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The Book of Five Rings: A Graphic Novel
This graphic novel version of The Book of Five Rings, the iconic book of confrontation and victory by the famed seventeenth-century duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi, illuminates this brilliant manifesto, which has long inspired martial artists and anyone interested in cultivating a strategic mind. With evocative drawings and a distilled but faithful text adapted by acclaimed manga writer Sean Michael Wilson, The Book of Five Rings comes alive both as a guide to swordsmanship and strategy, and as a view into Musashi’s world.
144 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2012
48 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael Wilson
72 books85 followersSean Michael Wilson is a comic book writer from Scotland. He has had around 30 books published with a variety of US, UK and Japanese publishers, including: a comic book version of A Christmas Carol ('Best of 2008’, Sunday Times), AX:alternative manga ( 'Best ten books of 2010’, Publishers Weekly), Parecomic (with an introduction by Noam Chomsky, his first contribution to a book in graphic form). He is currently writing books for big Japanese publisher Kodansha, being the only British writer to do so. In fact, he is the only pro manga writer from Britain who lives in Japan. He is also the editor of the critically acclaimed collection 'AX:alternative manga' (Publishers Weekly's 'Best ten books of 2010' and nominated for a Harvey award).
Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts/Samurai books, including The Book of Five Rings, Secrets of the Ninja, The 47 Ronin, and Cold Mountain (winner of China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 ‘Best Overseas Comic’ award). In 2016 his book 'The Faceless Ghost' was nominated for an Eisner Award. In 2017 he became the first British person to receive an International Manga Award from the Japanese Government. In 2019 his book 'The Many Not the Few' was launched by the Labour Party leader in an event in the Houses of Parliament. In 2020 he received the Scottish Samurai Award from an association promoting connections between Japan and Scotland.
He does comic books outside the normal superhero/fantasy brands, going into areas such as history, biography, drama, and social issues, often in collaboration with universities, charities and book publishers. He often gives lectures and talks about comics in schools and colleges, and writes articles for such places as The Japan Times, The London Economic and The Herald Scotland.
Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts/Samurai books, including The Book of Five Rings, Secrets of the Ninja, The 47 Ronin, and Cold Mountain (winner of China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 ‘Best Overseas Comic’ award). In 2016 his book 'The Faceless Ghost' was nominated for an Eisner Award. In 2017 he became the first British person to receive an International Manga Award from the Japanese Government. In 2019 his book 'The Many Not the Few' was launched by the Labour Party leader in an event in the Houses of Parliament. In 2020 he received the Scottish Samurai Award from an association promoting connections between Japan and Scotland.
He does comic books outside the normal superhero/fantasy brands, going into areas such as history, biography, drama, and social issues, often in collaboration with universities, charities and book publishers. He often gives lectures and talks about comics in schools and colleges, and writes articles for such places as The Japan Times, The London Economic and The Herald Scotland.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 11, 2015
I was expecting a lot of samurai sword-fighting action but this is really more of a treatise on how Miyamoto Musashi became the legend that he is. My disappointment notwithstanding, this graphic novel adaptation gives a good insight on how Musashi developed his outlook on life and sword skills.
November 24, 2014
I love reading ancient texts of martial arts, warriors, and the like because I find in their articulately crafted words such great wisdom about life in general. When it all comes down to it life is about that balance and realizing that everything comes full circle. Reading this book I was reminded that we must not focus all efforts into only one thing and to clear the mind of anything that could cause confusion. The illustrations were excellent to help shape the story. Perhaps things can be said best by text from the latter part of the book.
In emptiness exists Good but no evil
Wisdom is existence
Principle is existence
The Way is existence
The mind is emptiness
In emptiness exists Good but no evil
Wisdom is existence
Principle is existence
The Way is existence
The mind is emptiness
April 8, 2013
Considering how un-adaptable the source material must have been, this is actually pretty impressive. That said, it just wasn't my thing. Reminds me a bit of some zen texts I've read, only not as interesting as some of those can be. Reminds me of the old story about the talking dog in that the fact of its existence is more interesting than the actual content.
