The Book Of Five Rings
Setting down his thoughts on swordplay, on winning, and on spirituality, legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi intended this modest work as a guide for his immediate disciples and future generations of samurai. He had little idea he was penning a masterpiece that would be eagerly devoured by people in all walks of life centuries after his death.
Along with The A
Mass Market Paperback, 192 pages
Published
January 11th 2005
by Shambhala
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This book actually has two translations by Thomas Cleary of two books from Japanese martial artists. My thoughts on both and a short comparison are below.
The Book of Five Rings is a pretty good insight into a disciplined mind and professional samurai from 17th century Japan. A lot of it is practical advice and there is some spiritual Zen leaning in there too but I would not go as far to say it is required leadership reading material in the same way as The Art of War by Sun Tzu but no...more
The Book of Five Rings is a pretty good insight into a disciplined mind and professional samurai from 17th century Japan. A lot of it is practical advice and there is some spiritual Zen leaning in there too but I would not go as far to say it is required leadership reading material in the same way as The Art of War by Sun Tzu but no...more
This book, written by a famous Japanese duelist, tells one of his relatives how to win with the sword. It is divided into five "Rings" based on five "Elements". He concentrates on Strategy and does not talk about the best guard to take or other technicalities. Many people find this book to be immoral as it espouses winning at all costs in a deadly pursuit. I regard it more as a-moral. Musashi simply never considers the question. He is simply putting down his concept of ...more
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Matt
rated it
·
review of another edition
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Samurai wannabes; Lanky, manga reading white dudes dating Japanese girls.
I remember liking a different translation when I first read this book about 5 years ago. So whether it's the translation or a different perspective on life, this was a bit of a disappointing read. Unless you are veeeeeeeerry into kendo, which I'm not, I don't know what there is to take away from this book other than it is an interesting look into the mind of a real historical figure who was a legend in his own time. Sort of like reading Yoda's light-saber instruction manual... if Yoda was rea...more
I've always meant to go back and read another translation of Musashi's book. This one is, as you can tell by the title, geared towards martial artists, and this ties into the whole presentation.
Perhaps I should give a little background: Musashi was a Japanese swordsman in the seventeenth century who fought in some ridiculous number of duels and won them all. He wrote a book of strategy called "The Book of the Five Rings" that is considered by many martial artists to be ...more
Perhaps I should give a little background: Musashi was a Japanese swordsman in the seventeenth century who fought in some ridiculous number of duels and won them all. He wrote a book of strategy called "The Book of the Five Rings" that is considered by many martial artists to be ...more
I'm interested to read this book. However, as regards this particular edition, although the commentary is useful, the introduction is annoying. I made it through the sections on bushido and heiho, and the historical discussion of Miyamoto Musashi and his times, but the section on Zen was intolerably vapid and cliched. I couldn't stand to finish it, which is saying a lot, since I usually have a high tolerance for dull and irritating introductory material.
Postscript: I recommend thi...more
Postscript: I recommend thi...more
John Wiswell
rated it
·
review of another edition
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Philosophy readers, readers interested in Japanese culture, samurai fiction readers
This is a wonderfully short book, and the translation is pretty easy to read. I went through it three times in a week, to make certain I understand what Musashi was saying. The legend surrounding the man is intriguing, and anybody who has won over fifty swordfights - if they're going to put it this briefly, it's worth a shot. The most interesting parts are where Musashi's advice bleeds into his views on life, particularly in his advice on how to foster and rely on intuition. The final part, deal...more
GREAT 17th CENTURAY SAMURAI SWORDSMAN'S ADVICE ON STRATEGY: Based on my readings, Musashi's motive in writing his Book of Five Rings had been to correct misrepresentations of his views on swordsmanship by his contemporaries. Having become a legend in his own time, Musashi's reputation was being exploited by ambitious rivals claiming to have adopted the master's martial techniques and philosophies. Thus Book of Five Rings was intended by its author to establish his point of view for correcting mi...more
Xonrad
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone with a hardcore interest in exploring the warrior aesthetic
Unlike Sun Tzu, this is a very cryptic and almost a purist's philosophical text. Very introspective in nature.
