The 21 Precepts of Dokkōdō

The Dokkōdō Japanese: 獨行道, literally "The Path of Aloneness", "The Way to Go Forth Alone", or "The Way of Walking Alone", is a brief essay composed in 1645, just days before his passing. It was written by Miyamoto Musashi as final guidance to his disciple Terao Magonojō, distilling a philosophy of self-reliance, discipline, and detachment.

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 nor 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.
21. Never stray from the way.

While I may not fully agree with every rule on this list, I regard it as an insightful guide that should not be overlooked in any personal development journey. I first encountered these precepts years ago, and they profoundly shaped my perspective. I hope they resonate with you and inspire you as positively as they did me.