talking summarization





Splog Filter



newsplus summary

ping 歸納

reviewer













Internet   News   animation   retail sales   Sport   Movie   Video Game   Entertainment   Politics   Eats   Music   Drama   Hardware   Software   Health   japanese culture   Technology   automobile   Business   Fashion   Books   Manga   Broadcast   Cooking   electronics   Leisure   Science   Locality   Phrase   Beauty   Nature   Fancy   Comedy   Avocation   Education   Gamble   Art   Livelihood  

A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy




  • 049 4  i wasnt going to write a review but after reading the other reviews i felt i had to . while musashis teachings are applicable to many walks of life it is important to realize that while they have the scent of zen they are at the same time very amoral . in business if you plan on succeeding at the expense of others and in an unethical way his teacings are very applicable . most people greatly misunderstand this work and read it more because it is trendy than to learn . whatever your motivation it is an excellent book and i highly recommend it . just remember becoming mindless does not mean being mindless .
    • 060 4  Strategy is the fuel that makes techniques work . Without strategy , at best you can only HOPE your techniques find their target . Timing is the key to strategic fighting . The book's aim is to teach one about strategy through the understanding of various timings in a combative setting . This is a truly great work and the best translation out there . The topics discussed are beyond the comprehension of a beginning martial artist and alot of instructors too ; which is why there are so many different translations . This book is a must for serious , combative martial arts training .
    • 079 4  This book help me practice and also teach my students . for the practicioner of the ARTS this book helps you develope your mind for everyday problems fighting or not . Even for people of the business world also like myself having an MBA it also helps . You are the only one who controls your mind so use it in the best way you can the big question is what are you waiting for !
    • 115 4  Try to reflect some of the ideas expressed by the author , and you'll find them applicable not only in business but also in attaining self discipline .

  • A BOOK OF FIVE RINGS ( Hardcover ) This book is a complete classic . Much like Sun Tzu , it deals with resolving conflict ( hopefully in the reader's favor ) . The points of order included , have moved into the business world , as we no longer walk the streets with swords . Keep re-reading . All will become clear . Asia is at the doorstep , and business will be fine , if you understand the views and customs of Asia : )
    • 046 4  This review is from : A BOOK OF FIVE RINGS ( Hardcover ) This is a difficult book , written by a brilliant master of both the martial arts and the fine arts . I'm sure it was very hard to translate , and have no idea how faithfully this translation transmits the writer's intent . In my opinion the photos of Musashi's art are the most impressive thing about it . I wish they were color photos .
    • 082 4  This review is from : A BOOK OF FIVE RINGS ( Hardcover ) This book is a complete classic . Much like Sun Tzu , it deals with resolving conflict ( hopefully in the reader's favor ) . The points of order included , have moved into the business world , as we no longer walk the streets with swords . Keep re-reading . All will become clear . Asia is at the doorstep , and business will be fine , if you understand the views and customs of Asia : )

  • Book of Five Rings : The Classic Guide to Strategy ( Hardcover ) Okay , so I really have no clue as to what compelled me to buy this book . I hate to admit it but it looked pretty and it looked historical , so I got it . I also love the Japanese film classics starring Toshirô Mifune as the ultimate samurai warrior . Many of them illustrate a combination of charm , sophistication , humor , even comedy , with violence , ruthlessness , and arrogance . The comparative lack of graphic bloodiness tends to focus the viewer on the human dynamics and art of the situation , and while some of these classics have been translated by the Hollywood film industry for Western tastes , what transpires still has a foreign feel . One sees the action and senses that something going on here is different , uncomfortable . Upon reading a few paragraphs of the Book of Five Rings : The Classic Guide to Strategy , I understood why . For one thing , I had not understood that the character in the samurai collection that Mifune had been portraying had actually been an historic individual living in a unique period of Japanese history . Why I should have been surprised , I don't know , since the exploits of the likes of Pat Garret , Wyatt Earp , and Doc Holiday became the basis for a good deal of 19th and 20th Century pulp fiction , TV series , and movies in the United States . In fact , the period in Japanese history that the translator describes sounds not unlike the Wild West . The sod busters and the ranchers have made their peace , leaving hundreds of gunmen unemployed . The lucky ones find work as lawmen while the unlucky wander the country looking to enhance their reputations by lethal confrontations to see who's fastest on the draw . The winner may ultimately find a job as a peace keeper ; the loser finds a spot on boot hill . In the case of the American western , the contestants use guns ; in the case of the Japanese samurai , they use swords and other equipment . Still there seems something more to it . The something more , I think , is a philosophy , a school , an etiquette , even an art that leaves the Western mind a little uncomfortable . With some of the techniques of sword work and battle strategy , I think that as Musashi himself informs the reader , it is very difficult to write how to do a mechanical task . One can only convey the feeling that performing such a task has for the expert writer on the subject . In modern times this facet of the learning process is overcome by photo illustrations , but even then only to a very limited extent . As the author points out , there is no substitute for experience with the process and practice , practice , practice . Even the very limited experience I acquired years ago when I took fencing lessons helped me picture more clearly some of the moves the author described . Part of the difficulty in connecting with the author's experience as he performs the various actions of sword fighting may be that this book is a translation from the Japanese , was originally written in an older version of the language , and embodied an ancient version of the culture itself , one that is no longer available even to modern Japanese let alone a Western translator . A warrior of Musashi's time may well have connected far better with the similes he uses than a modern person . The unique benefit of this fact , however , is that a great deal can be read into the work . Part of this is the author's intention , but part of it is due to the very ambiguity of the work . Just as the author himself suggests , the reader who does not concentrate on the words but allows the mind to float over them makes all sorts of interesting discoveries . For instance a book on dealing with problem people suggested a technique much like Musashi's To Know the Times , essentially to match the rhythm and intensity of the subject until one can gain control of that rhythm to de-escalate it . His To Become the Enemy immediately brought to my mind the individual characters of Civil War generals Robert E . Lee and his opponent George McClelland . As Musashi suggested , the enemy always feels he is outnumbered which means that a few may defeat many if they are trained in The Way . Or as Lee is reputed to have said before a battle , The Army of the Potomac is a very good one , unfortunately General McClelland brought himself along . Lee understood The Way . He knew that McClelland's personality , or lack of The Way , produced vast armies of the enemy in his mind . In all a very interesting and surprising book , one I expect to read again and again to mine for concepts . For a slender 95 pages , the author , like a good poet , has packed each word with a maximum of information because they encapsulate concepts and principles .
    • 001 4  What I prefer about Victor Harris's translation of Musashi Miyamoto's book is the fact that Harris has gone through exacting lengths not just to present an accurate translation in the context of a 17th-century samurai , but to present Musashi in his proper historical context . As opposed to every other English translation I have read , this one includes a chapter which gives a biography of Musashi , and shows many of his creations , such as paintings ( including a self-portrait ) , tsuba ( swordguards ) , etc . We can see where Musashi stayed , and what his grave looks like , etc . For clarity in understanding , this volume , along with the translation by Thomas Cleary , are the best . I should justify that by explaining that I practice martial arts - - for those of you looking for a business oriented edition , there are several translations and interpretations out there which are geared towards your needs . For those of you involved in the practice of martial arts , sports , or with an interest in historical strategy texts , I heartily recommend this translation ! Whay does this book discuss ? Musashi's masterpiece eschews practice , and decries vanity , ego , and secrets . Musashi was a practitioner of Zen Buddhism , and the influence of Zen philosophy can be seen everywhere in his writing . This is however , definately a book on the strategy of swordsmanship , and not a treatis on religion . Musashi Miyamoto fought in a number of duels - - back in the era of true challenge matches - - when usually the victor was the man left living ! The realities of his times , the fact that life was so cheap and had to be guarded fiercly , and that Musashi succeeded in doing this is what makes his writing even more precious . This was the book Musashi passed on to the students of his school , the unusual two-bladed Ni-to Ryu ( two-sword school ) . For more on the historical Musashi Miyamoto , read Makoto Sugawara's excellent ( non-fiction ) Lives of Master Swordsmen .
    • 002 4  Everybody should read this book . That's all there is to it . Musashi takes the reader into a world filled to the brim with devotion , self-respect , disciplin , honesty and purity of thought . Even though this book was written by and for warriors and samurai , and in a completely different time and culture , it is a remarkabe source of inspiration for selv-developement . Musashi's teachings are concise and to the point . He uses phrases like you must understand this and you must practice diligently and explains only general , but unquestionable and fundamental , concepts of the Way of the Warrior . These guidelines are not directly applicable in our time and age , but what is applicable are the things this book contains about working with yourself . Striving to achieve improvement on the inside as well as the outside . It would be a lie to say that this book is a positive book . Taken litterally it's about how to become an efficient , albeit enlightened , killer . The value of this book comes from reading between the lines , and let me tell you : Those lines could fill volumes .
    • 003 4  What I prefer about Victor Harris's translation of Musashi Miyamoto's book Go Rin no Sho is the fact that Harris has gone through exacting lengths not just to present an accurate translation in the context of a 17th-century samurai , but to present Musashi to us in his proper historical context . As opposed to every other English translation I have read , this one includes an in-depth biography of Musashi prior to the translation , and shows many of his creations , such as paintings ( including a self-portrait ) , tsuba ( swordguards ) , etc . We can see where Musashi lived and practiced , what his grave looks like , etc . For clarity and understanding , this volume , along with the translation by Thomas Cleary , are the best . I should justify that by explaining that I practice martial arts - - for those of you looking for a business oriented edition , there are several translations and interpretations out there which are geared towards your needs . For those of you involved in the practice of martial arts , sports , or with an interest in historical strategy texts , I heartily recommend this translation ! Whay does this book discuss ? Musashi's masterpiece eschews practice , and decries vanity , ego , and secrets . Musashi was a practitioner of Zen Buddhism , and the influence of Zen philosophy can be seen everywhere in his writing . This is however , definately a book on the strategy of swordsmanship , and not a treatis on religion . Musashi Miyamoto fought in a number of duels - - back in the era of true challenge matches - - when usually the victor was the man left living ! The realities of his times , the fact that life was so cheap and had to be guarded fiercly , and that Musashi succeeded in doing this is what makes his writing even more precious . This was the book Musashi passed on to the students of his school , the unusual two-bladed Ni-to Ryu ( two-sword school ) . For more on the historical Musashi Miyamoto , read Makoto Sugawara's excellent ( non-fiction ) Lives of Master Swordsmen .
    • 004 4  I've read several books on sword techniques , methods , philosophies , etc . . . This book takes all that knowledge and adds an edge to it I haven't found anywhere else . It makes you think about your movements , and style of fighting . . . and answers the questions on things like why the samurai used a long and short sword instead of two long blades . Musashi fought back when it meant living or dying , and never lost . He wrote the book years after he retired from fighting and tried to capture the very essense of how to win in any situation . This book does not have any pictures of techniques , but it makes you evaluate every technique . It offers a great deal of knowledge for every day life and even if you never pick up a sword or raise your fists , this book can teach you how to win in life's battles by way of your mind . A great book , and I feel lucky to have it on my shelf . . . available when I need it .
