1 00:00:00,520 --> 00:00:06,520 Miyamoto Musashi was born in the late 16th century and is widely considered to be the 2 00:00:06,520 --> 00:00:12,120 greatest swordsman in Japanese history, known for his unmatched martial arts techniques 3 00:00:12,120 --> 00:00:15,240 and profound philosophical teachings. 4 00:00:15,240 --> 00:00:20,300 Throughout his life, he emphasized the importance of focus and concentration. 5 00:00:20,300 --> 00:00:28,019 A week before he died in 1645, Miyamoto wrote 21 principles called "Dokkodo," in which he 6 00:00:28,019 --> 00:00:33,560 expressed a stringent, honest, and strongly self-disciplined view of life. 7 00:00:33,560 --> 00:00:39,670 In his other book "The Book of Five Rings," he wrote, "When you decide to do something, 8 00:00:39,670 --> 00:00:44,129 do it thoroughly; don't let trifles disturb you. 9 00:00:44,129 --> 00:00:47,550 Be consistent in all your activities." 10 00:00:47,550 --> 00:00:52,739 He believed that the key to achieving mastery in any endeavor was to maintain a clear and 11 00:00:52,739 --> 00:00:57,520 focused mind, free from distraction or internal conflict. 12 00:00:57,520 --> 00:01:03,399 By remaining focused, one could overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness in their chosen 13 00:01:03,399 --> 00:01:04,409 field. 14 00:01:04,409 --> 00:01:09,740 This focus was not just limited to physical activities but also extended to mental and 15 00:01:09,740 --> 00:01:16,320 spiritual pursuits, emphasizing the importance of developing one's inner strength and discipline. 16 00:01:16,320 --> 00:01:22,280 In today's fast-paced world, Miyamoto’s teachings on focus remain highly relevant 17 00:01:22,280 --> 00:01:23,820 and valuable. 18 00:01:23,820 --> 00:01:29,100 With so many distractions and stimuli vying for our attention, it can be challenging to 19 00:01:29,100 --> 00:01:34,900 stay focused and achieve our goals, which is why, in this video, we bring you 7 ways 20 00:01:34,900 --> 00:01:41,290 to stay focused from the philosophy of Miyamoto Musashi, providing practical tips and insights 21 00:01:41,290 --> 00:01:47,060 on to how to apply his teachings to our daily lives and develop the mental discipline needed 22 00:01:47,060 --> 00:01:52,250 to succeed in any area of our lives. 23 00:01:52,250 --> 00:01:54,820 Find your one true passion 24 00:01:54,820 --> 00:02:02,490 Miyamoto says "The way of the warrior is to master one thing, and to master one thing 25 00:02:02,490 --> 00:02:03,530 well. 26 00:02:03,530 --> 00:02:08,810 You cannot be a true master until you have reached the point where everything you do 27 00:02:08,810 --> 00:02:14,100 is effortless, natural, and perfect". 28 00:02:14,100 --> 00:02:19,430 Musashi emphasized the importance of finding and focusing on one thing rather than dividing 29 00:02:19,430 --> 00:02:22,269 one's attention among multiple things. 30 00:02:22,269 --> 00:02:27,410 He believed that by focusing on one thing, a person could become an expert in that area 31 00:02:27,410 --> 00:02:33,070 and achieve mastery, whereas trying to pursue multiple things at once would result in mediocrity 32 00:02:33,070 --> 00:02:35,540 and a lack of progress. 33 00:02:35,540 --> 00:02:41,099 From a young age, he was fascinated with sword fighting and dedicated his life to mastering 34 00:02:41,099 --> 00:02:43,090 the art of the sword. 35 00:02:43,090 --> 00:02:48,390 He spent years traveling around Japan, seeking out the best teachers and challenging other 36 00:02:48,390 --> 00:02:52,050 swordsmen to duels to improve his skills. 37 00:02:52,050 --> 00:02:57,349 Musashi's philosophy can be applied to many areas of life, not just martial arts. 38 00:02:57,349 --> 00:03:03,659 Whether it's a career, a hobby, or a personal goal, focusing on one thing and becoming an 39 00:03:03,659 --> 00:03:08,990 expert in that area can lead to greater success and fulfillment. 40 00:03:08,990 --> 00:03:15,150 In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with distractions and options, making it challenging 41 00:03:15,150 --> 00:03:18,769 to focus on one thing and achieve mastery. 42 00:03:18,769 --> 00:03:24,180 Technology has made it easier than ever to access information and try out new things. 43 00:03:24,180 --> 00:03:28,580 With the internet at our fingertips, we can explore a variety of interests and hobbies 44 00:03:28,580 --> 00:03:31,540 without ever leaving our homes. 