on him.

Thank the Creator, but don't put all your hopes in him. There is a saying: "God helps those who help themselves." Deities provide direction and inspiration, but ultimately, you must overcome life's obstacles on your own.

17. Do not be afraid of death.

Face the end of life without fear. The ancient samurai text Hagakure contains wisdom that true victory in battle is possible only when you are prepared to accept death. This teaching encourages us to accept the inevitability of death, because it is an absolute truth for every being.

18. Do not draw your sword unless there is a vital need for it.

Do not resort to weapons unless absolutely necessary. To commit violence against those who are weaker and defenseless, as well as to attack others, is considered a great evil.

19. Wealth is not the goal of life.

True wealth is not measured in gold. Society cannot survive if all its members are obsessed with the desire to get rich. There is no treasure worthy of your constant attention and pursuit, for money is not the meaning of life.

20. Take care of your honor.

Value your reputation. You are your own best ally, and your reputation is your shield. Defending your honor can bring out the best in a person, because when it is put to the test, it becomes an opportunity to show your true self.

Musashi Miyamoto's teachings remind us that greatness lies not in glory or victories, but in the ability to overcome difficulties and remain true to one's principles until the very end.

Which point did you like the most? Share in the comments!