    • 005 4  Many of these books are difficult to understand because they are meant to be used as study and reference guides along with a teacher . The Book of Five Rings ( of which I've read 3 of the 5 , and am just a few pages away from finishing ) is a treatise describing Musashi Miyamoto's personal school of fighting - the school of two skies . He eschews other schools as too this or too that . They concentrate , he says , on technique rather than what swordfighting is all about - killing your opponent . The text is dry , and the sections are short . They are intended ( a ) for swordfighters , and ( b ) to be meditated on . The principals in this book would take a swordfighter years to master . In fact , at one point he says one should study for about 3 years ( he gives a specific number of weeks ) and then practice for 30 or so more years . How does this translate into my life ? I'm not sure . I don't have enough of a background in swordfighting , the culture , etc . to know how these concepts apply to my life . If perhaps I had a guide , in the form of commentary , I could more easily integrate these concepts into my life . As is , however , this book isn't of much use to me , except as reference for the day when I do have commentary . I reccomend , instead , Cleary's Classics of Strategy and Counsel . This trilogy of books includes the Art of War , Mastering the Art of War , The Lost Art of War , The Silver Sparrow Art of War , Thunder in the Sky , The Japanese Art of War , The Book of Five Rings , Ways of Warriors , Codes of Kings ( which includes several works ) , The Art of Wealth , Living a Good Life , The Human Element , and Back to Beginnings . In addition to the text , there is often commentary , and supplementary material that can put the text in context and aid the student on his or her journey . Amazon lists several of these as the same book . . .
    • 006 4  I have read 4 different translations of Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings and I would have to say this is the worst translation I have read by far . It is obvious the translator does not have a passion or understanding for Japanese Martial Sciences . The translator made numerours mistakes , and he consistantly referred to Japanese swordsmanship ( kenjutsu ) as Kendo . This is a major mistake and the very first time I saw Kendo mentioned in the book , I wanted to put it down . It is quite obvious that the translator missed alot of subtle lessons Musashi tried to convery in this book . I would not recommend this version of a classic . However I would recommed A Way to Victory The Annotated Book of Five Rings by Hidy Ochiai . Mr . Ochiai is an accomplished martial artist and has a good understanding of Japanese Martial Arts . I would also recommend reading Legacies of the Sword by Karl Friday . This book will give you a complete understanding of a traditional Japanese ( kenjutsu ) school still operating today .
    • 007 4  This is a deep book - not one that you can sit down and read straight through and get right to the point - - each of the strategies deserves its own session and a great deal of thought . I've now gone through the book several times and feel like I'm just beginning to grasp the applicability of certain pieces . Even read out of context , such as with business in mind , it is useful . I also highly recommend ' Open Your Mind , Open Your Life : A Book of Eastern Wisdom ' by Taro Gold .
    • 008 4  In a fit of generosity I gave away my copy of Victor Harris ' translation to a martial artist friend . Having searched for a replacement I finally purchased a dismal ' Interpretation ' of the book by an American Karateka , who restyled many passages until they spoke the exact opposite of the original . I threw it away . Mr . Harris ' faithful translation , however , bears reading again and again and I believe keeps to the spirit of the original which defies simplistic interpretation , and increases in depth with each reading .
    • 009 4  This review is from : Book of Five Rings : The Classic Guide to Strategy ( Hardcover ) Okay , so I really have no clue as to what compelled me to buy this book . I hate to admit it but it looked pretty and it looked historical , so I got it . I also love the Japanese film classics starring Toshirô Mifune as the ultimate samurai warrior . Many of them illustrate a combination of charm , sophistication , humor , even comedy , with violence , ruthlessness , and arrogance . The comparative lack of graphic bloodiness tends to focus the viewer on the human dynamics and art of the situation , and while some of these classics have been translated by the Hollywood film industry for Western tastes , what transpires still has a foreign feel . One sees the action and senses that something going on here is different , uncomfortable . Upon reading a few paragraphs of the Book of Five Rings : The Classic Guide to Strategy , I understood why . For one thing , I had not understood that the character in the samurai collection that Mifune had been portraying had actually been an historic individual living in a unique period of Japanese history . Why I should have been surprised , I don't know , since the exploits of the likes of Pat Garret , Wyatt Earp , and Doc Holiday became the basis for a good deal of 19th and 20th Century pulp fiction , TV series , and movies in the United States . In fact , the period in Japanese history that the translator describes sounds not unlike the Wild West . The sod busters and the ranchers have made their peace , leaving hundreds of gunmen unemployed . The lucky ones find work as lawmen while the unlucky wander the country looking to enhance their reputations by lethal confrontations to see who's fastest on the draw . The winner may ultimately find a job as a peace keeper ; the loser finds a spot on boot hill . In the case of the American western , the contestants use guns ; in the case of the Japanese samurai , they use swords and other equipment . Still there seems something more to it . The something more , I think , is a philosophy , a school , an etiquette , even an art that leaves the Western mind a little uncomfortable . With some of the techniques of sword work and battle strategy , I think that as Musashi himself informs the reader , it is very difficult to write how to do a mechanical task . One can only convey the feeling that performing such a task has for the expert writer on the subject . In modern times this facet of the learning process is overcome by photo illustrations , but even then only to a very limited extent . As the author points out , there is no substitute for experience with the process and practice , practice , practice . Even the very limited experience I acquired years ago when I took fencing lessons helped me picture more clearly some of the moves the author described . Part of the difficulty in connecting with the author's experience as he performs the various actions of sword fighting may be that this book is a translation from the Japanese , was originally written in an older version of the language , and embodied an ancient version of the culture itself , one that is no longer available even to modern Japanese let alone a Western translator . A warrior of Musashi's time may well have connected far better with the similes he uses than a modern person . The unique benefit of this fact , however , is that a great deal can be read into the work . Part of this is the author's intention , but part of it is due to the very ambiguity of the work . Just as the author himself suggests , the reader who does not concentrate on the words but allows the mind to float over them makes all sorts of interesting discoveries . For instance a book on dealing with problem people suggested a technique much like Musashi's To Know the Times , essentially to match the rhythm and intensity of the subject until one can gain control of that rhythm to de-escalate it . His To Become the Enemy immediately brought to my mind the individual characters of Civil War generals Robert E . Lee and his opponent George McClelland . As Musashi suggested , the enemy always feels he is outnumbered which means that a few may defeat many if they are trained in The Way . Or as Lee is reputed to have said before a battle , The Army of the Potomac is a very good one , unfortunately General McClelland brought himself along . Lee understood The Way . He knew that McClelland's personality , or lack of The Way , produced vast armies of the enemy in his mind . In all a very interesting and surprising book , one I expect to read again and again to mine for concepts . For a slender 95 pages , the author , like a good poet , has packed each word with a maximum of information because they encapsulate concepts and principles .
    • 010 4  Okay , so I really have no clue as to what compelled me to buy this book . I hate to admit it but it looked pretty and it looked historical , so I got it . I also love the Japanese film classics starring Toshirô Mifune as the ultimate samurai warrior . Many of them illustrate a combination of charm , sophistication , humor , even comedy , with violence , ruthlessness , and arrogance . The comparative lack of graphic bloodiness tends to focus the viewer on the human dynamics and art of the situation , and while some of these classics have been translated by the Hollywood film industry for Western tastes , what transpires still has a foreign feel . One sees the action and senses that something going on here is different , uncomfortable . Upon reading a few paragraphs of the Book of Five Rings : The Classic Guide to Strategy , I understood why . For one thing , I had not understood that the character in the samurai collection that Mifune had been portraying had actually been an historic individual living in a unique period of Japanese history . Why I should have been surprised , I don't know , since the exploits of the likes of Pat Garret , Wyatt Earp , and Doc Holiday became the basis for a good deal of 19th and 20th Century pulp fiction , TV series , and movies in the United States . In fact , the period in Japanese history that the translator describes sounds not unlike the Wild West . The sod busters and the ranchers have made their peace , leaving hundreds of gunmen unemployed . The lucky ones find work as lawmen while the unlucky wander the country looking to enhance their reputations by lethal confrontations to see who's fastest on the draw . The winner may ultimately find a job as a peace keeper ; the loser finds a spot on boot hill . In the case of the American western , the contestants use guns ; in the case of the Japanese samurai , they use swords and other equipment . Still there seems something more to it . The something more , I think , is a philosophy , a school , an etiquette , even an art that leaves the Western mind a little uncomfortable . With some of the techniques of sword work and battle strategy , I think that as Musashi himself informs the reader , it is very difficult to write how to do a mechanical task . One can only convey the feeling that performing such a task has for the expert writer on the subject . In modern times this facet of the learning process is overcome by photo illustrations , but even then only to a very limited extent . As the author points out , there is no substitute for experience with the process and practice , practice , practice . Even the very limited experience I acquired years ago when I took fencing lessons helped me picture more clearly some of the moves the author described . Part of the difficulty in connecting with the author's experience as he performs the various actions of sword fighting may be that this book is a translation from the Japanese , was originally written in an older version of the language , and embodied an ancient version of the culture itself , one that is no longer available even to modern Japanese let alone a Western translator . A warrior of Musashi's time may well have connected far better with the similes he uses than a modern person . The unique benefit of this fact , however , is that a great deal can be read into the work . Part of this is the author's intention , but part of it is due to the very ambiguity of the work . Just as the author himself suggests , the reader who does not concentrate on the words but allows the mind to float over them makes all sorts of interesting discoveries . For instance a book on dealing with problem people suggested a technique much like Musashi's To Know the Times , essentially to match the rhythm and intensity of the subject until one can gain control of that rhythm to de-escalate it . His To Become the Enemy immediately brought to my mind the individual characters of Civil War generals Robert E . Lee and his opponent George McClelland . As Musashi suggested , the enemy always feels he is outnumbered which means that a few may defeat many if they are trained in The Way . Or as Lee is reputed to have said before a battle , The Army of the Potomac is a very good one , unfortunately General McClelland brought himself along . Lee understood The Way . He knew that McClelland's personality , or lack of The Way , produced vast armies of the enemy in his mind . In all a very interesting and surprising book , one I expect to read again and again to mine for concepts . For a slender 95 pages , the author , like a good poet , has packed each word with a maximum of information because they encapsulate concepts and principles .
    • 011 4  The Book of Five Rings is an amazing insight into the mind of one of the greatest warriors in human history . Miyamoto , or sword saint as the Japanese call him , was both a powerful warrior and a deep thinking philosopher . He produced numerous works of art , including self-portraits , paintings of buddhas , and sword tsubas . The depth of his thought can be seen clearly in this philosophical treatise , a must read for anyone who is serious about combat and the philosophy behind combat . However , the reader be warned that this is not a martial arts how to book . Miyamoto fails to divulge any specific sword techniques , only describing strikes , stances , and sword positioning at a most basic level . Having said this , the work is centered around the philosophy behind combat and killing . The most powerful weapon is the human mind which Miyamoto attempts to begin training with this fantastic work . It is a book that can and should be read again and again by both beginners and experts : it never fails to yield some bit of philosophy that helps strengthen the mind . While what Miyamoto says on numerous occasions is mind bending , such as his section on fighting and defeating fifty to sixty men , and difficult to fully grasp this is a work that I think everyone should read sometime in their life and should be required reading in every dojo .
    • 012 4  I bought this book as a martial artist and I feel that it's real value is as a treatise for those interested in the fighting arts . I don't really see how it might help a business person who would probably be better off buying George Leonard's Mastery if they want a Zen / Aikido flavoured business strategy . This is an excellent size for keeping in your pocket to refer to during those quiet spells . It's a very clear book , not jargon . NOTE : This pocket edition is NOT abridged as advertised on this web page . It's the whole book .