45 00:03:31,540 --> 00:03:37,640 While this is convenient, it can also lead to a lack of focus and depth in our pursuits. 46 00:03:37,640 --> 00:03:41,890 Social media platforms have made it easy for us to compare ourselves to others and feel 47 00:03:41,890 --> 00:03:44,769 like we need to be doing more to keep up. 48 00:03:44,769 --> 00:03:50,810 We may see others achieving success in multiple areas and feel like we need to do the same. 49 00:03:50,810 --> 00:03:56,159 The fear of missing out is a common phenomenon that can lead us to try to do too much at 50 00:03:56,159 --> 00:03:57,860 once. 51 00:03:57,860 --> 00:04:03,299 We can worry that if we don't try everything, we'll miss out on opportunities or experiences 52 00:04:03,299 --> 00:04:06,209 that could enrich our lives. 53 00:04:06,209 --> 00:04:10,819 Because of these distractions and options, many of us tend to quit soon after starting 54 00:04:10,819 --> 00:04:12,140 something new. 55 00:04:12,140 --> 00:04:16,970 We may get bored or discouraged when we don't see immediate results, or we may be tempted 56 00:04:16,970 --> 00:04:20,989 to switch to a different interest or hobby that seems more appealing. 57 00:04:20,989 --> 00:04:27,139 However, to truly achieve mastery, we must resist these urges and remain focused on our 58 00:04:27,139 --> 00:04:31,370 chosen path, even when it is difficult or frustrating. 59 00:04:31,370 --> 00:04:36,840 To find our one true passion, we need to identify all our strengths and passions. 60 00:04:36,840 --> 00:04:38,169 What do we enjoy doing the most? 61 00:04:38,169 --> 00:04:40,250 What are we naturally good at? 62 00:04:40,250 --> 00:04:45,220 Once we have identified our strengths and passions, we can focus on mastering that one 63 00:04:45,220 --> 00:04:50,090 thing through deliberate practice, persistence, and continuous learning. 64 00:04:50,090 --> 00:04:54,840 For example, a musician can focus on mastering one instrument instead of trying to learn 65 00:04:54,840 --> 00:04:57,139 multiple instruments at once. 66 00:04:57,139 --> 00:05:02,150 A software developer can specialize in a particular programming language instead of trying to 67 00:05:02,150 --> 00:05:04,810 learn every programming language out there. 68 00:05:04,810 --> 00:05:09,760 Of course, we can then move to another skill, like Miyamoto did when he moved to writing 69 00:05:09,760 --> 00:05:15,320 and philosophizing, but not before fully grasping the skill at hand first. 70 00:05:15,320 --> 00:05:20,900 By staying focused on our priorities and committing ourselves to continuous learning, we can overcome 71 00:05:20,900 --> 00:05:27,000 the distractions of our modern world and achieve success in our chosen pursuits. 72 00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:29,000 2. 73 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:34,340 Avoid short-term pleasures In the words of Miyamoto Musashi "Avoid doing 74 00:05:34,340 --> 00:05:38,160 things for the mere sake of pleasure". 75 00:05:38,160 --> 00:05:43,889 Pursuing activities solely for immediate gratification without considering their long-term consequences 76 00:05:43,889 --> 00:05:49,620 or impact on personal growth and development is merely chasing pleasure. 77 00:05:49,620 --> 00:05:55,240 Such behavior disregards future goals and aspirations and instead focuses on maximizing 78 00:05:55,240 --> 00:05:57,630 pleasure in the present moment. 79 00:05:57,630 --> 00:06:02,520 According to Miyamoto, seeking pleasure for its own sake is a distraction from achieving 80 00:06:02,520 --> 00:06:05,160 greatness and personal growth. 81 00:06:05,160 --> 00:06:10,440 Miyamoto was known for being an exceptional swordsman, and he dedicated much of his life 82 00:06:10,440 --> 00:06:13,850 to practicing and perfecting his craft. 83 00:06:13,850 --> 00:06:18,370 While the practice of martial arts may not always be pleasurable in the moment, Musashi 84 00:06:18,370 --> 00:06:22,430 found great fulfillment and purpose in pursuing this path. 85 00:06:22,430 --> 00:06:28,030 In addition to practicing martial arts, Musashi was also a prolific writer, and he wrote extensively 86 00:06:28,030 --> 00:06:33,560 on topics such as strategy, philosophy, and of course, martial arts. 87 00:06:33,560 --> 00:06:38,210 Writing may not have provided immediate pleasure for Musashi, but it allowed him to express 88 00:06:38,210 --> 00:06:43,940 his thoughts and ideas, share his wisdom with others, and leave a lasting legacy that would 89 00:06:43,940 --> 00:06:47,750 continue to inspire generations after him. 90 00:06:47,750 --> 00:06:52,820 Through his own example, Musashi demonstrated the importance of pursuing activities that 91 00:06:52,820 --> 00:06:57,129 provide long-term fulfillment over short term pleasures. 