November 4, 2023
Any list of vital books for a student of war, either includes Miyamoto Musashi’s the Book of Five Rings or it is incomplete. The Graphic Novel with illustrations by Chie Kutsuwadais a surprisingly fine adaptation of the original. For the less than dedicated student, the material well captures the intent of this master swordsman and is appropriate as the warrior finished his life as an artist. Some of his drawings should have been included, but text and illustrations are worth consideration.
This is my second read into this work and a number of details captured my attention. His biography is somewhat scant. He is understood to have lived from 1584-1645. Tradition has it that the book of Five Rings was given to one of his students about 2 weeks before the Master’s death. He gives his full name as
Shinmen Musashi-no-Kami Fujiwara no Harunobu. This would make him the son of another sword master and the later addition to his name. Mushashi was a court name suggesting he had become the governor of Mushashi province. This is important as he is also described as a Ronin. The term suggests one who is a samurai, but serving no master. By tradition a Ronin would has foresworn his family connection, no small thing in Japan and had lost or been dismissed by his sworn master/lordly employer. This last point susggest some loss of honor. My read was that he was a Japanese version of a gunslinger, or a a Knight -errant. A traveling fighter seeking adventures, more specifically to fight duels.
One can think of some version of early Clint Eastwood, sitting in a tea house, with plenty of room to swing his two swords, and a clear view of all entrances. Musashi speaks of winning 60 odd duels beginning at age 13. Ther never seems to have been any noble purpose for his fights. At most he is there to prove that the is no ultimate school teaching the ultimate fighting technique. There is only the fight and the fighter’s reflexes. While best known as a swordsman, Musashi is clear that a warrior needs to master all weapons. How he would have felt about firearms is an interesting question. No doubt the thought of a fool launching many pellets from beyond bow distances and killing many would have violated his sense of honor.
Of the important things he has to say in The Ring are particulars that are still taught, if hardly in his Buddhist inspired language. Musashi teaches, learn one, learn 100. We would say, identify the pattern and habits and work against them.
Mushashi teaches: Understand what cannot be seen by the eye. We teach situational awareness. Mushashi : Victory is in knowing the rhythm of your opponents. Now: Get inside their decision-making cycle.
On the other hand, Musashi is all but fixated on the individual warrior. Ther is minimal reference to fighting as an army or in other than how personal tactics can have strategic application. In contrast, Sun Tzu, of China will warn to always leave an escape route open to your enemy rather than give them the strength of desperation. Musashi demands total awareness and full-time concentration by a would be warrior, Sun Tzu warns that and an army cannot defend in all directions at all times.
Honor is a central theme for Musashi,. The closest he come to fighting for causes, or greater good is when he is hired by a local lord and is there by dedicated to serve the needs of his adopted house.
A very insightful addition to this Graphic novel is the Afterword. There is a reason for 5 rings. The use of elementals was a convention not original to Musashi. Much of what is not obvious to a western reader has a basis and a logic and that too adds to the understanding a reader may achieve.
My musings are what they are. The Book of Five Rings is a master class for the ages. Read and Contemplate.
This is my second read into this work and a number of details captured my attention. His biography is somewhat scant. He is understood to have lived from 1584-1645. Tradition has it that the book of Five Rings was given to one of his students about 2 weeks before the Master’s death. He gives his full name as
Shinmen Musashi-no-Kami Fujiwara no Harunobu. This would make him the son of another sword master and the later addition to his name. Mushashi was a court name suggesting he had become the governor of Mushashi province. This is important as he is also described as a Ronin. The term suggests one who is a samurai, but serving no master. By tradition a Ronin would has foresworn his family connection, no small thing in Japan and had lost or been dismissed by his sworn master/lordly employer. This last point susggest some loss of honor. My read was that he was a Japanese version of a gunslinger, or a a Knight -errant. A traveling fighter seeking adventures, more specifically to fight duels.
