Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645)
(Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy)
For 2011, one of our goals was to not only convey some philosophies and thoughts on custom web site design, marketing, sales and search engine optimization; but to do so influenced by amazing real people (not deity's, folklore or fantasy) who have achieved extraordinary heights in life and in history to legendary status by their own drive and inner determination. One that stands out for many reasons is Miyamoto Musashi.
Born in 1584, Miyamoto achieved the respect and honor of a Master Samurai and legend to such a degree that by his death around 1645 he was already becoming immortalized in literary works, statues and stories.
Leading at the front various armies into battle Miyamoto was involved in at least six wars and yet he was an accomplished painter; a brilliant sculptor; and influential poet. His works are priceless and are kept in museums all over the world. Miyamoto Musashi's strategy and philosophy was direct, straightforward, unyielding and austere. Unfortunately, much of his life and accomplishments were lost to history, however most of the surviving records convey amazing stories of his achievements through his travels.
Miyamoto Musashi's incredible accomplishments are not just leading battles; he sought out, pursued and won against Samurai Masters, against legendary men, professional killers; survived and triumphed over ambushes of revenge seeking hordes and personal duels with powerful warlords. In fact, between the ages of twelve and twenty-seven/twenty-eight Miyamoto Musashi engaged in over sixty life-or-death duels of this magnitude all over Japan and never lost. Not once.
His unbelievable focus and military strategy wasn't just about combat or battle alone, which he explains in his book of strategy, "Go Rin No Sho, " it was about striving to obtain perfection in everything. He wrote that anyone who masters his strategies will be able to apply them to any field of study and in life. This was proven in his own life as he had no limits and no boundaries. Even today his strategies can be applied towards anything physical and even spiritual.
Towards the end of his life Miyamoto named only three true disciples. Before dying he gave his disciples a simple but serious requirement for anyone who claims to be a part of his school. They must take this oath: "If I am defeated in combat by another school, I will take my own life." Although this may be extreme, it is a beautiful portrayal of the faith in his doctrine.
We hope you find the strategies useful in our series and perhaps even consider some research on Miyamoto Musashi to see for yourself beyond what we found priceless in him.
(Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy)
For 2011, one of our goals was to not only convey some philosophies and thoughts on custom web site design, marketing, sales and search engine optimization; but to do so influenced by amazing real people (not deity's, folklore or fantasy) who have achieved extraordinary heights in life and in history to legendary status by their own drive and inner determination. One that stands out for many reasons is Miyamoto Musashi. Born in 1584, Miyamoto achieved the respect and honor of a Master Samurai and legend to such a degree that by his death around 1645 he was already becoming immortalized in literary works, statues and stories.
Leading at the front various armies into battle Miyamoto was involved in at least six wars and yet he was an accomplished painter; a brilliant sculptor; and influential poet. His works are priceless and are kept in museums all over the world. Miyamoto Musashi's strategy and philosophy was direct, straightforward, unyielding and austere. Unfortunately, much of his life and accomplishments were lost to history, however most of the surviving records convey amazing stories of his achievements through his travels.
Miyamoto Musashi's incredible accomplishments are not just leading battles; he sought out, pursued and won against Samurai Masters, against legendary men, professional killers; survived and triumphed over ambushes of revenge seeking hordes and personal duels with powerful warlords. In fact, between the ages of twelve and twenty-seven/twenty-eight Miyamoto Musashi engaged in over sixty life-or-death duels of this magnitude all over Japan and never lost. Not once.
His unbelievable focus and military strategy wasn't just about combat or battle alone, which he explains in his book of strategy, "Go Rin No Sho, " it was about striving to obtain perfection in everything. He wrote that anyone who masters his strategies will be able to apply them to any field of study and in life. This was proven in his own life as he had no limits and no boundaries. Even today his strategies can be applied towards anything physical and even spiritual.
Towards the end of his life Miyamoto named only three true disciples. Before dying he gave his disciples a simple but serious requirement for anyone who claims to be a part of his school. They must take this oath: "If I am defeated in combat by another school, I will take my own life." Although this may be extreme, it is a beautiful portrayal of the faith in his doctrine.
We hope you find the strategies useful in our series and perhaps even consider some research on Miyamoto Musashi to see for yourself beyond what we found priceless in him.