    • 013 4  Instead of purchasing another technical manual with series of black-and-white photograps of one chinese guy kicking the bejesus out of the another , I would whole-heartedly suggest buying this book and reading it with an open mind . I have trained ( and at times taught ) different martial arts ranging from tai-chi to boxing for almost 20 years . Never before or after have I seen a text so clear and concise , cutting straight into the heart of things . Although Musashi wrote the text bearing the sword-fighting in mind , it is by no means limited to that . He doesn't try and prescribe a certain technique that always works ( as there is no such thing ) - - rather he outlines different factors a successful combat strategy must rely on . It's a difference between giving a man a loaf of bread or teaching him how to make it . The students of Japanese martial arts can certainly relate easier to the way Musashi presents his concepts , but what he says is applicable to any combat whatever your style or school or , indeed , to any confrontation in a broad sense ( hence the potential application of this book as a resource for learning the business management , strategy and negotiation tactics ) .
    • 014 4  Wow , what a misunderstood book . A business book that's deliberately written to be obscure , with deep hidden meaning . Hmmmm . The way I see it , it can be applied to business , since Musashi said his way of strategy is about winning at all things , but obscure no . Musashi himself ( if you care to read the book thoroughly ) actually decried the other schools of martial arts around in his day that told about secrets of martial arts . Secret teachings , eh ? Sounds just like the present day doesn't it ? He said their were no secrets , just practise ( the way is in training ) . The primary theme to the book is that you must focus on the end result you want , and take steps to achieve that . for example in a sword fight , the desired end result is to kill your opponent , every move you make should be intended to accomplish that . Everyting in the book is so straight forward I can't understand anyone not being able to comprehend it , but that's life .
    • 015 4  This book was on the ' suggested reading list ' of another author . I found it intriguing , and curiously interesting reading . The book is based on the survival and fighting / killing style of a Samurai . It speaks of the first time Musashi killed a man , and how he did it . It teaches one the proper use of a sword , knife , or stick . It also teaches the forms of battle used by the Samurai . I liked this book a great deal , yet would not recommend it as a book to help one in business or life . Maybe I just missed the point .
    • 016 4  I am a Japanese and I read this book in Japanese . Hmmm . To read this book for doing business ? Well , it's your choice . Musashi , the sword-saint , was a talented person and his excellent paintings show his deep understandings of Zen . This book is a must-read if you want to understand samurai . But I must mention that he was a soldier , not a commander . His track record in single combats is a miracle , but not very good in large-scale battles .
    • 017 4  This book was originally written many centuries ago , in feudal Japan , a period of great social change . The country was united , and many samurai were out of work . Therefore , master-less samurai roamed across Japan looking for other samurai , against whom to test their blades ( swords ) . Miyamoto Musashi was one of these master-less samurai . However , Musashi was also a philosopher , a sumi-e painter , and a sculptor . Sumi-e , for those who are unfamiliar , is a form of Japanese painting , that emphasizes the white space in the painting , as well as the lines painted . When Musashi was an old man , he was able to write down coherently , the philosophy that had determined the course of his life path . This writing is the Book of Five Rings . Reader's knowledgeable about Zen thinking will find Musashi's philosophy to be familiar . For those don't know , Zen is a philosophy , that focuses on being aware of one's surroundings , and of knowing intuitively how to respond to events . Zen , unlike Buddhism , is a philosophy that believes you can achieve enlightenment in the present lifetime . Heiho , Musashi's philosophy , is predicated on this belief . It is also , as Musashi explains , necessary to keep in mind that the essence of Heiho is to build an indomitable spirit and an iron will ; to believe that you cannot fail in doing anything . It is a demanding but optimistic philosophy . The Book of Five Rings is a short , but challenging read . It will probably be most appreciated by practitioners of the martial arts , and others who want to learn a specific method of applying Zen-like principles to their everyday existence . I doubt that anyone will be able to fully grasp the meanings and intricacies of this book after one reading . Small matter though , because it's about the size of a back-pants pocket and is great reading material on the bus , the subway , or elsewhere .
    • 018 4  This review is from : Book of Five Rings : The Classic Guide to Strategy ( Hardcover ) For whatever reason , the publishers decided to leave out portions of the text , and add a massive amount ( about 40% of the already shortened book ) of Japanese history with photos . The history is great . The photos are . . . Photos . If you've any interest in this subject , find a copy of the Shambhala Dragon Edition by Thomas Cleary . It's much more complete , much more more readable , and was actually translated by Thomas Cleary ( ! ) , a world reknown scholar on the subject . This poor representation of such a powerful , important book almost relagates it to the dingy shelf of the coffee-table book . , and that's a real same .
    • 019 4  For whatever reason , the publishers decided to leave out portions of the text , and add a massive amount ( about 40% of the already shortened book ) of Japanese history with photos . The history is great . The photos are . . . Photos . If you've any interest in this subject , find a copy of the Shambhala Dragon Edition by Thomas Cleary . It's much more complete , much more more readable , and was actually translated by Thomas Cleary ( ! ) , a world reknown scholar on the subject . This poor representation of such a powerful , important book almost relagates it to the dingy shelf of the coffee-table book . , and that's a real same .
    • 020 4  I had first heard about this book in a course dealing with terrorism . The instructor was making a presentation about 4th generation warfare , which in layman's terms is an insurgency . This book was cited as a resource for that course . Being a Marine infantry officer , I am intimately familiar with other military philosophy works and was interested in comparing this work with Sun Tzu's Art of War . My first impression is that you can not read it one time and grasp all of the concepts and ideas presented here . It is meant to be read many times and studied under the direction of a master or someone familiar in the martial arts to explain and demonstrate the concepts presented . It focuses on how to become a better swordsman , but unless you are already familiar with how to be a swordsman , a great deal of the text may seem useless . It is not a true military tacticians bible the way Sun Tzu is , but more generally serves as a means of enlightening one's own inner self . Many of the concepts that were presented here can be used to make one a better warrior , which in my opinion was the original design for the text . However , many of the concepts force you to think , which was also a design of the text . I agree with many of the other reviews presented here that on the surface , if you are looking for concepts to make you a better business person , this book may fall short . However , if you are looking for something that will make you a better warrior ( which Marines are ) or a leader , or perhaps a more enlightened person , this book will help you along that path . Additionally , There are a number of different translations available for the original work of which this is but one . It may be wise to read a selection of different translations to see if they all come across in the same way to you .
    • 021 4  This was a pretty decent read and I am happy to include it in my library . While I rate the ' Code of the Samurai ' and the ' Art of War ' on a much higher level , this book is not without it's merits . I haven't read other translations , so I can't really comment on the quality of this one . However , the introductory material suffered from quite a few mistakes . Commas were missed , the improper use of a / an was found at least once and even the word ' then ' was misspelled . This wouldn't be allowed in a college term paper ; it should have been caught in a mass market publication . As to the quality of the book for it's knowledge alone , I would break it down by who the prospective reader is : Kendo Artist : This is a must . No ifs , ands or buts . Other Martial Artist : Highly recommended , but not necessary . Soldier : Recommended , but take it with a grain of salt . Businessperson : Read it only if you are curious .
    • 023 4  I don't know how I'll apply the principals in this book , but I will reread it many times - mostly , I enjoyed it as literature , and value the translator's notes ! Maybe it is only unique because of who the author is , and when it was written , but that's enough ! The book is priced so low as to be practically free , and is valuable even if you're not an executive or a swordsman . It is a classic in every sense .
    • 024 4  The only good advice I ever got from a book came from this one : Do nothing which is of no use ( p . 49 ) . The Book of Five Rings has a lot of good advice , but that's the one that speaks most clearly to my condition . The Book of Five Rings must be read as metaphor , because life conditions today are so different from those of medieval Japan . But Mushashi was a wise and powerful thinker , and his ideas apply well beyond battle strategy . He lived integrity : unity and purity of thought , word , and deed , and his rare qualities are always worth studying and emulating .
    • 025 4  Musashi's words are great but the translation is not so good . There are misinterpretations of the meaning of the text because it is not translated from any experience with Japanese swordsmanship and the special technical vocabulary of swordsmanship . Plus the author includes part of Yagyu Munenori's ( another master swordsman ) text in it . It is not focused but rather confused . It includes both to make the book more marketable . There are better and more accurate translations out there .
    • 026 4  This book is only a translation of the original . You may not find the extensive commentary you seek . While written centuries ago , Miyamoto Musashi , in my judgment , didn't write a book just about how to fight . Reading this book with an open mind will surprise the reader . Deep thought and reflection will be needed . The areas to which the principles in this book may be applied ( such as lessons in leadership and politics ) and the success in said application are only limited to the amount of imagination and study put forth by the reader . It offers a great deal of knowledge for every day life , and even if you never pick up a sword , or raise your fists , you will find his philosophy extends well beyond the realm of martial arts and battle strategy . To some readers you will not be able to fully grasp all of the concepts and ideas presented after one reading . This book is invaluable and definitely invites repeated readings as new insight is to be found as your understanding deepens . I'm not sure if a single review could do this book justice because each time you re-read this book your thoughts are guaranteed to be provoked and you will definitely walk away each time with a new form of enlightenment and that is my reason for giving it Five stars * * * * * .
    • 027 4  And , with luck , I'll be reading it for at least twenty-five more . This translation of Musashi's classic was the first which I purchased , and it still is my favorite in some respects . If you are looking for How to Become a Samurai in Twelve Easy Lessons , pass by . If you are looking for a book which will yield up new layers of meaning with the passing of time and ( hopefully ) your continuing maturity , here you are . The areas to which the principles in this book may be applied and the success in said application are only limited to the amount of imagination and study put forth by the reader .
    • 028 4  This book is also a must-read for anyone training in the martial arts , regardless of style . The principles and ideas laid down here are priceless to the aspiring martial artist . While the prose is easy to read , the content isn't something you can blast through in a few hours . I've barely made it through this book twice , and each time I have to sit and ponder different passages that Musashi had written on the importance of certain techniques or ways of thinking . I highly recommend this book to anyone either already training in the martial arts or considering entering into the martial arts .
    • 029 4  I purchased this book in hopes of improving my fighting strategy . As an amature fighter myself I could relate to everything that was said , further , his language is straight forward and is meant to be directed to those who battle and those who control men in battle . If you try to translate this into business strategy , it will lose its essence and true purpose of the writting . It will lose meaning because it wasn't meant for business . He actually says that money must not be our only motivation , but self improvement . If you are interested in Japanese history , this is a must . If you are interested in martial arts , this is a must . If you are looking for business strategy , I suggest The Prince , or The Art of War .
    • 030 4  I tend to agree that the business applications of this brilliant volume are a bit exagerrated . Musashi was a martial artist , and although the lessons of anyone successful in their craft can apply to many facets of life , this book primarily concerns swordsmanship and military tactics . Clearly , Musashi emphasizes numerous times that there are no amazing secrets , profound philosohpies or special techniques that will help you achieve victory - - there is only the mastery of the basics and a deep understanding of yourself and your opponent . And , he also concedes , a natural inclination for any given profession is essential . As a martial arts text , this work is timeless - - on par with the classical poems of Taijiquan . For martial artists , the lessons laid out by Musashi need to be pondered , put into practice , and pondered again . . . . .