One can think of some version of early Clint Eastwood, sitting in a tea house, with plenty of room to swing his two swords, and a clear view of all entrances. Musashi speaks of winning 60 odd duels beginning at age 13. Ther never seems to have been any noble purpose for his fights. At most he is there to prove that the is no ultimate school teaching the ultimate fighting technique. There is only the fight and the fighter’s reflexes. While best known as a swordsman, Musashi is clear that a warrior needs to master all weapons. How he would have felt about firearms is an interesting question. No doubt the thought of a fool launching many pellets from beyond bow distances and killing many would have violated his sense of honor.
Of the important things he has to say in The Ring are particulars that are still taught, if hardly in his Buddhist inspired language. Musashi teaches, learn one, learn 100. We would say, identify the pattern and habits and work against them.
Mushashi teaches: Understand what cannot be seen by the eye. We teach situational awareness. Mushashi : Victory is in knowing the rhythm of your opponents. Now: Get inside their decision-making cycle.
On the other hand, Musashi is all but fixated on the individual warrior. Ther is minimal reference to fighting as an army or in other than how personal tactics can have strategic application. In contrast, Sun Tzu, of China will warn to always leave an escape route open to your enemy rather than give them the strength of desperation. Musashi demands total awareness and full-time concentration by a would be warrior, Sun Tzu warns that and an army cannot defend in all directions at all times.
Honor is a central theme for Musashi,. The closest he come to fighting for causes, or greater good is when he is hired by a local lord and is there by dedicated to serve the needs of his adopted house.
A very insightful addition to this Graphic novel is the Afterword. There is a reason for 5 rings. The use of elementals was a convention not original to Musashi. Much of what is not obvious to a western reader has a basis and a logic and that too adds to the understanding a reader may achieve.
My musings are what they are. The Book of Five Rings is a master class for the ages. Read and Contemplate.
June 6, 2018
I really liked the artwork and the organization of the book. The 3 star review has more to do with the subject matter not really hitting home for me. Some of it, yes, but being a part of a Mennonite community as I am, using a warrior metaphor to talk about how one should approach life doesn't resonate. There are certainly principles one could draw from the warrior metaphor that don't involve seeing life as a kind of battle where you're trying to one-up your opponent, but you kinda have to work to get there.
August 25, 2015
It's hard to explain whether this is fiction or non-fiction, in graphic form. It's a graphic version of how a real person wrote a book of philosophy and martial arts, with the text itself illustrated by scenes which may or may not be fictional. Got that?
Musashi's Book of Five Rings was something that was a must-read for people a number of years ago, with fans from the worlds of history, martial arts and business all claiming it as a manual for their lives. It's that kind of book.
The explanatory material in this book, brief as it is, puts some of the work into an excellent context for understanding some of the things that Mushashi mentioned in passing, but fails in certain other ways. For instance, the text keeps saying that Buddhism is NOT within the Way of the Warrior, but the explanatory notes puts the whole book into a context involving esoteric Buddhism. So, which is it?
Still, ignoring such apparent conflicts will not reduce the value of this work. By illustrating the combat examples described by Musashi, those who are not skilled with a sword can still understand his points. Those who have never even picked up a sword can still learn from his basic principles, which have to do with ANY form of competition [which is why businessmen like to claim it as a book for them, too].
A very good adaptation, but the explanations could have used a little explaining, to clarify the apparent conceptual conflicts.
Musashi's Book of Five Rings was something that was a must-read for people a number of years ago, with fans from the worlds of history, martial arts and business all claiming it as a manual for their lives. It's that kind of book.
The explanatory material in this book, brief as it is, puts some of the work into an excellent context for understanding some of the things that Mushashi mentioned in passing, but fails in certain other ways. For instance, the text keeps saying that Buddhism is NOT within the Way of the Warrior, but the explanatory notes puts the whole book into a context involving esoteric Buddhism. So, which is it?
