Miyamoto Musashi composed a brief but profound work called the Dokkōdō or "The Path of Aloneness”.
He wrote this work in the week prior to his death in 1645, and dedicated it to his favored disciple.
The Dokkōdō contains concise yet meaningful general rules and guidelines for life, with each of the 21 lines addressing a different facet of life.
It is a testament to Musashi's wisdom and reflects his preparation for his impending passing.
1. Accept everything just the way it is.
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 what you have done.
7. Never be jealous.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.
21. Never stray from the Way.