    • 031 4  Don't know whether my Taiwanese / Chinese background gives me bias . However , I'm quite used to read abstract / doctrine books like this one . When reading books like this ( or Confucius , Sun-Tse ) , my philosophy is - you need to pay attention to every word , and every word is a starting point , instead of an end . Thus , the book just provokes you to think more , to think through the Way , instead of teaching you everything . You are your own teacher . I think - from this book , the more important teaching is on the spiritual vs . technical . Thus the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death makes me think a lot . Do you know why Musashi called it - book of the Ground , the Water , etc . ? That'll be an interesting teaching as well . Overall , I like the book a lot , though I have difficulty to understand all the English words . I might find a Chinese version or I need to learn Japanese . I recommend this book to everyone who wants to think through the Way of warrior by themselves .
    • 032 4  When I first started the martial arts my sensei reccomended this book for me to read . He told me it would give me basic understanding of strategy , ( for now that is ) and some balance when it comes to understanding combat . I learned a lot in the manuel by Mushashi , more than I can learn on my own . The wise words , and absolute ways are something that we should all understand as people . I reccomend this to any one training in ANY martial art !
    • 033 4  This book cannot be adequately evaluated or appreciated in a single reading or even ten . It is the attempt to relate the life-experience of a man who was super-human by today's standards . Read it . Wait a year . Read it again . Repeat process as necessary . This book can help you deal with any situation life can throw at you , if you can comprehend the content and apply it properly .
    • 034 4  Read this as well as Sun Tzu for a good over view of staragy . Sun Tzu offers more practical advice while this offers more insight in to the proper state of mind ( and as such is probably more generally applicable to different situations , war , bussiness , personal relationships , etc . ) I have only recently begun my study of these two great works but if I were to lay out an easy ( and maybe erroneouse ) distinctino then it seems to me that this is more for the individual in combat ( negotiations , love , whatever ) while Sun Tzu is more organizational ( But they are both still stratagy and tactics not one or the other ) . As someone else here pointed out , Musashi does not tell you how to fight ( run a bussiness , argue , etc ) instead he descibes what your state of mind should be . ( there are specific references to different type of sword cuts but this is not the bulk of the advice ) . Mushashi presupposes that you know the the mechanics of your art , he is teaching you how and most importantly when to apply them . He probably dwells on timeing more than anything ( other than practice and reflection . ) There is a short list of things to always do , remember the importance of training , percive that which can not be seen , pay attention even to the trifle , etc . Probably most importantly ( other than the chapter on the void but I expect most will skip that , pity ) is putting yourself in the others place wich he illustrates with a simple but effective analogy . As a trial attorney this book is invaluable and invites repeated readings as new insight is to be found as your understanding deepens . I recall a case I won once , with a great witness but bad physical evidence , when it came time to look at the physical evidence the judge stated that it did not look like what it was purported to be to him . He was right and had I argued , pointed out that he was not an expert in that necessary feild etc , I would have lost all credibility with him . Instead I humbly agreed and mentioned that I probably would not have brought the case if the creadibility of the witness was not so compelling and persuasive . We won . As Mushashi points out , put yourself in the place of your enemy and remember timeing is everything .
    • 035 4  This book has a singleness of mind and directness that are hard to describe . It is about one thing only , and about forging oneself into the tool that can do that one thing . The writing is earthy and practical . However blunt and direct it may seem , I get the impression that the translator softened its style . The second translation in this book , from about the same time , is more literary , more refined , and alludes to a much wider range of the educated person's reading . Next to Musashi , and embodying so much of what he disdained , it simply looks foppish . I do technical work . Much of the process of design and debug has the feel of facing intelligent , determined opposition . For that reason , large parts of Musashi's advice seem true and fresh . He advises that a warrior to become master of all tools , not some just some favorite - today , he would call that the golden hammer . In ' Letting Go Four Hands , ' he advises a prompt change of attack when the first assault deadlocks . In ' Mountain and Sea Changing , ' he advises against repeating an approach that has already failed against a given opponent . All those are things that work as well in the lab as on the battlefield . The Five Rings should be in the library of any professional , artist , or technical worker . Cleary's translation is modern and readable . I would give it five stars , except that so many classics from China and Japan discuss not only tactics but strategy as well . It's not about any flaw in this book , but about the excellence of the other books that this one complements .
    • 036 4  Miyamoto Musashi lived in the medium age Japan , among wars and social crises . The kind of life he had led him to develop a special philosophy ( and very practical ) towards work , discipline , fears and the trascending questions . His life can't be an practical example for us NOW . We don't live in societies where war is the main way of living ( fortunately ) , but , and this is an important BUT , his insights about living in the middle of a noncooperative relations ( dangerous ones , i would say ) , the moral and psichological resources everyone has to survive , and the basic practices to develop the capabilities to it , are valuables for every modern person , for the new environment we have ahead ( job place , market , personal competition for excellence ) , what is as competitive as the Japan he lived ( but less bloody ) . Indeed , being capable to compete supposes a Samurai style planning and training capabilites . Read what one of them advices to us .
    • 037 4  They way Myamoto Musashi expresses his ideas and techniques on proper form not only in regards to swordplay , but all around strategy for life , makes you believe you can accomplish anything ( take that Stephen Covey ! ) Although I will be the first to admit that some sections are more obscure and difficult to process than others , all in all , this is a great book to have and read periodically , if not to improve oneself , then at least it is a great mental excercise just trying to ponder and garner the meanings behind the teachings of Musashi . A worthwhile read if you have the mental stamina for it .
    • 038 4  I did not like this book quite as much as the Art of War . However , I think this book is a good supplement to the Art of War which is why is suggest that you read it second . A lot of good philosiphy is crammed into these pages . I was particularly fond of the pages which explore zen . However , I was not pleased with the pages of pages of sword fighting strategy . I will probably never fight with a sword , and have no relevant application for these sword fighting techniques . However , it is a fulfilling read for a person who has a few hours to kill on a road trip or weekend .
    • 039 4  On the surface this book appears to be about the martial arts , warfare , swordplay . However , a careful reading with an open mind will surprise the reader not particularly focused on those aspects . Readers who've trained themselves to read complexity and symbolism as an overlay for everyday life experiences will find a strategy for the human life experience hidden here barely beneath the surface . It's only one strategy , and not necessarily the one you'll choose to lead your own life , but it's still worth studying and comprehending . In fact , readers completely unfamiliar with martial arts will find many ' lessons in life ' worth digesting . I believe it's worth the time and effort for study in the same sense as classic Chinese and European works of similar ilk .
    • 040 4  As another reviewer stated this is not a book for the casual reader . While I have now read and studied the book and its teaching well over twenty times , I still find new things to ponder each time . Going from this if you are learning the way of the sword . DO NOT go read a section and try to do it yourself , you will only end up hurting yourself . Think and meditate upon the text before ever trying anything . Also the book alone is not a teacher , only a reference . If you really wish to learn the way of the sword seek out a teacher . However when it comes to books on this topic you will find no better . Which is why I give it 5 of 5 stars , but to someone who is not truly interested in the way it will most likely bore them . As for the book itself . It is broken into 5 main sections Ground / Water / Fire / Wind / Void , each being their own philosophy and style with the sword .
    • 041 4  Well , this is one of the greatest books ever written on strategy . But a great deal of it is highly technical and not easily understood by people without extensive background in the Japanese martial arts - I lived in Japan for 3 years , have studied over 10 year and make no claims to understand it . I used to ask my Sensei about it and he would just laugh - it was deliberately written to be obscure . I think you ought read it , enjoy it , know that most business managers ( Japan or America ) do not understand it and all the hype about it as a business text is BS .
    • 042 4  The Shambala Dragon Edition of Musashi's Book of Five Rings was passed on to me several years ago by a close friend and fellow martial artist after the death of our teacher , who had given it to him . I have kept it and read it numerous times as a reference that is applicable to my own martial arts studies . Throughout , Musashi gives insight into his theories and strategies regarding what he describes as his martial art , namely the art of Kenjustu ( Japanese Swordsmanship ) , specifically his own two-sword or Two Heavens school . Although it is an interesting and insightful look into Musashi's strategies for individual and collective combat , the Book of Five Rings is short on technical details , and therefore difficult to apply to one's own martial arts studies in any specific and systematic manner . This being said , Musashi's writings are still very applicable to any martial art in a generalized way . With its lack of specifics , it is easy to see how publishers and readers alike could make the stretch that the Book of Five Rings is an excellent book on personal or business strategy - - rather than trying to sell it as an outstanding treatise on martial arts . After all , there are a lot more business people and self-help readers to sell books to than there are serious students of martial arts . However , these claims are more wishful thinking and skillful marketing than actual truth . If one wants to apply Musashi's strategies to business or the non-martial life , they will have a tough time trying to translate techniques such as those on footwork or stabbing the face into effective business management or personal growth strategies . One could certainly apply Musashi's techniques metaphorially , but to do so would be to take the author's instructional commentary entirely out of context . It must be understood that Musashi's Book of Five Rings was not written for business people , or those interested in self-help techniques . It was written about martial arts , for martial artists , by an undisputed master of martial arts , and must be read with this fact in mind to be truly appreciated and understood . Every serious martial artist should own it , and study it and apply its general lessons throughout his or her martial arts career . The Shambala Dragon Edition , includes Yagyu Munenori's masterful Book of Family Traditions and the Art of War which is an added bonus for serious students of Japanese martial arts .
    • 043 4  One of the most illuminating books I have ever read and one of the best works on strategy ever written . Musashi takes the reader into the world of helical learning . The novice sets off understanding the book at face value and as his understanding of strategy gets more advanced through study , he comes to the realization that the advanced techniques are actually the basics , the same but taken to a higher level . He has gone full circle and arrived at the beginning but at a higher level than whence he started . But it doesn't stop there , making the circuit again and again and each time rising ever higher in understanding he progresses through the purely physical applications into the mental and spiritual applications of Musashi's ideas thus honing mind , body and spirit and fusing it to will , showing him how to succeed in adversity . A timeless classic and life-changing book .
    • 044 4  This review is from : Book of Five Rings : The Classic Guide to Strategy ( Hardcover ) This book left me with a double feeling . Happiness , about being able to read about ancient wisdom and the sense it all made . Sadness , not being able to apply all knowledge in our era . As Sun Tzu's Art of War was written even more abstract than this book , I found it easier to convert its knowledge into practice . As this book is more focussed on the inner-self of a human being , I strongly recommend you first read some Zen books before digging in on this one . Then I would recommend Zen Mind , Beginners Mind . The knowledge of this book is definitly four-star material , but this translation into English misses out on some key points . Excellent to read , but don't expect any miracles without years of dedicated training .
    • 045 4  This book left me with a double feeling . Happiness , about being able to read about ancient wisdom and the sense it all made . Sadness , not being able to apply all knowledge in our era . As Sun Tzu's Art of War was written even more abstract than this book , I found it easier to convert its knowledge into practice . As this book is more focussed on the inner-self of a human being , I strongly recommend you first read some Zen books before digging in on this one . Then I would recommend Zen Mind , Beginners Mind . The knowledge of this book is definitly four-star material , but this translation into English misses out on some key points . Excellent to read , but don't expect any miracles without years of dedicated training .
