Dokkodo by Miyamoto Musashi Book Summary
A man who fought hundreds of wars, faced death again and again and still never gave up. But finally put down the sword. Mian Mot Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman, who before his last breath wrote 21 rules of his entire life, which are not just for swordsmanship but a complete philosophy of living life.
Imagine the man who won the biggest battle of his life against his fear, attachment and loneliness. And today he tells us that the real meaning of victory is not in the edge of the sword. It is in the passion hidden within you that allows you to move forward without fear even alone.
Hidden in these 21 rules is a path that will set you apart from the crowd of the world. Where no one can decide your path or suppress your voice. Are you ready to walk on that path? Do you want to win your biggest battle? If yes, then write in the comment below.
I want to win. Welcome to Kitabi Manzil, your own Hindi audio book channel. Let's go to chapter one.
Chapter One — Understand the Meaning of Walking Alone
Musashi says walking alone means having complete faith in yourself. Being responsible for your own decisions. It is not that easy. The world often imposes its opinion on you. Everyone wants you to live up to their expectations. But Musashi says if you remain stuck in the thoughts of others, you will never know your true strength.
For example, think of an artist who wants to create his own art. But people say this will not work, this is wrong. If that artist does what everyone wants out of fear, then his real identity will be lost.
Musashi also fought many battles alone. No one was with him. Still he did not give up because he knew that the one who chooses the right path alone wins. Your life is also like this. When you listen to your heart and rise above the voices of others, then you will be able to walk on your true path.
Let us understand that power of loneliness and those rules of Musashi which will become your best companions.
Chapter Two — Courage Hidden in Loneliness
Musashi says walking alone is not easy but real courage is hidden in it. When you are alone, there is no mask in front of you. There are no expectations. Just you and your choice.
For example, think of a writer who is writing his book alone. No one sees his hard work. No one praises him. But he still keeps going because he knows that the right path is always found alone.
There were moments in Musashi's life when no one was with him but he did not leave his path. His courage kept moving him forward and this is the power of loneliness. There will be many such occasions in your path too when no one will support you. But only your courage will take you forward.
Therefore, walking alone means rising above the voices of others and listening to your own voice. Let us understand how these rules of Musashi make you strong from within so that you can overcome every difficulty alone.
Chapter Three — Keep Distance from Illusions
Musashi says if you keep illusions in your heart, then your battle remains half done. This attachment exists inside every human being. Whether it is money, a relationship or something that holds you back.
For example, think of a farmer who is very worried about the crop in his field. If he keeps thinking every day what will happen if it does not rain, then his mind will remain restless and he will not be able to take the right decisions.
Musashi also learned this in his life. The things that bind you, stop your thinking and freedom. That is why he kept his heart clean and tried to stay away from any attachment.
When you understand these 21 rules, you will find how this distance makes you mentally and emotionally strong. Therefore, it is important that you identify that place inside you where attachment is stopping you and slowly free yourself from it.
Let's go with Musashi in this journey where we will learn how distance from attachment makes our loneliness even more strong.
Chapter Four — The Real Power is in Simplicity
Musashi says the simpler you make your life, the stronger you will become. Simplicity means removing unnecessary complications from your life. When things become complex, the mind gets confused and the focus weakens.
For example, think of a student who adopts a new strategy every day for studies. But in the midst of so many strategies, his attention gets diverted and the real study is left behind.
Musashi also learned that the secret of success is clear focus and simple thinking. The edge of his sword was also straight and clear which left no room for confusion. There will be such moments in your life too when you will overthink or make things unnecessarily complicated.
Musashi's rules tell how you can increase your strength by adopting simplicity. Simplicity makes you strong from within and helps you win the battles of life.
Chapter Five — Embrace Change
Musashi says that one who does not change cannot remain stable. Change is inevitable in life. But many people are afraid of it or try to stop it. Musashi explains that true strength is that which can move with change.
For example, think of a business that did not understand the new demands of the market. It remained stuck to old methods due to which its business gradually weakened. If it had adopted changes in time, it could have moved forward.
There were many occasions in Musashi's life when circumstances were changing and he had to adapt himself. He did not give up but accepted the change and adopted new strategies.
Sometimes changes will seem scary in your life too. But if you adopt these rules of Musashi, you will learn that the path to growth is hidden in change. Therefore, it is important that you do not fear change but accept it wholeheartedly considering it as your part of the fight.
By embracing change, you will become stronger, more independent and will find a new strength in your loneliness.
Chapter 6: Keep your intentions clear
Musashi says that when your intentions are clear, the path automatically becomes easy. Often, confusion and fear come in life because we do not know what we want. Our energy gets scattered and we are unable to take the right decisions. For example, think of a player who practices without a clear goal. He works hard every day but his performance remains uncertain.