It is infinitely easier to comprehend and process (or at least begin to) with at least a basic understanding of the Kendo martial art before going into it... the psychological disciplines involved moreso than the actual swordsman techniques, though knowledge of both seems like an obvious requirement as some of the examples assume the reader knows how the mind & body flows th...more
It is infinitely easier to comprehend and process (or at least begin to) with at least a basic understanding of the Kendo martial art before going into it... the psychological disciplines involved moreso than the actual swordsman techniques, though knowledge of both seems like an obvious requirement as some of the examples assume the reader knows how the mind & body flows th...more
I read a translation by Ashikaga Yoshiharu and Rosemary Brant. This book puzzled me in that at first glance I seem to have learned nothing else from it than how to hold a sword and attack and enemy, and obvious things like never let your enemy have a chance to recover. I'm definitely missing something, either due to the translation or my inability to read between the lines. I guess I'm supposed to reflect on it and come back to it until I "get it" if there's any wisdom in here. The...more
Pay no attention to my rating, as this is not a judgement on Musashi's book, but rather the audio version of the book. For me, Musashi's Book of Five Rings is a book that, after listening to it, I learned that I could only truly understand his writings by reading it and then, rereading it.
The Book of Five Rings is similar to Sun Tsu's Art of War, in that it was a book written in a different time for a different situation, but even so, it is timeless in it's applications to life, busine...more
The Book of Five Rings is similar to Sun Tsu's Art of War, in that it was a book written in a different time for a different situation, but even so, it is timeless in it's applications to life, busine...more
excellent book to order if you are planning on playing a chess game against me and by chess i mean.....war do not ever wage war against me unless you have taken years to study, restudy, and apply this to your daily life. take the lessons miyamoto mushashi to the daily job of living and years from now you will pay me the going rate for my services for my teaching or you will meet my former students.....my allies and my teachers! before you you declare war on peter rock campbell consider the ramif...more
Jacob
added it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone who enjoys samurais or strategy
Recommended to Jacob by:
My brother
I enjoyed The Book of Five Rings greatly and have found that the various translations of the book seem relatively consistent in terms of the core meaning and philosophy. I enjoyed Musashi's take on harmony and combat as he suggests the use of a "waksashi", this being the pivotal aspect of his life as a Ronin. I agree that in most cases the introductions throughout the various translations can be a bit annoying but to be completely honest it is best just to skip them and move on to actu...more
This is a work in translation. The original was written sometime in the 1600's, yet it could have easily been written this year. There are many translations of Musashi's work, some reinterpreted for other arenas such as business. This version keeps the focus on strategy for the student of the Way of the warrior. It is applicable to martial artists who utilize weapons as well as those who do not. I will recommend it to advanced students, because on the whole it is a bit much for beginners. ...more
If you don't know how to use a sword, don't bother. This book is often tauted by business leaders as a strategy book, in much the same way that Sun Tzu's book 'The Art of War' is tauted. The comparison is impractical. Sun-Tzu was far more a philosopher than Musashi. I took Iaido for 3 years before I could read this book. It IS good for strategy, but you don't get the metaphors without learning the sword first.
I first read Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings many years ago, while I was a Ph.D. candidate in California. I was intrigued by how his nine principles seemd to apply to life in general and leaders in particular, in addition to his intended audience of swordsmen. While it is not as in depth as Sun Tzu's The Art of War, he certainly added to my understanding.
His nine principles, from the translation I prefer, are as follows:
1. Do not think dishonestly
2. The W...more
His nine principles, from the translation I prefer, are as follows:
1. Do not think dishonestly
2. The W...more
In a word, excellent.
As a precursor to the Book of Five Rings one should be aware of the Japanese mind. The Buddhist principle of emptiness is also helpful, albeit not necessary. In the Book of Five Rings Musashi gives the pupil the understanding of how to win in battle.
