Samurai Principle #3
by Stanley Bronstein on May 24, 2010Meditation for Monday – May 24, 2010
Become Acquainted With Every Art.
(Miyamoto Musashi)
Become - To come, change, or grow to be. To come into being.
Acquainted - Having personal knowledge as a result of study, experience, etc. Made familiar.
Every - All possible; the greatest possible degree of.
Art – The principles or methods governing any craft or branch of learning. Skill in conducting any human activity.
An Introduction
Today’s meditation is the latest meditation from a concept discussed in a book known as A Book Of Five Rings, by the Japanese samurai master, Miyamoto Musashi.
What Is A Book Of Five Rings?
A Book Of Five Rings, is considered a classic on military strategy, in a manner similar to that of Sun Tzu’s Art Of War. Having previously discussed Sun Tzu’s Art Of War on many occasions, I figured it was time to explore many of the same concepts from the perspective of a Japanese samurai master.
While A Book Of Five Rings is a military text, it’s lessons can be applied just as easily to non-military contexts. That’s why this book is still useful today, more than 350 years after it was written.
Today’s Meditation
Today’s meditation talks about the concepts of familiarity, knowledge and mastery.
Familiarity – Thorough knowledge or mastery of a thing, subject, etc.
Knowledge – Acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation.
Mastery – Command or grasp, as of a subject. Expert skill or knowledge.
- To become familiar, one must acquire knowledge and mastery.
- To become knowledgeable, one must acquire familiarity and mastery.
- To become a master, one must acquire familiarity and knowledge.
They are all related.
The End Goal Is To Achieve Mastery
Mastery allows one to gain power and control. By gaining power and control, one can shape their own destiny, rather than have it shaped for them.
As mentioned above, mastery requires knowledge and familiarity.
To gain knowledge and familiarity, one must study and practice.
As the universe is ever changing, this requires a course of constant, never-ending, study and practice.
That’s right. Constant and never-ending.
Constant And Never-Ending Study Leads To Constant Improvement
Improvement – A person or thing that represents an advance on another in excellence or achievement.
We must always strive to become better. Becoming better prepares us for the obstacles we will face as we go through life.
Analysis
As you meditate upon this thought, ask yourself the following questions:
- What skills and abilities do I have?
- Am I constantly working toward improving myself and those around me?
- Am I embarked upon a course of study and practice that will lead to constant and never-ending improvement?
- What actions can I take to constantly improve myself?
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Until next time, take care.
Stanley F. BronsteinHave you checked out my website that profiles the benefits of walking? iWarriorWalk.com
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