    • 047 4  This is a difficult book , written by a brilliant master of both the martial arts and the fine arts . I'm sure it was very hard to translate , and have no idea how faithfully this translation transmits the writer's intent . In my opinion the photos of Musashi's art are the most impressive thing about it . I wish they were color photos .
    • 048 4  Musashi explains through the book the way of the strategy . Thoght the book is short it does not lack information , the explanation are brief but very good and very complete . Every one who wants to study strategy should read this book .
    • 050 4  I found the book really useful . I am a CEO of a mid-sized company and have been able to use many of the concepts covered in the book in real life . It is not a book to read cover to cover in one sitting , you should read it a little bit at a time and reflect on the content . It is helpful if you have an understanding of eastern philosophy but not necessary . The book is written by Miyamoto Musashi perhaps the most well known Samurai leader in history and is a unique opportunity to read his thoughts and strategies .
    • 051 4  Another classic that , under the right circumstances , can change the way the reader sees things . Consider this a guide to the psychology behind action . It's not a guide for someone who only wants to improve a hook kick . It IS a guide for someone who wants to develop the appropriate spirit for efficiently applying maximum force with minimal effort in many different arenas . A book that warrants more than one trip through its covers to understand it .
    • 052 4  Was it the eighties when everyone ran out to buy this book to use as a business tool ? Admirable , perhaps , but one might miss the point . Whether you are a butcher , a baker , or a candlestick maker , this book can help illuminate the Way for you . There are no easy answers in life . You have to find them for yourself . This book is an excellent map along the road to greater understanding of all things . If you are looking for a quick fix to your business woes , take a class at a community college . If you want to learn something about life and yourself , buy this book . Read it . Go away and think about . Come back and read it again . Understanding will happen somewhere along the Way .
    • 053 4  All those who have even minimum interest with martial culture should read this book , from militaries to karateka's . Simple and profound it gives enlightning basic notions on how to defeat your enemy in the fastest way . It is incredible how this centuries old script applies to the modern society , as it is possible to considerate it a fundamental manual in combat strategies . Where for combat you can intend all possible situations that implicate struggle : war , fight , work , love .
    • 054 4  . . . is to kill your opponent . The Book of Five Rings was recommended to me as a young martial artist and it changed my life . This classic is a must for anyone who has an interest in the martial arts , business , or how to address the problems of life . Musashi's wisdom and clarity ring down through the ages . His insights are thoroughly modern and applicable to the issues of today . I have been a martial artist for 15 years and management consultant for 10 and recommend this book to either audience . It is required reading for my clients . The Shambala edition is simply the finest translation of the Book of Five Rings that I have found .
    • 055 4  I thought this book was very deep and spiritual , in fact I use some of the idealogies which are contained in this book with my daily outlook on life . This book has opened / reawakened my true-self , moreover it has made me appreciate my surroudings in a 360 degrees perspective . Furthermore , I apperciate life and what I have got and what I can give back in a positive way from reading this book !
    • 056 4  I found this book difficult to digest because , unlike Art of War , it doesn't contain clear ' do's and don'ts ' . Instead it talks of doing things with certain ' feelings ' with the ultimate goal of becoming formless . There are multiple levels of meaning such that on first reading there seems little sense . After contemplating a passage you develop a minor understanding . After expert application , another understanding , and so on . A Westerner can better understand this book after reading The Chrysanthemum and the Sword . Even so , it has taken me almost two years of martial arts training to begin to understand the concepts in this book . Yes , the concepts are applicable to modern life . But are they effective ? Maybe .
    • 057 4  The previous reviewers are misguided . This is an essential guide to strategy that must be learned in the context of action and practice . The Art of War is the high school text book , this is the graduate degree version . In the end , after you have read the passages many times and practiced often , you may be lucky enough to realize you didn't need to read the book at all . That's shibumi . If you're reading it for any other reason , you're only seeing what you always see . If you're reading it without practice , you're wasting your time . This is one of the top 10 books written by man .
    • 058 4  I have read this book at least 20 times and every time I read I get something new from it . I'm a business man and I read it primarily for the business value that it gives through the deep insights that Musashi accumulated through his life . Even the initial pages about how a carpenter should treat different kinds of wood for construction is simply mind blowing and outlook enhancing . I strongly recommend that you buy this translation ( not Cleary's as his translation misses the nuances and tries to present the book in simple english - that can't be done ) and read it and then reread it to enhance your understanding of the world and the strategy you should employ to stay ahead in business , career and life .
    • 059 4  An old martial treatise that is more philosophical than one might expect . There are very few how-to sections of the work , but the very ambiguity of many passages allow deep inspection . The author of the second work translated here , Munenori , in fact reminds the reader - constantly - that everything written herein required careful consideration , practice , and reflection . As a glimpse into the warrior ethos of martial culture from 17th-century Japan , both are valuable books . The reader would most likely find this book even more rewarding after reading similarly-themed books from the near geographical area , such as Sun-tzu's Art of War , or even the Tao Te Ching .
    • 061 4  Musashi , like every great warrior , knew that strategy was as important as tactics and techniques in combat . This book will teach you things that were learned in combat and will enhance your survival potential on the battlefield , street and life . It is not the easiest book to interpret and understand , but that hardly matters , as for the information in this book is worth your time and effort . One good book is worth a hundred crummy ones , and this book is one outstanding book . This book is divided into various distinct sections , and the serious and professional warrior should extract as much information as possible from each section . Every time I pick this book up I learn something new . This is the warrior's bible . I highly recommend this book to all readers .
    • 062 4  The book written by the samurai warrior Miyamoto Musashi circa 1645 is considered a classic treatise on military strategy , and it enjoys an audience considerably broader than only that of martial artists : for instance , some business leaders find its discussion of conflict and taking the advantage to be relevant to their work . The term Ichi School , which is referred to in the book , Go Rin No Sho , when referring to such books , refers to Niten No Ichi Ryu , or Ni Ten Ichi Ryu , which literally translated , means Two Swords , one heaven . Throughout the book it is clear : what is primary for Musashi is The Goal , while the means of achieving the goal are secondary . He wrote According to this Ichi school , you can win with a long weapon , and yet you can also win with a short weapon . In short , the Way of the Ichi school is the spirit of winning , whatever the weapon and whatever its size . The same is in business : the leaders who are attracted by the goal rather than by embellishments are the true leaders . For example , the dot-com bubble of 2000 was caused by the managers who forgot about the primary goal of the business : net income . Those who were obsessed by their stock prices regarding of massive losses and the lack of revenue became bankrupt . They put attention to the fancy office buildings and furniture rather than to the assets that generate earning . Musashi wrote about it : Just as a horse must have endurance and no defects , so it is with weapons . Horses should walk strongly , and swords and companion swords should cut strongly . Spears and halberds must stand up to heavy use : bows and guns must be sturdy . Weapons should be hardy rather than decorative . Musashi also encourages to maintain a balance of your skills throughout your life . This balance could be thought of as Yin and Yang . The balance is to be neither over-familiar with something nor under-familiar . The over-familiarity or over-use of one weapon is not recommended by Musashi , as it would be seen to reveal your spirituality to your enemy , and thus your boisterousness , or over-calm . The over-familiarity makes you stick to a conviction . This is a very important for the business . Take , for example , mr . Warren Buffet . A quality standing out about Mr . Buffett is his ability to morph . If you read his materials from the 1960s , he said very different things than in the 1970s and early - 1980s . Early on he was buying dirt-cheap stocks by simple statistical standards and typically smaller stocks ( smallcap ) , later he bought franchises , then he entered a period of buying great managements of big companies and being a long-term holder , then , amazingly , he was buying smaller things dirt cheap again just as value came back into play as the twenty-first century began . He tactically morphed steadily over the decades . Trying to freeze his tactics from any decade and replicate them in the next few would never have led you to his actual actions . Musashi wrote about that this way : You should not have a favourite weapon . To become over-familiar with one weapon is as much a fault as not knowing it sufficiently well . You should not copy others , but use weapons which you can handle properly . It is bad for commanders and troops to have likes and dislikes .
    • 063 4  This is powerful book to read and UTILIZE in your life . While it can easily be taken for face value as a book on physical fighting strategy , it is more than that . One can take many of the thoughts and translate them to a more theoretical use on strategy . For example , a quote speaking of the gaze relating to seeing an enemy and their movements : It is important in strategy to know the enemy's sword and not to be distracted by insignificant movements of his sword . This could easily be translated to business , sports , etc . Just substitute sword for the essence of the thought to apply to business , army , team , etc . The first 3rd of the book is a historical account of events of Musashi's life , and also includes many images of artwork created by Musashi . They are black and white however . The rest of the book is the actual Book of Five Rings . It consists of 5 books : ground , water , fire , wind and the void . It is to be noted Musashi after a time found he did not need to follow any particular Way and practiced many . Regarding the layout of the book , I like the footnotes at the bottom of many of the pages which help describe words or thoughts you may not have easily or readily known otherwise . - - - * * * THE BOTTOM LINE * * * - - - A good book to have , with worthwhile strategy , although , regarding strategy I prefer Sun Tzu's Art of War .
    • 064 4  This review is from : Book of Five Rings : The Classic Guide to Strategy ( Hardcover ) This is a great book for the swordsman , samurai enthusiast , or anyone who wants insite into the spiritual history of japan.It contains helpful advice for anyone looking to better their life and overcome fear .
    • 065 4  This is a great book for the swordsman , samurai enthusiast , or anyone who wants insite into the spiritual history of japan.It contains helpful advice for anyone looking to better their life and overcome fear .
    • 066 4  I have been reading this book for twenty years in various editions and translations and this Victor Harris translation is my favourite . This book can be read in less than an hour but you will be able to pick up new understandings each time you read it whether the first time or the two hundredth time . I can tell that some of the reviewers who have given this book neutral or worse reviews just don't get it . There is a very good reason that this book along with Sun Tzu's Art of War are considered the two classic Eastern treatises on strategy . The principles are clearly applicable both to combat and to the daily battles of business , marketing and sales . This is a profound book . Study it and it will yield many lessons .
    • 067 4  As I read the first twenty pages , I couldn't help but to say , Whooah ? And because martial arts principles are valuable to me , I expected something new about life principles . What I found is that this book requires a deep and unique level of thinking how ways of the sword can apply to all aspects of ones life . While this isn't a book that I'd advise someone to rush to buy , to enchance their life , it is a resource to guide the reader to slowly evolve in ways that become truly part of their subconscious being .
    • 068 4  I have read this book twice , once looking at it from a martial artist's view , and second as a businessman . It is a must have for not only businessmen and martial artists , but for all . Strategies for life and all its aspects can be interpreted from this book , though it may be difficult to do so . A philosophical and deep view on the gears of life and how to run it with ease .
    • 069 4  I wanted to read the Japanese classic with some commentary , but mostly the Japanese classic . What I got with this book was The Book of The Five Rings Greatest Hits or How to use Old Books to Make a Killing on Wall Street . I'm very disappointed in the book and if you are looking for Asian classics , read the description very carefully .
    • 070 4  This book is interesting to read for it's historical merits . I would also imagine practitioners of the sword arts would find this a highly prized text . The commentary , however , could have been a lot better . I also think this text is pretty overrated as a business manual . How or why this would apply to the business arena is difficult to ascertain . There are better sources for inspiration in my opinion .