Still, ignoring such apparent conflicts will not reduce the value of this work. By illustrating the combat examples described by Musashi, those who are not skilled with a sword can still understand his points. Those who have never even picked up a sword can still learn from his basic principles, which have to do with ANY form of competition [which is why businessmen like to claim it as a book for them, too].
A very good adaptation, but the explanations could have used a little explaining, to clarify the apparent conceptual conflicts.
June 23, 2014
Really beautifully done graphic representation of Miyamoto's Book Of the Five Rings. I read the original many years ago when I was obsessed with old Japan and this is a great adaptation. The art is almost classic manga style --the non-flashy stuff, which distinguishes it from other historical graphic novels.
December 14, 2015
Absolutely loved this book. The concept of taking an ancient treatise and producing it in the style of a manga is just brilliant. The artwork is very captivating, and suits the message that was embodied in the original Book of Five Rings.
Although the amount of reading content is very small, it is definitely valuable.
Great work. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
Although the amount of reading content is very small, it is definitely valuable.
Great work. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
October 2, 2013
A quick, well-done version of Miyamoto Musashi's Book of 5 Rings. The graphic novel form illustrates the tenets,(especially Emptiness), that can seem too etherial. "You should investigate this thoroughly".
July 28, 2015
Read my review at http://noflyingnotights.com/2013/05/0...
January 5, 2014
Excellent adaptation of a timeless classic, to which I'll be returning before long, I hope. I hope to update this "review" with more thoughts after I've sat on this for a bit.
August 20, 2015
Une excellente introduction à l'illustre Musashi.
August 20, 2017
a very nice book
Should read this book
Should read this book
June 7, 2024
বইটা আমি অনেক বছর ধরেই "পড়তে" চাচ্ছিলাম, কিনেও রেখেছিলাম, কিন্তু পড়া হচ্ছিল না। একবার বইটা পড়ার পর এতটাই আত্মার মধ্যে গেঁথে গেল যে, ৩ লেখকের অনুবাদ (Japanese to English) পড়ে ফেললাম। হয়তো বইটা সামনে আরোও অনেক বার পড়া হবে। সান জু'র “দ্য আর্ট অফ ওয়ার”, লাও জু’র “তাও তে চিং” আর মাকিয়াভেল্লির “দ্যা প্রিন্স” এর সাথে আমার বালিশের পাশে আরও একটা বই যুক্ত হলো। প্রতিদিন ঘুমানোর আগে এই বইয়ের Principles গুলো নিয়ে ধ্যান করা যাবে।
শতাব্দীর পর শতাব্দী টিকে আছে, এমন একটি বই সম্পর্কে কি শুধুমাত্র একটা “রিভিউ”/”সামারি” লিখে বইটার যথার্থতা বোঝানো সম্ভব? শত-শত বছর, হাজার হাজার মানুষকে Influence করেছে এমন একটা বই নিয়ে লিখার মত Wisdom ও হয়তো আমার নেই। “তাও তে চিং” এর মত, আমি এই বইটা যতই পড়ছি ততবারই নতুন কিছু খুজে পাচ্ছি।