If he understands his priorities, his focus will increase and he will become better. Musashi also noticed many times in his life that the secret of his success was his clear intention. He took every step thoughtfully and did not let his mind get distracted. It is also important for you to listen to your heart. Identify your goals and work with full devotion towards them. When your intentions are strong, neither any obstacle will be able to stop you nor any confusion will tire you. Clarity of intentions will make you strong and focused even in your loneliness and will help you in every struggle of life. Therefore, clarify your intentions today and implement these rules of Musashi in your life.
Chapter 7: Be prepared for every situation
Musashi says that no situation in life remains the same forever. Therefore, it is important to always be flexible and ready. When we become rigid or limit our thinking to one way, then even small difficulties start to seem big. Musashi believed that a samurai should be able to adapt himself in every situation. This flexibility makes him win.
For example, think of a musician who plays only one instrument. If he does not find that instrument anywhere, he gets upset. But a musician who can play many instruments can show his art everywhere. Musashi also learned this in his battles. It is not necessary to fight with a sword sometimes. Sometimes the strategy has to be changed, sometimes turning back and retreating is also a part of victory.
There will be many such occasions in your life when things will not go according to your plan. But if you are prepared, remain open to change and learn, then difficulties will become easy. That is why Musashi's rules tell us how to make your thinking flexible and align yourself in every situation. When you adopt this flexibility, your strength to walk alone will increase and no challenge will be able to stop you. Remember, life is a constant flow and only those who adapt themselves like flowing water win.
Chapter 8: Understand your fear and move beyond it
Musashi says fear can be a person's biggest weakness. But if you recognize it, the same fear can become your biggest strength. Fear often stops us. It forces us to take small decisions or slows down our growth. But according to Musashi, it is important to understand fear and face it. Because when fear comes in front of you, the courage hidden inside you awakens.
For example, think of a child who is learning to swim for the first time. Initially he is afraid of water. But gradually when he recognizes that fear, he overcomes it and learns to swim. Musashi also faced fear many times in his life. Many of his battles took place in such an environment where death was in front. But he recognized his fear and chose the path of moving forward.
Fear will come to stop you many times in your life too. But Musashi's rules teach you: do not run away from fear but befriend it. When you understand your fear and know your feelings related to it, then you will be able to turn it into your strength. So keep this thing in your heart—fear can be your biggest teacher and not your weakness. And when you overcome this fear, it will become even easier to walk alone because now you can face any challenge.
Chapter 9: The battle of truth with oneself
Musashi says that the biggest battle is within oneself. When you do not fight the truth within yourself, it becomes difficult to win any battle outside. We often run away from our fears, weaknesses and shortcomings. But Musashi believed that real strength comes from self-knowledge and self-honesty.
When you look at yourself honestly, there is clarity in your decisions. For example, think of a student who failed in the exam. If he does not accept his mistakes and keeps blaming himself, then it becomes difficult to improve further. But the student who learns from his mistakes performs better next time. Musashi also fought the battle of truth with himself many times in his life. He recognized his weaknesses and took every opportunity to improve them.
This battle is necessary in your life too. Look inside yourself, accept your weaknesses and try to improve them. When you are true to yourself, no external difficulty will be able to defeat you. So remember this rule of Musashi: first of all, fight with yourself. Only then you can get full strength in your loneliness.
Chapter 10 – Make Your Goal Clear
Musashi says that if your goal is not clear then all your hard work will be in vain. Many times people get so distracted in life that they do not know what they want. Musashi believed that focus and decisiveness come only by having a clear goal.
For example, think of an athlete who practices without a goal. His mind is somewhere else and he gets tired quickly. But when he has a specific target, his hard work is put in the right direction. Musashi always remembered his goal in his life. No matter how many difficulties came, he did not give up his destination. It is also important for you to clearly define your goals. When you know what you are fighting for, your path becomes easy. So follow this rule of Musashi.
Make your goal clear and work hard for it every day. This clarity will increase your strength to walk alone and you will be able to overcome any challenge.
Chapter 11 – Use Your Words Correctly
Musashi says your words are a part of your strength. When you speak after thinking, your words have a deep impact. Many times we speak without thinking. Such words present our intentions in a wrong way or hurt the hearts of others.
Musashi believed that the right use of words strengthens our confidence and relationships. For example, think of a team member who gets angry with his colleagues without any reason. He uses the wrong words, which spoils the atmosphere of the team. But if he had expressed his point in the right way, everyone would have been able to work better. Musashi also paid a lot of attention in his life to how he could increase his strength with his words. There was always clarity and respect in his words.