    • 071 4  It's important to approach this book as the advice from someone who is very good at something to a favored student . It is not a masterpiece of writing . Nor is it a technical explication of strategy that can also be applied to business . If you want a rigorous examination of business strategy by a professional academic then read ( and reread and practice ) Michael Porter . Five Rings is the rarest of books : honest practical advice from someone who knows what he's doing . Like a father or a some sort of mentor , Musashi continually exhorts the reader to practice and to think about what has been written . His tells the reader what he should be thinking about in order to be victorious , not what to do . This absence of technical information makes sense . Come on , does anyone think that Jack Welch proved finance theorems with Immelt all these years ? He probably kicked Immelt's . . . and taught him some lessons and attitudes about competition . If you want to know how an expert views his profession and the world and your company CEO already has a favorite underling , then read Five Rings and get some good advice .
    • 072 4  This is not a book about business , or about swordfighting for that matter . It is a book about The Way and perfecting oneself through The Way . I have been reading this book for more than ten years . Every translation I could find . As my underestanding of The Way grows so does my understanding of this book , and vice versa . It can be read easily in a day or two so read it as many times as you can . Everytime something new will reveal itself to you . Read it from front to back . . . take one chapter at a time . . . take one part of a chapter at a time . I have red the book every way I can think of ! Sure , some of it is hard to follow . . . don't dismiss it just because you don't understand it ! I have been practicing both Kendo and Iado for a long time . Believe me , the more you learn , the more you realize that you don't know anything ! Musashi Knew !
    • 073 4  This review is from : The Book of Five Rings ( Shambhala Classics ) ( Paperback ) Being able to focus successfully is a key to creating business empires ; Musashi's book is packed with insights that all of us who are entrepreneurs and executives can learn from . It is the tactical equivalent of Sun Tzu's strategic wisdom in The Art of War ; both are immensely powerful . - k
    • 074 4  Being able to focus successfully is a key to creating business empires ; Musashi's book is packed with insights that all of us who are entrepreneurs and executives can learn from . It is the tactical equivalent of Sun Tzu's strategic wisdom in The Art of War ; both are immensely powerful . - k
    • 075 4  This is an excellent book . A true classic . Very easy to read and digest . Don't let all those long winded reviews spin your head . This book is inspiring and to-the-point .
    • 076 4  This is probably one of the best ( if not THE best ) book on philosophy I've ever read . It contains valuable teachings on how a samurai warrior should be.Discipline , honor , integrity are just a few of the things Sensei Musashi has to teach through this book . Its philosophies can be applied to everybody despite their profession and / or lifestyle .
    • 077 4  I was doing research into comparing and contrasting christian and eastern lterature . I used this text as a tool to see how the basic underlying of both the christian and eastern philosophies are quite similar in ways of self-control and controlling your own environment and impacting your environment . I found the text both interesting and challenging . A good source for basis eastern philosophical study and understanding .
    • 078 4  I found this book to ge very good , but not fulfilling . As a student of a chinese art , it was hard for me to comprehend the techniques which were presented in the book . I did enjoy the read but found some things lacking . It was somewhat poetic ( for lack of a better word ) and had too brief of explanations . I realize that one has to use their imagination but the book is not applicable to all aspects of life . However , if you study a Japanese sword art ( such as Iaido ) , by all means , get it and read it .
    • 080 4  A very deep little book , declared by many to be The classic guide to strategy . I first read it years ago , and still , to this day , I have moments of understanding of it .
    • 081 4  The supreme authority on strategy to the Chinese is Sun Tzu and his thoughts on how to win literal and figurative battles should always remain part of military and business education . Miyamoto Musashi is a Japanese Samurai that lived in the seventeenth century , and is considered the greatest Japanese warrior of the time . By the age of thirty he had fought and won over sixty duels to the death and he retired undefeated . He then lived in a cave and recorded his thoughts on battles , considering them appropriate for all situations where planning , tactics and strategy are necessary . The modern Japanese businessman and entrepreneur studies the writings of Musashi as the Chinese study Sun Tzu , hoping to adapt his thoughts to the execution of their business strategy . When faced with opposition schooled in this way , the American business person needs to be schooled in a similar manner . They need to recognize when such a tactic may be applied and develop a counter strategy beforehand that will thwart it . As is the case with most Japanese writings , one must read this text very carefully in order to discern the complete meaning . Many times a second or third reading is necessary and it is always helpful if you have some understanding of the Japanese culture and traditions . Although Musashi fought with swords and other hand weapons , it is clear that he was a master at strategy as well as tactics . The warriors that he fought were clearly the best that Japan had to offer and to survive this many instances of hand-to-hand singular combat ; he must have been nearly perfect . For even one serious mistake among his duels and he would never have been able to retire to the cave and write this book . This is one of the books that should be studied by anyone planning to do business with Japanese counterparts .
    • 083 4  This book is a complete classic . Much like Sun Tzu , it deals with resolving conflict ( hopefully in the reader's favor ) . The points of order included , have moved into the business world , as we no longer walk the streets with swords . Keep re-reading . All will become clear . Asia is at the doorstep , and business will be fine , if you understand the views and customs of Asia : )
    • 084 4  This book is a great read from start to finish . it is something to spark an imagination and also to allow a creative and educated look at any and everything you would do in life . Miyamoto is a true genius to create something so valuable on a personal level that everyone can relate to no matter what your situation may be . This book gives great insight to a man with a vision and plans to unify and set forth on a journey to find his path and way in life , much like a Muslim who may never meet his fate even into the afterlife . However , Miyamoto had reached his path b4 the end of his demise but left a legacy of the samurai for all people to follow in all walks and forms of life . I would recommend this book to anyone with a brain who is looking to succeed in life .
    • 085 4  When read and thoroughly understood , this is a book that will change the way you look at life . I would suggest this book to anyone .
    • 086 4  This is actually a great book on practical Zen in a way of swordmanship in medieval Japan . Two heaven sword tehnique is described there but it is difficult to understand for people who doesn't use to martial art .
    • 087 4  This book is great for anyone interested in personal development . It is a guide in focused self-discipline . It is also a guide to successful navigation of conflict . This translation is the best I've read . It is free of superfluous footnotes and pedantic commentary . The commentary that is included before each chapter is brief and helpful .
    • 088 4  I read this book via download , translated by Victor Harris , but they can't be that different ! It is roughly organized , appears to be random thoughts , and uses some figures of speech that can be difficult to understand , but is a masterpiece in it's own class . It's amazing how many people and entire cultures have moulded their philosophy of combat and even business around these precepts . This is a short , easily read book that moves along pretty quickly . It cuts to the chase almost immediately though , and doesn't back off . Well worth the meager price .
    • 089 4  Musashi's now-famous ' Book of Five Rings ' is simply not the most influential sword-fighting book written in Feudal Japan . The most important book on Japanese swordsmanship , and the text of the Shogunate's own selected shool of swordsmanship is ' The Sword and the Mind ' : available as a translation by Hiroaki Sato . Musashi had a very personal and unique style of fighting involving the long and short swords used together . Quite possibly his style developed through the influence of his father , who was an expert in the jitte : a parrying weapon held in the left hand . Even if wielding the long sword by itself , he recommends holding it only in one hand , and developing the strength to do so : he mentions how often you will have to grab enemy spears or other objects with your left hand while fighting , and how holding a sword in two hands limits your sword's movement . Musashi was fully devoted to swordsmanship , and it seems as if he spent all day every day of his life swinging his swords about : no wonder no one could match him ! Musashi's main principles are : 1 ) Train as much as possible 2 ) Always be on the attack , and turn every defence into an attack 3 ) Do unexpected strange things to confuse the opponent 4 ) Attack while the opponent is in the middle of doing something else such as taking a step or breathing etc 5 ) keep yourself relaxed while fighting 6 ) Train to achieve complete control of movement . There are lots of little useful anecdotes he tells us about , such as how to keep the sun at your back and thus in the opponent's face . He also gives us a window into 17th Century battles concerning the benefits and detriments of the various weapons and so on . What clearly rings through the entire book is that this is the work of someone who is intimate to an incredible degree with the movements of the sword and the body . A great deal of his strategy involves timing and rhythms : catching the opponent at just the right moment . There is no doubt that these principles are of the utmost importance in winning any kind of sport ; however , they are very simple principles and really depend on the swordsman having an incredible amount of skill and training which gives him enough freedom of movement and acute sense of timing to carry them out . One can sense the love Musashi has of fighting and the thrill he gets at his feeling of superiority at winning . However , Japan was not as impressed with his style as he was . It was the two-handed style outlined in ' The Sword and the Mind ' that became the standard for samurai . I am not a duellist who's life is on the line , so I am not in a position to muse about why the preference remained for a two-handed grip , but certainly having more control of the blade , more speed , and a longer sword must have been factors . So , even though Musashi was undefeatable , he became so using apparently inferior weapons . While this is all the more impressive , it also means that his style is defective in its most basic element : its weapons ! I should probably add here that Musashi clearly was acquainted with literature , and the fact that he was trying to immortalize himself through his book is obvious on every page . He was a great artist too , and his paintings and sculptures have been prized ever since he created them . He wanted to remain the best swordsman after his death , and this book was conceived as his means to that end . There is a great deal to be sure to be learned from this work - it is quite possibly the best book ever written on hand to hand combat , and it is very well organized . I should add too that where Musashi speaks of large-scale military manoeuvers he is speaking from experience , since he fought in and commanded in several battles . We however must remember that in his own time and later his style of two swords hardly had any students - and there are no fencers from his Nito school that ever became famous . While his very seemingly-practical ' hands-on ' approach to swordsmanship appeals to us impatient moderns , the deeply introspective , psychological mind-games of Munenori's The Sword and the Mind appealed to the samurai of the Edo period . However , the samurai of that period took on the role of civil servants and their role as warriors became less and less important , so practical advice on winning battles such as Musashi gives seemed less relevant to them than spiritual cultivation . It is really a miracle that Japan's greatest samurai actually wrote a book telling us how to become as great a fighter as himself ! This book is a guide to success in martial arts , and it will give your martial arts knowledge a touch of ' class ' , since this book is a true classic of the best kind : if you can quote Musashi in your teaching , it can only look good for you ! I ought to note that Thomas Cleary's edition of the Book of Five Rings also contains the entire Sword and the Mind of Munenori , so Cleary's book would be ideal to buy !
    • 090 4  There's no doubt this book is an interesting read , from which one can learn a lot . But attributing the infinite wisdom of the most successful people today to this book is an overly pretentious act , for after all , this is a book explaining how to best cut your opponent with a long sword . If it is ancient wisdom you are after , I would recommend the Hagakure and The Art of War much more than this one . But if you're interested in learning the roots of Japanese culture , then the Book of Five Rings will do just fine .
    • 091 4  Admittedly , I do not own this edition , but I bought it as a Christmas gift for a friend . This Musashi classic explains about the necessary fundamentals of samurai swordsmanship . While written centuries ago , the book also has strategic applications for handling life . This edition is good for simplicity and the lay reader .
    • 092 4  The Book of Five Rings is an essential to serious martial artists and swordsmen everywhere , Master Miyamoto outlines his school of two skies , and breaks down other swordforms and why they failed against him , in his many years as a duelist and warrior , he never failed to down an opponent . This book can be used for buisnessmen , however , you have to inference how yourself , there is a buisness version of this book , written by Donald G . Krause , that directly relates Master Miyamoto's principles to buisness . Whether yopu are martial artist , swordsmen , or buisnessman , this book is a usefull tool and represents a man who understood a great deal about the human psyche when the term was not even heard of .