Musashi lived in the hieght of the Japanese Reniassance. There were wars thus the need for warriors. But, there was vast amounts of culture, arts, drama, even tea ceremonies. There are allusions to ...more
As a precursor to the Book of Five Rings one should be aware of the Japanese mind. The Buddhist principle of emptiness is also helpful, albeit not necessary. In the Book of Five Rings Musashi gives the pupil the understanding of how to win in battle.
Musashi lived in the hieght of the Japanese Reniassance. There were wars thus the need for warriors. But, there was vast amounts of culture, arts, drama, even tea ceremonies. There are allusions to ...more
I've you have ever seen a cool martial arts film, then you have probably heard an excerpt from this book. It is super-cool from beginning to end. The message is fairly simple. If you are a martial artist, then you fight. When you fight, you will fight with a single objective; to cut down your opponent. If you wish to be victorious, you must practice and train. When you practice and train, you must train in the right way and always in mind of cutting down your opponent.
This fall, ...more
This fall, ...more
A strategy guide from one of feudal Japans most legendary samurai this was written as a guide to Muasashi's strategy of single combat and his beliefs on his principles applicability to the command of armies. Considered by many to be along with Sun Tzu's The Art of War and Machiavelli's The Prince to be one of the three most influential strategy guides and applicable to many everyday situations in modern life. I found this to be an excellent translation of an interesting work by a fascinating sam...more
This is an essential on the bookshelf of any martial artist, military leader or business person. In fact, it's required reading at many military academies and business schools.
You can read the entire book in an hour- and you will re-read it the rest of your life. Musashi reduces strategy to it's most basic elements. You can apply his tactics to life, business and conflict!
Many contemporary writers and commentators have taken Book of 5 Rings and extrapolated layer upon layer o...more
You can read the entire book in an hour- and you will re-read it the rest of your life. Musashi reduces strategy to it's most basic elements. You can apply his tactics to life, business and conflict!
Many contemporary writers and commentators have taken Book of 5 Rings and extrapolated layer upon layer o...more
Personnellement, je préfère la deuxième couverture (celle qui n'apparaît pas en facing), plus sobre et surtout nettement moins ringarde que cet espèce d'encart publicitaire de groupuscule clandestin (on dirait un tract anarchiste sérieux).
Bref, fin de l'aparté. Très bel ouvrage du 16e siècle, rédigé par celui qui est resté comme le duelliste le plus célèbre du Japon, Musashi Miyamoto.
Ce traité est à la fois une leçon adressé aux combattants et une leçon de vie pour tous. On y apprend qu'un comb...more
Bref, fin de l'aparté. Très bel ouvrage du 16e siècle, rédigé par celui qui est resté comme le duelliste le plus célèbre du Japon, Musashi Miyamoto.
Ce traité est à la fois une leçon adressé aux combattants et une leçon de vie pour tous. On y apprend qu'un comb...more
The translation I read is by William Scott Wilson.
I need to reread and outline this book. There are lots of things to learn from this book, many of which are probably unlearn-able on the first reading and without serious meditation (read "austere practice"). As I know nothing of sword-fighting, a lot of it will never make sense, but many of the topics are common among martial arts. Musashi's intelligent grasp of deep principles and the difficulty in their communication, ...more
I need to reread and outline this book. There are lots of things to learn from this book, many of which are probably unlearn-able on the first reading and without serious meditation (read "austere practice"). As I know nothing of sword-fighting, a lot of it will never make sense, but many of the topics are common among martial arts. Musashi's intelligent grasp of deep principles and the difficulty in their communication, ...more
This book has nothing to do with the Olympic movement. In fact it is so far removed from the spirit of DeCoubertin that the title becomes ironic. It is a book about killing people in the shortest posible time, in the most effective way without exposing oneself to too much risk of injury. It is the statement of a personal philosphy of warfare both on a personal level and in warfare. There is a Platonic element in which general theory is derived from a particular situation. It is not long but...more
I read this book after watching "Samurai – Miyamoto Musashi" on Discovery channel. The introduction to this book telling the history of Miyamoto Musashi is quite different to the doco, but I found both pretty interesting.
Lots of interesting strategy ideas and ancient thinking that can be applied to the modern world.
...more
Lots of interesting strategy ideas and ancient thinking that can be applied to the modern world.