যদিও এই বইটি সান জু'র “দ্য আর্ট অফ ওয়ার” এর মত এতটা বিস্তৃ��� না, তবে এই বইয়ের মাঝে অন্যরকম একটা গভীর অনুভূতি আছে যা কেবল আত্মা দিয়েই স্পর্শ করা যায়। মুসাশি তাই একটু পরপর বলতেছেন, “This can’t be expressed in words. You must practice diligently to understand this.” আসলেই তাই, বইটা শুধুমাত্র আক্ষরিক অর্থে দেখলে হবে না, বইটাকে আত্মার অন্তঃস্থল হতে গভীরভাবে অনুভব করতে হবে তাহলে দেখা যাবে, মুসাশি কিভাবে জীবনের কত গভীর কথা বলে গেছেন।
বইটাতে এমন কিছু বিষয় এবং মতামত রয়েছে যা আপাতঃ দৃষ্টিতে পরস্পরবিরোধী মনে হবে। কিন্তু গভীরভাবে চিন্তা করলে দেখা যাবে যে আসলেই কোন বিরোধিতা নেই কারণ মুসাশি ২ টা ভিন্ন Context নিয়ে চলছেন। এজন্যই মুসাশি বারবার রিডারকে মনে করিয়ে দিচ্ছেন, "this should be investigated thoroughly". মুসাশি আরও বারবার জোড় দিয়ে বলছেন, “Study, consider, train, examine, observe.” (অধ্যয়ন, বিবেচনা, প্রশিক্ষণ, পরীক্ষা, পর্যবেক্ষণ)
এই বইটি আসলে জীবনের জন্য একটি ব্যবহারিক নির্দেশিকা, মুসাশির ভাষায় “দ্য ওয়ে”। এই 'পথের' উদ্দেশ্য সহজঃ সমস্ত আড়ম্বর পরিহার করুন, সকল পরিস্থিতিতে শান্ত থাকুন, কোন পরিস্থিতিতেই নিজের “পথ” কোন ছাড়বেন না, বিক্ষিপ্ত হবেন না, পরাক্রম প্রদর্শন থেকে বিরত থাকুন এবং শত্রুকে জানুন, বুঝুন ও পরাজিত করুন। মুসাশির ভাষায় এক বাক্যে যদি বলা যায় তাহলে, "Do nothing which is of no use."
আপনার সবচেয়ে বড় শত্রুটি আপনি নিজে। নিজেকে আত্মাকে বশে আনা, কিংবা আপনার জীবনের সকল বাধা/সংগ্রামই যাই হোক না কেন, সবকিছুকে অতিক্রম করার চাবিকাঠি হলোঃ “অনুশীলন, কঠোর পরিশ্রম, অধ্যবসায়, অধ্যয়ন এবং আত্ন-নিয়ন্ত্রণ।“
যারা বিনামূল্যে শর্টকাট খুঁজছেন তারা কখনোই এই পথের দাবিদার হতে পারবেন না। যারা পশ্চিমা রোমান্টিক দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি খুঁজছেন, তাদের জন্য এই “পথ” নয়। মুসাশি স্পষ্টভাবে বলছেন, “একটি লড়াইয়ে বিজয়ের বাইরে কোনো সম্মান নেই।“ আর আপনি যদি এই মুলনীতি মেনে নিজেকে তৈরি করতে পারেন তবে আপনি হাজার লড়াইয়ের ভয় পাবেন না, জয় অবশ্যম্ভাবী।
মুসাশি এই বইয়ে তার শিষ্যদেরকে “নয়টা নীতি” বলে গেছেন যা আমার কাছে গভীরভাবে দাগ কেটে গেছে। আমি মুসাশির একজন মডার্ণ শিষ্য হিসেবে এই নয়টা নীতিকে আমার জীবনের “পথ” (“The way of my life”) হিসেবে গ্রহণ করেছি। মুসাশির নয়টি নীতি নিম্নরূপ:
1. Do not think dishonestly
2. The Way is in training
3. Become acquainted with every art
4. Know the Ways of all professions
5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters
6. Develop intuitive judgment and understanding of everything
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen
8. Pay attention even to trifles
9. Do nothing which is of no use
মুসাশি সারাজীবন একা পথ চলেছেন, কখনো কারও শিষ্যত্ব গ্রহণ করেন নি। এজন্য যারা তারা মত জীবনে একলা পথ চলতে চান তাদের জন্য ২১ টা নীতি (‘Dokkodo’) বলে গেছেন। The 21 principles of Dokkodo are:
01. Accept everything just the way it is.
02. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
03. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
04. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
05. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
06. Do not regret what you have done.
07. Never be jealous.
08. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
09. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor.