    • 093 4  I read this book through once , and thought : okay , I just read a book about a 15th centurey samuri warrior , and he enlightened me all about how to fight with a sword . Great . Now what can I do with that . But there is more , there is much much more . This book contains within it philosophy , and a sense of the greaterness of ones self in relation to the cosmos . Musashi didn't write a book just about how to fight with an antiquated sword , he wrote a book that allows the reader to see further than their petty lives and embrace a more global way of thinking . Musashi wrote this book to enlighten the reader as to how he lived ; and how he thought a warrior should live . And everyone today is a lawyer , whether it be in your job , in your social life or wherever , you are always fighting and planning on how to make things come out best in your favor ; and this book helps you to realize these battles and win them . This review is very ephemeral and doesn't say much ; but it is tough to explain a book of this magnitude in a small 1000 word essay . You need to read this book to gain even a slight understanding of the magnitude of it ; then you can reread it and hopefully gain a little more understanding ; until in 50 - 60 years you might understand it fully . Maybe . Read this book although 400 years old it applies more to today than ever .
    • 094 4  It's a good translation of the book of Five Rings . Although , I haven't read the original , and I can't read Japanese so I don't know if this is a correct translation or not . but , it makes sense , and it's not in Engrish like some other translated books . . .
    • 095 4  This is a really good book if you can really read into the lines and figure out what Miyamoto Musashi is saying . Because of course , we do not have many sword martial artists in this day and age . So you must look for more meanings in the book . And life styles and philosophies that he held . Its amazing how to find how similar things are now as they were back then , in many concepts , just in different shapes and forms . Really a good read .
    • 096 4  The Book of Five Rings is an ancient text from the renowned Japanese samurai teacher , which was written in 1645 . The introduction , which is necessary to read to understand the environment and the political state of japan during the period when the author wrote the book , will put anybody to sleep . The text consists of five individual books : 1 . ) Ground 2 . ) Water 3 . ) Fire 4 . ) Wind 5 . ) Void Each book goes into a specific type of combat for various situations and weapons , which can be brought over into every life of business people . To understand all of the five books , one meeds to read them at least five times . I was expecting a lot more from this book but it left me more dissapointed than anything . If you are looking for an understandable book on strategy that can be applied to business , I would highly recommend reading Sun Tzu's The Art of War .
    • 097 4  I have read this book twice . Once because the subject matter interests me , and once because you have to read it twice to even begin to grasp it . I think the translation by Victor Harris allows you to take some of the deeper philosophical lessons out of the book , but doesn't leave so much of the technical aspects in that you get confused . I think this book is accessible to any reader , and still has its value as a great classic . I highly recommend it to anybody . . .
    • 098 4  If you are in business or martial arts , this classic isn't just a must-read , it's a must-read-at-least-once-a-year . The text itself is short - it could feasibly be read in one or two sittings - but you won't want to read it that fast . In those short paragraphs Musashi has packed so much wisdom that it'll take you years to really absorb it . You'll be a better person for having read it .
    • 099 4  You can read this book for philosophy or for content . Cleary filters out the content and leaves the philosophy . Nihon Services tells you what an old swordsman was saying to a student . If you study Japanese martial arts , you'll want to read the Nihon Services translation .
    • 100 4  He is a phenomonal writer . He has written an encrypted owners manual to the mind , body and spirit and put in a very eloquent but realistic way . . . . He provides a way of evolving and mastering yourself and your actions . This is one of the best books of the millenium . . . No doubt about it . . .
    • 101 4  It's awkward to receive a book so well packaged which has typos from the backcover , to the flaps and the last page . I will never buy another book by this publisher .
    • 102 4  The subject provided a good historical perspective on Japan's Renaissance period , post civil wars and pre-westernization . In many respects Musashi , a Ronin represents Japan's search for an identity , a country ruled by military might in the form of the Shogun , yet keeping an Emperor who they revered as a god , a god without power . This Sword Saint was a man of great prowess with a sword of wood or of steel ; he was also an artist , a lithographer and an author . Yet , he was masterless , masterless in a time when righteous was measured in a retainer's devotion to his master . He was his own master , in a time when Japan had no voice , serving all , without righteous . It would take an other two hundred and fifty years or so and a world war to release the spirit of the Samurai , that being honor amongst personal sacrifice a picture painted in the person of Miyamoto Musashi struggle for perfection and personal mastery of his profession , master of the sword .
    • 103 4  I base this review not on my own understanding , but on that of one of my seniors in Shotokan Karate of America . This senior has an old , much-highlighted hardcover copy , from which he reads regularly . I suppose that this kind of endorsement is valid only to the extent to which you trust my being impressed by the senior and are willing to take my word that this man knows his art and is worth emulating in his practices . For myself , I have practiced karate for a little over ten years , so I am only starting to appreciate how much I don't understand . I have owned a copy of this translation of the _ Book of Five Rings _ for about the last eight years , and have read it several times . I have been told that this is a good translation . Each time I read the book I understood ( or thought I understood ) something more than before . But that's the way with this kind of thing , I guess ; reading this book will not make someone without any training like Musashi , but if you already understand some part of what he is saying , you'll understand his words when you read them . Interestingly , in a practical way , if you are on the verge of understanding something , hearing it from someone who's been there ( like Musashi ) may just help push you over the edge . Is the kind of mind described in this book useful for random people ? well , yeh , but it's not a quick fix . Find a good dojo , get the book , train diligently for a few decades , re-reading the book every few years , and it will likely not be a life spent badly .
    • 104 4  The Book of Five Rings is a major classic and though it ought to be read by anyone interested in martial arts , Japan , warfare or oriental philosophy , it is NOT an easy book for learning strategy . Mushashi Miyamoto , the sword-saint of Japan , was so advanced in his development as a warrior-philosopher that he had stopped fighting with anything but wooden swords and finally retreated to a mountain cave to record his deepest thoughts about life . ( He also ceased the habit of bathing as he'd once been attacked while lounging in one of those Japanese hot tubs , so perhaps a solitary life in a hermit retreat was just as well . ) Unless you yourself have followed a life devoted to the principles of Bushido and its discipline , Musashi's writing is interesting but probably too difficult to apply to daily life . The chapter entitled The Void is probably the most abstruse . A good companion book is Sun Tzu's Art of War , which is pragmatic and as current as today's newspaper . Or read Von Clauswitz and Machiavelli .
    • 105 4  I saw this book referred to in two or three business publications and couldn't resist getting a hold of it to find the connection between samurai and capitalist warrior . Boy , was I surprised ! The other day I was cornered in the food court by members of a rival firm , and used Musashi's techniques to defend myself with a foot long deli sandwich . Seriously , the parallels between the two worlds are difficult to draw . Call me myopic . This seems to be an excellent manual for a samurai . But if you insist on extrapolating business principles from it , I also recommend Taming and Training Cockatoos ( the similarities between nesting and portfolio analysis are flagrant ! ) as well as Please To The Table which appears to be a Russian cookbook , but also serves up a delicious recipe for managing sycophants ! Seriously , if you're looking for a thoughtful , educating management book , read Drucker , if you want corporate strategy , read Porter , for economics , try Krugman . This is an old warrior manual that doesn't offer any new insight for the budding capitalist . If you absolutely have to find a classic and derive insight into managing for success , then go ahead and read Niccolo Machiaveli's The Prince . Cheers , and good luck
    • 106 4  For serious students of Japanese swordsmanship , Victor Harris ' translation is best . Captures the essence of the meaning of technical concepts best .
    • 107 4  Based on my readings , Musashi's motive in writing his Book of Five Rings had been to correct misrepresentations of his views on swordsmanship by his contemporaries . Having become a legend in his own time , Musashi's reputation was being exploited by ambitious rivals claiming to have adopted the master's martial techniques and philosophies . Thus Book of Five Rings was intended by its author to establish his point of view for correcting misconceptions . Those in America who've been advocating since 1974 to study Book of Five Rings to gain some business advantage over Japanese businessmen are barking up the wrong tree . Musashi's writings are poetic and thought provoking . Indeed , one can even learn something new and ancient about strategy from the master . It is , however , doubtful that Musashi's words can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear . So then those in the 1970s who had originally marketed the book as the alternative to the Harvard MBA were barking up the wrong tree . In addition to the charming and useful writings , the original ( 1974 English translation ) Book of Five Rings includes photos of the master swordsman's quite beautiful art work , now residing in Japan in a museum dedicated to Musashi works .
    • 108 4  This review is from : Book of Five Rings ( Shambhala Pocket Classics ) ( Paperback ) I didn't read this book and I don't think I will . It isn't really a book it's a miniature , only not as attractive . Perhaps this is the book tucked into the obis of baby samurais before they went off to play school , perhaps it's just a joke . An actual book it isn't . I suggest you check the stats of this book so you can buy wisely , something I wish I had done . It's 4 1 / 2 x 3 x less than a 1 / 2 . So tiny .
    • 110 4  you listed : Yagyu Munenori ( Translator ) He had nothing to do with this book , I think it must be a typo . FYI JD
    • 111 4  This book is so thouroly filled with thought provoking information that it is difficult to absorb it fully on the first reading . Not a problem considering that you want to reread passages and meditate on them to get the full meaning of the contents .
    • 112 4  This book presents a useful paradigm for operating in the modern world , as well as an excellent mind set for martial arts . I strongly recommend this book to anyone who runs a business , is a martial artist or wants a clearer focus on how to deal with energy of all kinds .
    • 113 4  This is not a book that you try to sit down and read in a single sitting - - each of the strategies deserves its own session and a great deal of thought . It is worth the time to go through it several times , and to go back and review parts that you had read earlier before going further . I can think of all kinds of ways that this book could be valuable for someone - - business , art , interpersonal relationships . But aside from potentially valuable , it is also quite lovely . To be read , enjoyed , savoured .
    • 114 4  Book arrived in perfect condition , still haven't gotten around to reading it just yet though . three cheers for adhd .
    • 116 4  This is one of many books that people just don't understand . This book teaches a person the Way . As defined by Musashi , the way is the divine footprints of God , telling us how to live our lives to correct way . That is what the Way is , and that is what Musashi spent 50 yrs . trying to find . In this book , he imparts all his knowledge of the Way . He also tells how to fight using his style . He tells how to come out the victor in a sword fight no matter what techhnique the enemy uses . At age 30 , Musashi was invincible . He had never lost one out of 60 battles using just about all the available weapons of the time . This book in short , teaches you how to live the Way , as God would like to see , how to relieze everything going on around you , and how to become the greatest swordsman .
    • 117 4  This is a wonderful book on swordsmanship . It's not about strategy . Strategy is very high level ( there are three levels of warfare : strategic , operational , and tactical ) . This book is about tactics . Strategy is how to win a potential war from a national level ; operational refers to how an area commander ( e.g . General Schwartzkoff ) fights a theater ; tactics is how you take a hill or defend your ship . I've got tons of experience in program management , have published articles on management , have scientific degrees and an MBA , and I fail to see how this is a management book . It seems like a HUGE stretch to me . The rating , unfortunately , seems to depend on what one expects from the book . I expected something that would be strategically useful ( or at least operationally ) from a management perspective . Sun Tzu's Art of War ( one of my favorite books and far better , I think , than von Clauswitz ) certainly qualifies . This book does not . However , I just read John Suler's Contemporary Psychoanalysis & Eastern Thought in which he explains how the martial arts ( referencing this book & others ) relates to psychology & spiritual development . Thus , I must positively revise my view of this book .
