Musashi’s Prescription for Victory

Miyamoto Musashi is renowned as one of Japan’s most celebrated Sword Saints whose little book called ’A Book of Five Rings' is one of the most articulate philosophies for personal commitment for victory in battle. It is not only regarded as an important treatise in Japan but is now a text in many foreign management schools guiding students about important principles of attack and defence in an increasingly competitive world. It is an inspirational work teaching readers about the core principles of strategy and defines how a warrior must prepare and conduct himself in battle. There are many works on battle and corporate strategies but Mushashi's work is very personal.

In 16th Century Japan, Dojos or fencing halls were part of the Kendo schools attached to important temples and shrines. They were not just schools of martial arts but also schools that taught Zen, Confucian and Shinto philosophies to make them gymnasiums attracting ambitious young Samurai warriors keen to sharpen both their bodies and intellects. Zen, derived from the Buddhist word Dhyan, aims directly at the true nature of things without elaborations, ceremonies or rituals. It is essentially personal.

Musashi was born in 1584 at a time when Japan was in the throes of great internal unrest with the great Samurai clans vying for control of the figurehead emperor. He was a loner who cultivated an unkempt appearance and despised the rituals of the princely courts. He was a strong and aggressive warrior who died undefeated in 1648 after killing over 60 of Japan’s most celebrated swordsmen in single combat... often defeating well armed opponents with nothing more than a wooden stave. He later retired to a cave where he painted, composed poetry and wrote his small book on the Way of the warrior.

His book takes the reader through five stages of combat readiness. The first is the Ring of the Ground. A warrior must carefully study the terrain of combat and examine the surface, wetness, buildings, obstructions, high and low positions, sunlight, people, etc. "Know the smallest things and the biggest things, the shallowest things and the deepest things." No detail is too big or small for victory often hinges on a mastery of very small details.

The second is the Ring of Water. Water flows according to the shape of the receptacle. The river follows the contours of the mountain. The warrior must enter the battleground as if he were like water. Sometimes as a trickle and sometimes like a wild sea. Moving and changing according to the circumstances. "Be neither insufficiently spirited or over spirited. Never let the enemy see your spirit. With your spirit wide open and unconstricted look at things from a high point of view."

The third is the Ring of Fire and this concerns the warrior's spirit. Fire is always fiercely hot regardless of whether it is a tiny spark or a huge conflagration. So too the spirit must be constantly at high intensity even if the body remains outwardly calm and composed. Battle is not won just by bodies and weapons but by the spirit and a strong spirit can vanquish ten opponents. To confuse, surprise and demoralise the spirit of the enemy is an important element in victory.

This process also means ’to become the enemy' … to put yourself in the enemies position and to understand his mind and spirit. ’Crossing at a ford' means to discern the enemy's capability and to know your own strong points and then to boldly venture forth. ’To move the shade' means to make a feint attack to draw out the enemy's spirit and intentions. ’To pass on' means to pretend sleepiness or relaxation that will infect the enemy and open an opportunity. Many methods to frighten, cause loss of balance, throw into confusion, injure the corners before attacking the centre, etc., are also described.

The fourth is the ring of Air and this concerns ones environment, culture, old and new traditions, etc., and these can be liabilities as well as assets. "You may be mislead by the many side tracks in all Ways. You may think you are observing a good Way but objectively it may not be the true Way." Musashi is critical of orthodoxies and always favours flexible methods directed by clear principles and objectives. Sight and perception are two methods of seeing. One focuses on objects while the other focuses on the enemy's spirit and the overall environment. The former can limit vision while the latter enables the warrior to truly understand.

The fifth ring is the ring of the Void where all things become one without beginning or end but with a cosmic rhythm to see without seeing and to strike with effortless natural grace. Life and death are a circle and cease to be a matter of concern. Conquering the fear of death is vital to achieve the calm absolute commitment for victory. Eventually the sword becomes no sword and intention becomes no intention but a spontaneous response of every situation.

There are considerable details about the handling of swords. Samurai wore two slightly curved swords carried in their belts with the sharp sides up. A shorter ’Katana' was worn at all times and a longer ’Tachi' when out of doors. Despite this focus there is good advice for all situations. He advised balanced posture, easy footwork, smooth movement and light holding of weapons to allow flexibility of maneuver.

Timing, surprise and deception are carefully detailed. "There is rhythm only if the timing is good. Develop an intuitive judgement and understanding of everything, perceive things that cannot be seen"… to instantly seize the initiative. ’In one timing' means to instantly assess the situation and close on the enemy while he is still undecided. Alternatively to feign weakness and invite an attack to open the way for counter attack or to attack simultaneously.

His book contains constant admonitions for repeated practice and rigid discipline to master all aspects. Musashi was always prepared and alert for any eventuality. He never even had a full bath for fear that he might be surprised and unable to defend himself. There was however always a clear commitment to kill as an unwavering killer instinct is an essential for victory.

His most famous duel was in 1612 against Sasaki Kojiro a very accomplished swordsman who favoured an extra long sword. Musashi pretended to be frightened and had to be woken and prompted to appear for combat on an island. In a bedraggled state, he tied his long hair with a towel and fashioned a long wooden sword from a spare oar of the boat he was being rowed in. He arrived before the assembled crowd looking sad and dejected but he instantly attacked provoking a sword stroke which he deflected upwards with his wooden oar that was then brought down on Kojiro's head breaking it open.

Heroes and philosophies have been role models for people of all nations. Musashi was one among several who shaped the Samurai ’Bashido' or the ’Way of the warrior'. A way sometimes summarised as a commitment to victory or death. Musashi helps one understand the dedication, discipline, subtlety and selfless commitment to victory that has marked Japan's technological and commercial success.