Due to which even his opponents would listen to him. It is also important for you to pay attention to your language. Understand your emotions and say your point in a way that increases your respect and strengthens relationships. When you use your words correctly, your power to walk alone will increase even more. You will become an inspiration not only for yourself but also for others. So follow this rule of Musashi wholeheartedly. Speak thoughtfully and change your world with your words.
Chapter 12 – Improve With Constant Practice
Musashi says greatness does not come suddenly. It is the fruit of constant practice and dedication. Learning something new every day, improving your skills every day is the real key to success. Musashi never rested in his life. Be it war or normal days, he always kept on improving his skills.
For example, think of an artist who works on his art every day. He never gives up and keeps on learning from small mistakes. Gradually his art improves even more. Practice plays a very important role in your life too. When you try continuously, small mistakes cannot stop you. You get a new energy and confidence. Musashi believed that only through practice a person becomes strong and can overcome his weaknesses. That is why he was always ready, no matter what the situation.
Adopt this rule and maintain consistency in your work. When you practice daily, it will become easy for you to even walk alone. A natural flow will come in you which will keep you ready to fight every challenge.
Chapter 13 – Wait for the Right Time and Be Patient
Musashi says, patience is the biggest weapon for success. Decisions taken in haste often cause harm. Many people do not understand this. They want immediate results and when they do not get them, they get frustrated. For Musashi, waiting for the right time was as important as the edge of a sword in a battle.
For example, think of a farmer who waits for the right season to harvest the crop. If he harvests early, the crop may be spoiled. But working at the right time gives him better results. Musashi also waited many times in his life. He found the right opportunity and acted only then. His patience kept him out of many difficulties and finally gave him victory.
Being patient means saving your energy. Also, understanding the situation and waiting till the time when you are fully prepared. With this thinking, you will bring strength in your decisions and will be able to make a better strategy in every battle of life. Patience will also help you to walk alone because when you wait for the right time, the effect of your every effort is deeper.
Chapter 14 – Maintaining Mental Stability
Musashi says that the greatest strength of a samurai is his mental stability. When your mind is calm and focused, you can face any situation. Everyone goes through difficulties in life. But the person who can control his mind is the real winner. Musashi also faced many such situations where his life was in danger. But his mind did not get distracted.
Think of examples. A student who feels very stressed during exams. If he does not keep his mind calm, his performance is affected. But the student who controls his mind by meditating, gives better results. To get mental stability, the first thing is to understand and accept your emotions. When you understand your fear, anger or anxiety, it will be easy to control them. Musashi also learned in his battles that more important than the sword is to keep the sword of your mind sharp.
A calm mind helps you think, understand and take the right decision. Therefore, take out some time for meditation every day. Find peace within yourself and keep your mind stable. When your mind is calm, not only will you win the struggles of your life, but your loneliness will also become a companion that will make you stronger. This is the teaching of Musashi. When you control your mind, your strength increases even more and you can face any challenge without panicking.
Chapter 15 – The Art of Decision Making
Musashi says that taking the right decision at the right time is the real strength. Decisions filled with laziness or doubt often become the reason for defeat. Every day in life we have to take decisions. Some small, some big, but their quality determines our success or failure.
According to Musashi, taking decisions does not mean just being in a hurry but working with confidence after thinking. For example, think of a businessman who is thinking of a new investment. If he takes a decision in a hurry, then he may suffer a loss. But if he takes a decision at the right time after taking all the information, then his business grows. Musashi saw such occasions many times in his life when he took immediate and solid decisions. His decisions were taken with such strength that even his opponents were surprised.
The most important thing while taking a decision is to keep your fear and doubt away. When you take a decision due to fear, it is not right. Musashi says that the right decision is the one that is taken with a calm mind and clear thinking. For this you have to trust yourself. You have to learn from your experiences and not let failures dominate you.
When you become an expert in taking decisions, the path of your life will become clear. Your strength to walk alone will increase because you will know when, how and why to take a step. So make your thinking clear. Listen to your heart and make every decision full of your confidence. This is Musashi's way, which makes you a winner in every battle.
Chapter 16 – Take Responsibility for Your Actions
Musashi says that only the person who takes full responsibility for his actions can get real freedom and strength. Many times in life we make mistakes. Some big, some small, but if we do not accept them, they become a burden inside us.
Musashi believed that accepting our actions at every step is important for our personal growth. For example, think of an employee who makes a mistake in the office but tries to hide it. In such a situation, the problem keeps increasing. But if he immediately accepts his mistake, then it becomes easy to find a solution. Musashi also saw many such situations in his life where he learned from his mistakes and changed his strategy by accepting them. This increased his strength and understanding.
