Dokōddō
The Way of Walking Alone
- Do not oppose the Ways of the world
- 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 your past deeds
- Never be jealous of others, good or bad
- Never let yourself be saddened by a separation
- Hold no grudges against yourself or others
- Steer clear of the path to attachment
- In all things, do not have any preferences
- Have no luxury in your house
- Pursue no delicacies for yourself
- Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need
- Have trust in yourself and avoid superstitious beliefs
- Do not concern yourself with superfluous trappings, only the tools of your trade
- Do not shun death in the Way
- Do not seek goods or fiefs in your old age
- Respect Buddha and the gods but ask them for nothing
- Sacrifice your life before you sacrifice your name
- Never stray from the Way of strategy
— Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645)