21. Never stray from the Way.
শতাব্দীর পর শতাব্দী টিকে আছে, এমন একটি বই সম্পর্কে কি শুধুমাত্র একটা “রিভিউ”/”সামারি” লিখে বইটার যথার্থতা বোঝানো সম্ভব? শত-শত বছর, হাজার হাজার মানুষকে Influence করেছে এমন একটা বই নিয়ে লিখার মত Wisdom ও হয়তো আমার নেই। “তাও তে চিং” এর মত, আমি এই বইটা যতই পড়ছি ততবারই নতুন কিছু খুজে পাচ্ছি।
যদিও এই বইটি সান জু'র “দ্য আর্ট অফ ওয়ার” এর মত এতটা বিস্তৃ��� না, তবে এই বইয়ের মাঝে অন্যরকম একটা গভীর অনুভূতি আছে যা কেবল আত্মা দিয়েই স্পর্শ করা যায়। মুসাশি তাই একটু পরপর বলতেছেন, “This can’t be expressed in words. You must practice diligently to understand this.” আসলেই তাই, বইটা শুধুমাত্র আক্ষরিক অর্থে দেখলে হবে না, বইটাকে আত্মার অন্তঃস্থল হতে গভীরভাবে অনুভব করতে হবে তাহলে দেখা যাবে, মুসাশি কিভাবে জীবনের কত গভীর কথা বলে গেছেন।
বইটাতে এমন কিছু বিষয় এবং মতামত রয়েছে যা আপাতঃ দৃষ্টিতে পরস্পরবিরোধী মনে হবে। কিন্তু গভীরভাবে চিন্তা করলে দেখা যাবে যে আসলেই কোন বিরোধিতা নেই কারণ মুসাশি ২ টা ভিন্ন Context নিয়ে চলছেন। এজন্যই মুসাশি বারবার রিডারকে মনে করিয়ে দিচ্ছেন, "this should be investigated thoroughly". মুসাশি আরও বারবার জোড় দিয়ে বলছেন, “Study, consider, train, examine, observe.” (অধ্যয়ন, বিবেচনা, প্রশিক্ষণ, পরীক্ষা, পর্যবেক্ষণ)
এই বইটি আসলে জীবনের জন্য একটি ব্যবহারিক নির্দেশিকা, মুসাশির ভাষায় “দ্য ওয়ে”। এই 'পথের' উদ্দেশ্য সহজঃ সমস্ত আড়ম্বর পরিহার করুন, সকল পরিস্থিতিতে শান্ত থাকুন, কোন পরিস্থিতিতেই নিজের “পথ” কোন ছাড়বেন না, বিক্ষিপ্ত হবেন না, পরাক্রম প্রদর্শন থেকে বিরত থাকুন এবং শত্রুকে জানুন, বুঝুন ও পরাজিত করুন। মুসাশির ভাষায় এক বাক্যে যদি বলা যায় তাহলে, "Do nothing which is of no use."
আপনার সবচেয়ে বড় শত্রুটি আপনি নিজে। নিজেকে আত্মাকে বশে আনা, কিংবা আপনার জীবনের সকল বাধা/সংগ্রামই যাই হোক না কেন, সবকিছুকে অতিক্রম করার চাবিকাঠি হলোঃ “অনুশীলন, কঠোর পরিশ্রম, অধ্যবসায়, অধ্যয়ন এবং আত্ন-নিয়ন্ত্রণ।“
যারা বিনামূল্যে শর্টকাট খুঁজছেন তারা কখনোই এই পথের দাবিদার হতে পারবেন না। যারা পশ্চিমা রোমান্টিক দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি খুঁজছেন, তাদের জন্য এই “পথ” নয়। মুসাশি স্পষ্টভাবে বলছেন, “একটি লড়াইয়ে বিজয়ের বাইরে কোনো সম্মান নেই।“ আর আপনি যদি এই মুলনীতি মেনে নিজেকে তৈরি করতে পারেন তবে আপনি হাজার লড়াইয়ের ভয় পাবেন না, জয় অবশ্যম্ভাবী।
মুসাশি এই বইয়ে তার শিষ্যদেরকে “নয়টা নীতি” বলে গেছেন যা আমার কাছে গভীরভাবে দাগ কেটে গেছে। আমি মুসাশির একজন মডার্ণ শিষ্য হিসেবে এই নয়টা নীতিকে আমার জীবনের “পথ” (“The way of my life”) হিসেবে গ্রহণ করেছি। মুসাশির নয়টি নীতি নিম্নরূপ:
1. Do not think dishonestly
2. The Way is in training
3. Become acquainted with every art
4. Know the Ways of all professions
5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters
6. Develop intuitive judgment and understanding of everything
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen
8. Pay attention even to trifles
9. Do nothing which is of no use
মুসাশি সারাজীবন একা পথ চলেছেন, কখনো কারও শিষ্যত্ব গ্রহণ করেন নি। এজন্য যারা তারা মত জীবনে একলা পথ চলতে চান তাদের জন্য ২১ টা নীতি (‘Dokkodo’) বলে গেছেন। The 21 principles of Dokkodo are:
