The Book of Five Rings was written by the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi around 1645. If we look at it in today’s terms, it is essentially a manual of technique and philosophy.
Musashi establishes a “no-nonsense” theme throughout the text and that is what all people who want to SuperChange their lives must do.
Become Acquainted With Every Art.
(Miyamoto Musas hi)
Become – To come, change, or grow to be. To come into being.
Acquainted – Having personal knowledge as a result of study, experience, etc. Made familiar.
Every – All possible; the greatest possible degree of.
Art – The principles or methods governing any craft or branch of learning. Skill in conducting any human activity.
Today’s meditation is the latest meditation from a concept discussed in a book known as A Book Of Five Rings, by the Japanese samurai master, Miyamoto Musashi.
“Becoming acquainted with every art” essentially means to acquire personal knowledge about virtually everything so that you are as prepared as possible for every eventuality you may face.
This meditation talks about the concepts of familiarity, knowledge and mastery.
Familiarity – Thorough knowledge or mastery of a thing, subject, etc.
Knowledge – Acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation.
Mastery – Command or grasp, as of a subject. Expert skill or knowledge.
- To become familiar, one must acquire knowledge and mastery.
- To become knowledgeable, one must acquire familiarity and mastery.
- To become a master, one must acquire familiarity and knowledge.
They are all related.
The End Goal Is To Achieve Mastery
Mastery allows one to gain power and control. By gaining power and control, one can shape their own destiny, rather than have it shaped for them.
As mentioned above, mastery requires knowledge and familiarity.
To gain knowledge and familiarity, one must study and practice.
As the universe is ever changing, this requires a course of constant, never-ending, study and practice.
That’s right. Constant and never-ending.
Constant And Never-Ending Study Leads To Constant Improvement
Improvement – A person or thing that represents an advance on another in excellence or achievement.
We must always strive to become better. Becoming better prepares us for the obstacles we will face as we go through life.
As you meditate upon this thought, ask yourself the following questions:
- What skills and abilities do I have?
- Am I constantly working toward improving myself and those around me?
- Am I embarked upon a course of study and practice that will lead to constant and never-ending improvement?
- What actions can I take to constantly improve myself?
Stanley Bronstein is the author of 7 books, 6 of which are in the area of personal development.
His latest project, was the creation of the intensive course SuperchangeYourLife
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