    • 118 4  I have read this book many times . It makes you want more ; wanting to reach further into the meaning of the words and further into yourself to find the insights Musashi describes within yourself . This book is ancient , yet refreshing . It applies to single combat as readily as to full-scale warfare or business strategy . A little simplicity and clarity are essential to clear thinking and well-conceived strategy and tactics . Musashi is the master of these having spent the last years of his life capturing these thoughts . The background and history of Musashi himself is a pleasant addition to this volume leading into the actual text of Musashi's . I highly recommend this to any serious martial artist - even beginners . The sooner you start reading this book in your studies the more benefit you will gain each time you re-read passages from it ! Kevin Brett CEO , Kevin Brett Studios , Inc . Author : The Way of the Martial Artist : Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life ! The Way of the Martial Artist : Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life !
    • 119 4  This book supposedly originated in 1603 , as a guide for would-be Japanese warriors . It is today a popular management source of quotes and inspiration . Some of my favorite quotes : - - You must train day and night in order to make quick decisions . In strategy it is necessary to treat training as a part of normal life with your spirit unchanging . - - It is difficult to know yourself if you do not know other . If you study a Way daily , and your spirit diverges , you many think you are obeying a good Way but objectively it is not ht true Way . If you are following the true Way and diverge a little , this will alter become a large divergence . You must realize this . Other strategies have come to be thought of as mere sword-fencing , and it is not unreasonable that this should be so . - - when you appreciate the power of nature , knowing the rhythm of any situation , you will be able to hit ht enemy naturally and strike naturally . - - Strategy , fixing the eyes mean gazing at the man's heart . In the large-scale strategy the area to watch is the enemy's strength . ` Perception ' and ` sight ' are the two methods of seeing . Perceptions consists of concentrating strongly on the enemy's spirit , observing the condition of the battlefield , fixing the gaze only , seeing the progress of the fight and the changes of advantage . This is the sure way to win . In single cob at you must not fix the eyes on details . As I said before , if you fix your eyes on details and neglect important things , your spirit will become bewildered , and victory will escape you . - - There are few men who can quickly reply to the question What is the Way of the Warrior ? ' This is because they do not know in their hearts . From this we can see they do not follow the Way of the warrior . By the Way of the warrior is meat death . The Way of the warrior is death . It means choosing death whenever there is a choice between life and death .
    • 121 4  I read it after I heard a song called Sun and Steel that was based on the story and I liked it . It was kind of short , however .
    • 122 4  This is a timeless classic that belongs on everyone's shelf . I first read this book when I was a senior in high school , then went out and bought a copy for myself . It is a great book , and teaches you alot of everyday life and not just swordsmanship .
    • 123 4  Small book which allows you to look at things from a different perspective . Every time you read this you will find something new to learn from it .
    • 124 4  Can it really be just ten years since the Great Rising Sun Hysteria ? . . . There was that decade-long spasm when the media and the Left convinced themselves that the Japanese had it all figured out . So there was this ridiculous craze in Japanese management techniques and faux profound philosophical teachings . Riding in on the crest of this wave came A Book of Five Rings by one of the most revered warriors in Japan's history , Miyamoto Musashi . Shinmen Musashi No Kami Fujiwara No Genshin , aka Miyamoto Musashi , was orphaned by the age of seven and , in order to earn his way in the world , became a swordsman , killing his first man at the age of 13 . Eventually he fought some 60 duels without ever being defeated . By the end of his career , he had become so expert and dominant that he would fight his opponents with nothing but a stick . Then in 1643 , he retired to a contemplative seclusion in a cave , where , just before his death . he wrote Go Rin No Sho ( A Book of Five Rings ) , a book of strategy addressed to his disciple Teruo Nobuyuki . The book is essentially a treatise on the Way of the warrior , the strategy that should be employed in combat : It is said the warrior's is the twofold Way of pen and sword , and he should have a taste for both Ways . Even if a man has no natural ability he can be a warrior by sticking assiduously to both divisions of the Way . Generally speaking , the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death . Although not only warriors but priests , women , peasants and lowlier folk have been known to die readily in the cause of duty or out of shame , this is a different thing . The warrior is different in that studying the Way of strategy is based on overcoming men . By victory gained in crossing swords with individuals , or enjoining battle with large numbers , we can attain power and fame for ourselves or for our lord . This is the virtue of strategy . - - - - - - - - - - - This is the Way for men who want to learn my strategy : Do not think dishonestly . The Way is in training . Become acquainted with every art . Know the Ways of all professions . Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters . Develop intuitive judgment and understanding for everything . Perceive those things which cannot be seen . Pay attention even to trifles . Do nothing which is of no use . - - - - - - - - - - - To attain the Way of strategy as a warrior you must study fully other martial arts and not deviate even a little from the Way of the warrior . With your spirit settled , accumulate practice day by day , and hour by hour . Polish the twofold spirit heart and mind , and sharpen the twofold gaze perception and sight . When your spirit is not in the least clouded , when the clouds of bewilderment clear away , there is the true void . Until you realise the true Way , whether in Buddhism or in common sense , you may think that things are correct and in order . However , if we look at things objectively , from the viewpoint of laws of the world , we see various doctrines departing from the true Way . Know well this spirit , and with forthrightness as the foundation and the true spirit as the Way . Enact strategy broadly , correctly and openly . Then you will come to think of things in a wide sense and , taking the void as the Way , you will see the Way as void . In the void is virtue , and no evil . Wisdom has existence , principle has existence , the Way has existence , spirit is nothingness . Essentially , he has two extremely simple messages : be humble and study what other people do . This is a thoroughly Japanese philosophy and the recipe for both their success in the 80 ' s and their demise in the 90 ' s . It is really tactical thinking more than it is strategic . The Japanese system calls for precisely duplicating what already exists , for learning what is already known . The American system demands innovation , the end run around the status quo . If you want a metaphor for the two systems , two images come inescapably to mind : David vs . Goliath and the scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark where Indiana Jones shoots the enormous scimitar wielding Arab . You can just picture Musashi studying Goliath's moves or the Arab's techniques , being reactive and imitative , while the American picks up a gun or a sling and uses technological innovation to triumph . Now imagine if you will thousands of American businessmen riding the train to work in the morning with this book clutched in their hands , eagerly seeking clues to the Japanese economic miracle in the pages of a 17th century sword fighting manual . Pretty amusing , eh ? It's quite a lovely little book and it is helpful for understanding the strengths and limitations of the Japanese psyche . But if you approach it seeking profound and vital truths to apply in your own life , you are more than likely going to be disappointed . GRADE : C +
    • 125 4  This review is from : Book of Five Rings ( Shambhala Pocket Classics ) ( Paperback ) I am a student of Zen for over 10 years now , recently getting interested and involved with Kendo . So , this was one of the first books I thought about reading that might combine the two interests . This is a very famous book from a very famous warrior / zen student / artist / eccentric . It is definitely worth a read , but I must say that it was short on both swordsmanship and Zen . It was too broad to be taken as a helpful guide for Kendo , although I'm sure it would be a great manual to supplement a student training with Miyamoto Musashi or one of his disciples . His thoughts on Zen are a little interesting and he seemed to have obviously been steeped in Zen and its teachings , but there are much better books on Buddhist / Zen thought . I am very interested in the seeming conflict in the Buddhist ideal of not killing and yet the practice of Zen was so attractive to many Samurai / warriors . In my humble opinion , The Life-Giving Sword : The Secret Teachings From the House of the Shogun by Yagyu Munenori , goes into that subject a little deeper and does make sense . I found the Life-Giving Sword much more interesting in terms of both swordsmanship guide and Zen thought and the combination of the two , although still not much help as a guide to Kendo without an instructor to help actually teach and guide a student through the material . I'm sure Miyamoto Musashi was an amazing person and would have been an impressive person to meet in real life , if we had time machines . ; ) Still respectful of the man and his ideas , but too bad his book he left behind was more bones than flesh .
    • 126 4  I am a student of Zen for over 10 years now , recently getting interested and involved with Kendo . So , this was one of the first books I thought about reading that might combine the two interests . This is a very famous book from a very famous warrior / zen student / artist / eccentric . It is definitely worth a read , but I must say that it was short on both swordsmanship and Zen . It was too broad to be taken as a helpful guide for Kendo , although I'm sure it would be a great manual to supplement a student training with Miyamoto Musashi or one of his disciples . His thoughts on Zen are a little interesting and he seemed to have obviously been steeped in Zen and its teachings , but there are much better books on Buddhist / Zen thought . I am very interested in the seeming conflict in the Buddhist ideal of not killing and yet the practice of Zen was so attractive to many Samurai / warriors . In my humble opinion , The Life-Giving Sword : The Secret Teachings From the House of the Shogun by Yagyu Munenori , goes into that subject a little deeper and does make sense . I found the Life-Giving Sword much more interesting in terms of both swordsmanship guide and Zen thought and the combination of the two , although still not much help as a guide to Kendo without an instructor to help actually teach and guide a student through the material . I'm sure Miyamoto Musashi was an amazing person and would have been an impressive person to meet in real life , if we had time machines . ; ) Still respectful of the man and his ideas , but too bad his book he left behind was more bones than flesh .
    • 127 4  The Book of Five Rings is indeed a great book to read . It has many functional applications that we can use even to this date .
    • 128 4  Interesting as a document from the Edo period , but dated and awkward as a book targeted in translation for modern Western businesspeople dealing in Japan . Fascinating as a straightforward historical first person account of the life and personal philosophy of a warrior from Shogunate Japan , but almost silly to the extent that it attempts to be more . The commentary is can be skipped entirely , as it attempts to read far to much into the text ( not much of which feels relevant today ) ; but it leaves the reader suspicious of the translation iteslf , which seems strained in several places .
    • 129 4  Musashi manages to fit into about 100 pages the perspective of Oriental thinking . He works out a system which is a considerable oracale . All is one to him and this is , although sometimes hard to recognize , his vehicle of success . One with the eastern philosophy of natural order Musashi puts into a very small literature a heart of iron and a spirit of fire . Maybe he will be refined yet .
    • 130 4  There is nothing that you can possibly gain from this book that you cant from The Art of War . It is not a fun read , and if your goal is to apply it to business or any other walk of life , you will only be able to do so loosely . Read Sun Tzu , read Machiavelli , but dont read this . Im glad I didnt buy it . A 2 because , like 5 ' s I dont give out 1 ' s except rarely . Im sure that the book was well regarded in ancient Japan , but it is useless to our era .
    • 131 4  This book was full of ramblings of an old man and will make little sense to anyone reading .
    • 132 4  The things Musashi says in this book are well thought out and are true . But today in America there is no use for this book and worse no way to apply what I teaches in our modern American society . So way to incorporate it or drain all of its knowledge out if you don ` t join so underground samurai clan and practice the Art of the Way in a Dojo or something . I can ` t use anything in here . not Practical today . Useless . ,

Global Market ( in english )

midi, music score     livejournal taktak0 blog