01. Accept everything just the way it is.
02. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
03. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
04. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
05. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
06. Do not regret what you have done.
07. Never be jealous.
08. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
09. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor.
21. Never stray from the Way.
September 30, 2018
Okay, I’ll admit this is one of those foreign books that people think should read, like Machiavelli’s “The Prince” or Sun Tzu’s “The Art of Warfare”. It’s in graphic novel form too, which should make it easy to digest for contemporary readers.
But I found some of the language opaque and hard to apply to contemporary affairs. The references to the elements left me scratching my head. Also, reading about a warrior who’d never been bested in battle was a trifle…boring. Who wants to read about someone who wins all the time? It’d be like watching any chess or tennis champion never lose a match. No matter how great their skill, an unbeatable champion is as boring to observe as a computer.
The character of Miyamoto Musashi is as bland as a computer too. He rarely shows expression. He expresses loyalty towards his lord but never joy, excitement, anger, rage or satisfaction. He teaches how to fight but writes about his technique only at the behest of his lord.
I suppose such detachment is to be expected after many years of living and teaching. I wasn’t upset at finding quiet wisdom in Yoda, after all. But, screw it, Yoda occasionally showed signs of temper! What do we get from Musashi but his trouncing his students time and again?
If you can get something out of this novel, fine. But I certainly won’t be looking for the original any time soon.
But I found some of the language opaque and hard to apply to contemporary affairs. The references to the elements left me scratching my head. Also, reading about a warrior who’d never been bested in battle was a trifle…boring. Who wants to read about someone who wins all the time? It’d be like watching any chess or tennis champion never lose a match. No matter how great their skill, an unbeatable champion is as boring to observe as a computer.
The character of Miyamoto Musashi is as bland as a computer too. He rarely shows expression. He expresses loyalty towards his lord but never joy, excitement, anger, rage or satisfaction. He teaches how to fight but writes about his technique only at the behest of his lord.
I suppose such detachment is to be expected after many years of living and teaching. I wasn’t upset at finding quiet wisdom in Yoda, after all. But, screw it, Yoda occasionally showed signs of temper! What do we get from Musashi but his trouncing his students time and again?
If you can get something out of this novel, fine. But I certainly won’t be looking for the original any time soon.
March 28, 2020
I picked this off the shelf because I was not familiar with the phrase Five Rings, I am glad there was a blurb about that phrase in Japanese culture in the afterword. The manga style was flawlessly classic and was presented very appropriately by the artist. The translation was superb although I personally struggle with following along with a lot of Zen esoteric tales. I am not a Vulcan so I can only suspend my disbelief for so long before I find myself skeptical and dissatisfied. My favorite part is where the translation addresses multiple expression of arts besides different disciplines of martial arts.
This creation has brought me even deeper senses of appreciation to personal favorite movies/literature, my main example being the Kill Bill volumes. There were more than a handful of moments when I could picture a scene from the cult classic films in which I could relate to this graphic novel. I literally want to re-watch those movies now for an intimidate reflection and contrast.