The way to learn this is to train with two long swords, one in each hand, It will seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.
...more
You can probably find information about Musashi's life on the internet, his 50 + duels, and the battles that he fought in. I started reading this book in high school and at the time I was studying Tae Kwon Do. At that time, in terms of martial application, I had a hard time making Mushashi's teachings work. After 5 years of TKD I moved on to Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempo, studying under Hanshi Bruce Juchnik. Studying a classical Japanese ( "koryu") and studying from a teacher who is actuall...more
"You must sufficiently study this"..."You must consider this deeply"..."You must study this deeply"..."It is impossible to write about this in detail"..." I felt I was reading these phrases over and over and over again at the end of every paragraph.
I open this book with an open mind, expecting truisms and a bit of philosophy. Instead I get some sort of primer on Kendo and longswords. Okay, whatever, I'm an amateur boxer so maybe I can extrap...more
I open this book with an open mind, expecting truisms and a bit of philosophy. Instead I get some sort of primer on Kendo and longswords. Okay, whatever, I'm an amateur boxer so maybe I can extrap...more
Look, if you don't carry around two swords and challenge other masters, this book may seem like a stretch...but as you gathered I am not dual-sword carrying master and I really enjoyed the short text.
Take-away thesis:
- If you choose to engage someone in battle do it entirely, with every intent to vanquish your opponent...this seems like a good rule for anything in life
- The Way is beset by many distractions, but all may be overcome with practice, discipline and introspe...more
Take-away thesis:
- If you choose to engage someone in battle do it entirely, with every intent to vanquish your opponent...this seems like a good rule for anything in life
- The Way is beset by many distractions, but all may be overcome with practice, discipline and introspe...more
I'll be honest, I only read about halfway through the book. I had wanted to read it because I thought it was about the history and legend of the samurai period of Japan. In actuality, it is a book on strategy and technique for sword fighting, war, and the samurai code. In some ways it is similar to Sun Tzu's The Art of War. The publishers of this edition of the book mentioned several times that businessmen in today's world could use the teachings of Miyamoto to "vanquish" the compe...more
With Musashi's writings it all comes down to the translation. We happened to have two copies of the book come into the store at the same time- an unprecedented event. One was a version compliled 15 years ago by a team of linguists. It was a beautiful read, the poetic nature of Mushai's text shone through brightly.
However, comparing it chapter by chapter with the second version- Mr. Kaufman's- revealed that it missed key points in the strategy Musashi was trying to teach.
Kaufman is a...more
However, comparing it chapter by chapter with the second version- Mr. Kaufman's- revealed that it missed key points in the strategy Musashi was trying to teach.
Kaufman is a...more
This classic text ranks alongside Sun Tzu’s Art of War as the foremost book on martial strategy. Musashi was a ‘ronin’ or masterless samurai who wandered Japan in pursuit of enlightenment through the art of swordfighting:
‘…soaked by the cold winds of winter, not dressing his hair, never taking a wife – he did not even enter a bathtub in case he was caught without a weapon by an enemy – his appearance was uncouth and wretched’.
Musashi was undefeated in over 60 duels and a...more
‘…soaked by the cold winds of winter, not dressing his hair, never taking a wife – he did not even enter a bathtub in case he was caught without a weapon by an enemy – his appearance was uncouth and wretched’.
Musashi was undefeated in over 60 duels and a...more
I was very interested in checking out Musashi's compilation of his teachings after reading Eiji Yoshikawa's fictional narrative Musashi. This book did not disappoint. I can't comment on how this translation holds up; there is a plethora of translations out there, and Cleary has made a name for himself so I went with this one. Also included is a copy of The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, which is a nice bonus.
The text is a manual on the science and art...more
The text is a manual on the science and art...more
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Miyamoto Musashi, also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke, or by his Buddhist name Niten Dōraku, was a Japanese swordsman famed for his duels and distinctive style. Musashi, as he is often simply known, became legendary through his outstanding swordsmanship in numerous duels, even from a very young age. He is the founder of the Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū or Niten-ryū style of swordsmanship and ...more
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