DOKKODO — The Living Art of Solitude

21 Effective Life Lessons

Accept everything just the way it is.

Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.

Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

Be detached from desire your whole life long.

Do not regret what you have done.

Never be jealous.

Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.

Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others.

Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.

In all things have no preferences.

Be indifferent to where you live.

Do not pursue the taste of good food.

Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.

Do not act following customary beliefs.

Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.

Do not fear death.

Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.

Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.

You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.

Never stray from the Way.

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During the week before his death, Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645) wrote “Dokkōdō” (獨行道), which has been variously translated as “The Path of Aloneness”, “The Way to Go Forth Alone” or “The Way of Walking Alone”. He dedicated it to his favourite disciple, Terao Magonojō, whom he had also dedicated the earlier The Book of Five Rings.

In Japan, Musashi was regarded as the greatest swordsman, an iconic personality whose martial ideas and strategy are said to have been have been applied across all aspects — work, life, play, war — of Japanese society. His famous 2-swords fighting method made him practically invincible as well as fearless, ruthless, focused and projecting little conscience.

KNOW THE ESSENCE IN THE 21 LESSONS

Each of the 21 lessons refers to the motivation of different practical principles for living an effective and holistic lifestyle.

(1) Accept Everything Just The Way It Is.

Worrying achieves nothing. Learn to accept change, especially the permanently changing life situations. Do not waste time but spend it on self-improvement and self-mastery.

(2) Do Not Seek Pleasure For Its Own Sake.

All pleasures are temporary. Happiness is episodic. Pursue Joy which is continuous happiness. Beware of medicinal and chemical addictions. Do whatever makes you happy but be prepared for the moments of depressions, regrets, and pain when the addictions end.

(3) Do Not, Under Any Circumstances, Depend On A Partial Feeling.

Do not be reckless. Act with certainty. Do not be confused by subjective feelings and emotions. Be very sure before taking the next step.

(4) Think Lightly Of Yourself And Deeply Of The World.

Be humble. Be mindful. Listen. There is much wisdom around you. Pay attention to everything. Be introspective of your own actions. Develop and obtain insights into events and happenings.

(5) Be Detached From Desire Your Whole Lifelong.

Live your own life. Do not live the life designed by others. Chase your own visions or you will run forever after other people’s dreams. Learn to be content with your achievements. Do not let your goals be your master.

(6) Do Not Regret What You Have Done.

The past has passed. Regrets often drive bitterness. Understand your actions and accept them. Learn your lessons and move on. Be better.

(7) Never Be Jealous.

Be different from the rest, not better than the best. Do not waste time in envy of other people’s gains or accolades. Earn your own credits. Use your energy productively in pursuit of realistic goals.

(8) Never Let Yourself Be Saddened By A Separation.

Life is transient. People come and go. Death is inevitable. Treasure the memories but do not live in them; rather, live with them. Loved ones never truly left, they live within your heart and soul.

(9) Resentment And Complaint Are Appropriate Neither For Oneself Nor Others.

The world does not care about your bitching, mourning or grief. Re-direct the energy from yourself to others in deeper pain and inescapable situations. You will become a better self as you devote your energy to improve others.

(10) Do Not Let Yourself Be Guided By The Feeling Of Lust Or Love.

Love others as you would love yourself. True love satisfies and justifies all things. Real love is directed at the welfare and safety of the other person. Build networks of bridges with love.

(11) In All Things Have No Preferences.

Listen to all options and suggestions. Keep an open mind. Do things differently all the time. Have no fixed methods. There are never any solutions that are permanent for all situations.

(12) Be Indifferent To Where You Live.

Make yourself happy where you are. It is how you live, not where. Your unhappiness is due to something else. Just keep warm and safe.

(13) Do Not Pursue The Taste Of Good Food.

Eat right, but not in excess. Eat well. Too much good food is not good. Do not be addicted to good food. Remember to eat and be constantly nourished.

(14) Do Not Hold On To Possessions You No Longer Need.

Whatever you cannot discard controls you. Better to give away your possessions as you near your death. Give away your things gradually and regularly. They are not needed in your next life, or wherever you think you are going.

(15) Do Not Act Following Customary Beliefs.

Follow your own paths and beliefs. Think and act independently of group-think. Beware of self-appointed masters and teachers. Know, think and decide for yourself. Past methods are the surest way to failure and defeat.

(16) Do Not Collect Weapons Or Practice With Weapons Beyond What Is Useful.

A sword has many uses and many ways of using it. The master swordsman wins without using his sword. The greatest general wins without fighting. Your mind is your greatest weapon. Every other instrument is optional.

(17) Do Not Fear Death.

Death is the only certainty in life. Once born, you begin the slow process of dying. The fear of death is a waste of time. It is how you live that is important, not when you die. Prepare your death by living well through contributing to the welfare of others and impacting other lives positively.

(18) Do Not Seek To Possess Either Goods Or Fiefs For Your Old Age.

You cannot enjoy your possessions when old. Collect only what is useful. Share what is wonderful. Give away whatever you also enjoy. Do not waste space for stuff unnecessary for bettering yourself.

(19) Respect Buddha And The Gods Without Counting On Their Help.

Good if your Gods or gods help you in times of trouble, but do not count on it. Waiting for divine interventions has driven many civilisations to extinction, as well as many persons to madness and deep depression. Pray without ceasing, but know your possibilities. Depend best on yourself.

(20) You May Abandon Your Own Body But You Must Preserve Your Honor.

You have only one body. Respect it. Feed it well with good food, not junk food. Do not poison it with nicotine, chemicals, and unnatural stuff. Be healthy, fit, and mobile. Continue to win battles even as your body ages.

(21) Never Stray From The Way.

Live by moral principles. Devote to a life of service and bravery. Practise servant leadership. Help the vulnerable, protect the young and weak. Care for the sick and needy. Be faithful to the practice of all the above.

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