This creation has brought me even deeper senses of appreciation to personal favorite movies/literature, my main example being the Kill Bill volumes. There were more than a handful of moments when I could picture a scene from the cult classic films in which I could relate to this graphic novel. I literally want to re-watch those movies now for an intimidate reflection and contrast.
February 8, 2021
As indicated by the title this graphic novel repeats the text from 1643 and gives it a new form. On one hand I appreciate sticking to the original. The graphic novel form allows for easier assimilation and for some of the points to better pop out. On the other hand it has less violence than one would hope for.
In the Book of Five Rings Musashi wrote down the teachings he was preaching to his students in his own dōjō, which is difficult to grasp from the original, but here this is accurately presented.
In the Book of Five Rings Musashi wrote down the teachings he was preaching to his students in his own dōjō, which is difficult to grasp from the original, but here this is accurately presented.
Read
March 5, 2023A wonderfully distilled version of the original. The illustrations are fantastic - the movement, symbolism, feeling and oh, so much more. The ideas are crystalline, yet continually metaphoric - like the original. I imagine I will always prefer creating my own pictures and pacing from a text, however, I am thoroughly enjoying these manga adaptations of classics by Wilson and Kutsuwada (et al). Musashi really comes to life here. If you're exploring Musashi and haven't enjoyed this yet, I highly recommend.
Read
April 4, 2022A curious find. I read The Book of Five Rings several years ago and it was interesting. Nothing spectacular, however. It probably has to do with the fact that I'm not really interested in the topic of martial arts. I still decided to take a look at this graphic novel, but my opinion remains the same. People who love martial arts would love it. I can almost see myself loving this to bits when I was a child; I was into this kind of thing back then.
April 6, 2024
A good graphic novel adaptation of the simple yet informative treatise by Miyamoto Musashi.
It was not as kinetic as you'd expect; but the serene almost Zen like artwork meshes well with the spiritual nature of Musashi's work, especially highlighting the wizened sage like austerity he seemed to imbibe during his twilight years.
This would be a good companion piece for those who've just finished reading the original text, to reinforce its teachings.
It was not as kinetic as you'd expect; but the serene almost Zen like artwork meshes well with the spiritual nature of Musashi's work, especially highlighting the wizened sage like austerity he seemed to imbibe during his twilight years.
This would be a good companion piece for those who've just finished reading the original text, to reinforce its teachings.
November 25, 2024
If you are a fan of the book of five rings, then you will definitely love this graphic book. You get the same message with beautiful illustrations. It actually feels as if the characters are moving within the pages. If you have read the Book of Five Rings, then you must also read this one. If you haven't yet read the book of five rings, then this would also be a great start. It has the same message but is a shorter read and has amazing images.
November 2, 2018
Honestly was expecting a little bit more. The ilustrations are nice and the excerpts from Musashi's book appropriate. Maybe it's meant to act as a hook for someone unfamiliar with the subject, otherwise it feels like under delivering on both the graphic side and on Musashi's writings.
May 16, 2024
This graphic novel is a nice respect to the book. Wonderful black and white drawings. This book is broken into the 5 elements. It reads as a guide and instructional manual. It is nice to get a sense of Mushashi’s life.
January 15, 2026
I realize that this isn't much of a review. I never read the original book, so this is my first exposure to The Book of Five Rings. In this book, the graphics complemented the text. I think that they did a great job!
February 17, 2026
To study the Buddhist Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be actualized by everything in the universe. When actualized by everything in the universe, your mind and body, and the minds and bodies of all other selves drop away.
August 3, 2018
Full of spiritual
August 23, 2020
An interesting read, but will likely have to read another translation. Didn’t quite understand why it’s so popular as model for various operations.
November 17, 2020
‘you must investigate this thoroughly’
January 3, 2021
Really nice book, wth lots of lessons about discipline in it. Visually quite pleasing too.
April 28, 2021
The greatest graphic novel for adults!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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