Miyamoto Musashi Art Quotations

Never depart from the way of martial arts.

They speak of "This Dojo" and "That Dojo". They are looking for profit.

Become acquainted with every art.

Strategy is the craft of the warrior.

The way is in training.

Polish your wisdom: learn public justice, distinguish between good and evil, study the ways of different arts one by one.

As the innocent infant relies upon the mother for sustenance, so the innocent wanderer, following his native compassion and bliss, relies upon the natural intelligence of life to sustain him. There are various Ways. There is the Way of salvation by the law of Buddha, the Way of Confucius governing the Way of learning, the Way of healing as a doctor, as a poet teaching the Way of Waka, tea, archery, and many arts and skills. Each man practices as he feels inclined.

It is imperative to master the principles of the art of war and learn to be unmoved in mind even in the heat of the battle.

If you fail to take advantage of your enemies' collapse, they may recover.

A man cannot understand the art he is studying if he only looks for the end result without taking the time to delve deeply into the reasoning of the study.

The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them

The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.

There is no one way to salvation, whatever the manner in which a man may proceed. All forms and variations are governed by the eternal intelligence of the Universe that enables a man to approach perfection. It may be in the arts of music and painting or it may be in commerce, law, or medicine. It may be in the study of war or the study of peace. Each is as important as any other. Spiritual enlightenment through religious meditation such as Zen or in any other way is as viable and functional as any "Way."... A person should study as they see fit.

No Fear, No Hesitation, No Surprise, No Doubt

It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.