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.) In all things, do not have any preferences.
12.) Have no luxury in your house
13.) Pursue no delicacies for yourself
14.) Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need
15.) Have trust in yourself and avoid superstitious beliefs
16.) Do not concern yourself with superfluous trappings, only the tools of your trade
17.) Do not shun death in the Way
18.) Do not seek goods or fiefs in your old age
19.) Respect Buddha and the gods but ask them for nothing
20.) Sacrifice your life before you sacrifice your name
21.) Never stray from the Way of strategy

— Myamoto Musashi 1584-1645