When you take responsibility for your actions, you do not make yourself dependent on others. You become the master of your life. That is why it is important that you take responsibility for every mistake, every decision. This will strengthen your mind and your growth does not stop. Taking responsibility will increase your strength to walk alone because you know that your life is in your own hands. This is the teaching of Musashi. Accepting your actions and moving forward by learning from them gives you real freedom and power.
Chapter 17 – Partner With Your Mind
Musashi says that your mind is not your enemy but your biggest friend, if you learn to understand it and take it along. We often try to control our mind or ignore its words. But according to Musashi, it is important to understand the mind and make friends with it. It is the same friend that helps you in thinking, planning and decision making.
For example, think of a player who works on his skills but does not listen to his mind. He feels tired and is unable to take the right decision. But if he listens to his mind and takes rest, then his performance improves. Musashi paid a lot of attention in his life to how he was in sync with his mind. He kept his thoughts clear and moved towards his goal without stress.
It is also important for you to understand your mind. Know its strengths and weaknesses and make it a part of your decisions. When you partner with your mind, your strength to walk alone will increase even more. You will feel more focused, calm and strong. Remember that your mind is your partner. It will support you in every challenge if you understand it right and respect it.
Chapter 18 – Know and Accept Your Limits
Musashi says that recognizing your limits is not a weakness but the greatest wisdom. When you know your limits, you can make the right strategy. We often focus on our strengths but ignore our weaknesses. Musashi taught that a person who understands his weaknesses can prepare better and turn his weaknesses into strengths.
For example, think of an athlete who was weak in the race due to his low endurance. If he had known this and changed his strategy, like paying attention to pacing, he could have performed better. But if he was unaware of his weakness, defeat was certain. Musashi also recognized his limitations in his life.
He accepted that it is not possible to win every battle. But one should choose battles wisely. He made better decisions by knowing his limits. When you accept your limitations, you avoid hopelessness. This makes you mentally strong and you are able to use your resources better. With this understanding, you can make the path of walking alone easier. Because when you know what your strengths and weaknesses are, you will be able to handle yourself better. Remember, this teaching of Musashi helps you to be honest with yourself and makes your journey more successful and balanced.
Chapter 19 – Use Your Time Wisely
Musashi says that time is the most valuable resource which once gone does not come back. Do not waste it, but use every moment to move towards your goal. We often do not value time. Many things distract us, such as unnecessary things, opinions of others or laziness. For Musashi, the right use of time was the biggest weapon of victory.
For example, think of a student who spends a lot of time on social media instead of studying. His time is wasted and he moves away from his dreams. If he had managed his time properly, he could have brought better results. Musashi always organized his daily routine in such a way that time was taken for every task. He knew that without time control, it is difficult to achieve any goal.
It is also important for you to manage your time properly. Plan every day. Avoid unnecessary distractions and understand your priority. When you learn to use your time properly, you will become more focused and productive. Your path to walk alone will be clear and you will get closer to success at every step. Remember this is the teaching of Musashi. Learn to control time because this is your biggest strength.
Chapter 20 – Keep Faith in Yourself
Musashi says that faith in yourself is the strength that allows you to walk strongly even on the loneliest path. When you believe in yourself, no challenge can defeat you. There are times in life when everything seems complicated and there are many difficult paths in front of you. But Musashi believed that the most important thing is to keep faith in yourself.
For example, think of a student who fails in the exam. If he loses faith in himself, then it becomes difficult to move forward. But one who believes in himself learns from his mistakes and performs better the next time. Musashi saw many such turns in his life where loneliness and challenges tried to weaken him. But his confidence kept giving him the strength to move forward every time.
Believing in oneself means accepting your strengths and weaknesses and still moving forward. It is an inner voice that says you can do it. When you have faith in yourself, your strength to walk alone will increase even more. You will be able to face every difficulty without fear. This is Musashi's biggest lesson. Have faith in yourself and no power in the world can stop you.
The Final Conclusion and Last Rule
Musashi says that the biggest secret is to understand yourself completely and accept who you are with complete honesty. When you accept your true identity, the path of walking alone becomes easy. We often evaluate ourselves in the eyes of the world and forget our real desires and needs.
Musashi's biggest lesson is to look inside yourself, know your weaknesses and strengths and accept yourself without any excuses. For example, think of an artist who always depends on the opinion of others about his work. If he had understood his true identity, he could have moved forward with full strength in his art. Musashi also learned in his life that only by knowing himself can he be happy in his loneliness. And this self-acceptance was his biggest strength.
When you understand and accept yourself, you will be able to walk on a different path, different from the crowd of the world. No obstacle will be able to stop you because you will be your own biggest companion. This is Musashi's last and most important rule. Know yourself, accept yourself and the strength to walk alone will grow within you.
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