I've been reading Miyamoto Musashi's Go Rin No Sho and decided I would post some information on what I have gather through analyzation of reading his work. The context of the writing can be translated to any art as he so stated in this work. I have listed these analytics based on the page numbering system of my copy which is the copy ISBN 978-1-59030-891-2 translated by Thomas Cleary.
I will probably post the analogies by scroll as he separated his writing into the: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, & Emptiness scrolls.
Earth Scroll
(Note this is the interpretation impressioned on me)
Page Number)
13) Pay attention to even the smallest details
13) Preparation is the key; make sure everything is in order
14) Proceed in proper order not skipping steps (Reflection of Earth)
14) Fluidity is a key to taking action; expansion is dependent on adaptability (Reflection of Water)
15) Confrontation must be examined under the same light great or small; approach each with the same caution. Changes can occur within an instant therefore, one must remain constant (Reflection of Fire)
16) Examine the external to judge your character and understanding is based on your reaction to the uncontrollable (Reflection of Wind)
16) Stay true to your path or you will forget the direction in which you are going; your own enlightenment depends on this (Reflection of Wind)
16) Corruption grows if you allow even the slightest bit in; like a virus the smallest rip can cause full scale disaster (Reflection of Wind)
17) Once you have achieved perfection or fluidity in a matter; success occurs naturally without effort (Reflection of Emptiness)
18) The tools that you are equipped with on a daily basis must be treated as an extension of yourself; you must be able to use them at full strength with perfection.
18) You must learn to use your tools with relative ease – fluency
19) As in all things, once you have practiced continuously at something you will be able to perform at your full capacity
20) Take advantage of your capabilities; you have two arms therefore use them both. Learn to take advantage of all situations with what you have
22) You can gain great understanding from learning the ways of different aspects of life and how they work
23) Stay on your own path
23) Learn how to use everything you have been allotted to its individual advantage; each tool can be used effectively for certain situations
24) Be careful of the tactics you use; do not favor one tactic to the next – a positive can become a negative
25) Use what you need and be content with what you have to use
26) Understand the flow of things and understand how the tide can change with everything surrounding you
26) Use wisdom and sound judgment when dealing with others; counter with the unexpected
27) Pay attention to what is before you before proceeding; understand the immediate concerns before looking to those that are intermediate
28) Train yourself that your skills become a part of your being – fluidity
28) Concentration is the key to understanding how to obtain success; with concentration you will be successful
28) Surrounding yourself with those who are dedicated to the same cause will lead to victory
Next scroll: Water (I've already read it but, I will be posting it either later today or tomorrow)