Dokoddo

The Way of Walking Alone

1. Do not oppose the Ways of the world
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake
3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world
5. Be detached from desire your whole life long
6. Do not regret your past deeds
7. Never be jealous of others, good or bad
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation
9. Hold no grudges against yourself or others
10. Steer clear of the path to attachment
11. Have no luxury in your house
12. Pursue no delicacies for yourself
13. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need
14. Have trust in yourself and avoid superstitious beliefs
15. Do not concern yourself with superfluous trappings, only the tools of your trade
16. Do not shun death in the Way
17. Do not seek goods or fiefs in your old age
18. Respect Buddha and the gods but ask them for nothing
19. Sacrifice your life before you sacrifice your name
20. Never stray from the Way of strategy

— Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645)