92 00:06:57,129 --> 00:07:03,220 He very much understood that constant indulgence in pleasure-seeking behavior can lead to addiction 93 00:07:03,220 --> 00:07:10,720 and emptiness, ultimately distracting individuals from pursuing meaningful activities and goals. 94 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:16,410 In our modern-day world, we are constantly bombarded with opportunities for instant gratification, 95 00:07:16,410 --> 00:07:20,539 from social media to fast food to online shopping. 96 00:07:20,539 --> 00:07:25,949 It can be difficult to resist these temptations, especially when they are so readily available. 97 00:07:25,949 --> 00:07:31,620 However, by prioritizing our values and goals, we can resist the temptation of short-term 98 00:07:31,620 --> 00:07:36,990 pleasures and focus on achieving our long-term aspirations. 99 00:07:36,990 --> 00:07:41,340 For example, if someone wants to become a successful entrepreneur, they may need to 100 00:07:41,340 --> 00:07:46,670 sacrifice short-term pleasures like binge-watching TV shows or going out to parties in order 101 00:07:46,670 --> 00:07:49,150 to focus on their business. 102 00:07:49,150 --> 00:07:53,960 They could set a goal to work a certain number of hours each day or week, and prioritize 103 00:07:53,960 --> 00:07:59,410 that time over other activities that may not contribute to their long-term success. 104 00:07:59,410 --> 00:08:03,909 By developing a routine that supports your long-term goal, you are less likely to be 105 00:08:03,909 --> 00:08:10,780 tempted by short-term pleasures that may ultimately distract you from achieving your goals. 106 00:08:10,780 --> 00:08:12,380 3. 107 00:08:12,380 --> 00:08:21,699 Never do anything with half-hearted effort To quote Miyamoto “Do not, under any circumstances, 108 00:08:21,699 --> 00:08:24,680 depend on a partial feeling”. 109 00:08:24,680 --> 00:08:30,500 According to Miyamoto, half-hearted effort, relying on partial feelings, is a recipe for 110 00:08:30,500 --> 00:08:34,940 failure that can result in mistakes and missed opportunities. 111 00:08:34,940 --> 00:08:40,440 According to him, true focus means not only fully committing oneself to a task but also 112 00:08:40,440 --> 00:08:45,730 completely avoiding any sense of partiality or distraction. 113 00:08:45,730 --> 00:08:51,779 Anything less than full concentration and dedication is a waste of time and energy, 114 00:08:51,779 --> 00:08:56,240 ultimately leading to failure in achieving our goals. 115 00:08:56,240 --> 00:09:01,800 Miyamoto Musashi's philosophy revolves around the principle of "zanshin," which translates 116 00:09:01,800 --> 00:09:05,190 to "remaining mind." 117 00:09:05,190 --> 00:09:10,430 Zanshin is a concept in Japanese martial arts that refers to a state of relaxed awareness 118 00:09:10,430 --> 00:09:11,720 or mindfulness. 119 00:09:11,720 --> 00:09:16,930 It involves remaining attentive and focused even after a technique or action has been 120 00:09:16,930 --> 00:09:22,899 executed, and being prepared to respond to any subsequent attack or opportunity. 121 00:09:22,899 --> 00:09:27,850 Musashi's application of zanshin can be seen in his approach to swordsmanship. 122 00:09:27,850 --> 00:09:32,950 He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and focused even in the midst of battle, 123 00:09:32,950 --> 00:09:38,250 and of being able to quickly and effectively respond to any situation, believing that a 124 00:09:38,250 --> 00:09:43,100 swordsman should always be prepared for any possible outcome, and that they should never 125 00:09:43,100 --> 00:09:45,149 let their guard down. 126 00:09:45,149 --> 00:09:50,660 Beyond the realm of martial arts, Musashi saw zanshin as a key element of success in 127 00:09:50,660 --> 00:09:52,529 all aspects of life. 128 00:09:52,529 --> 00:09:58,180 He believed that in order to achieve one's goals, it was essential to remain alert, focused, 129 00:09:58,180 --> 00:10:01,590 and prepared to adapt to any situation that might arise. 130 00:10:01,590 --> 00:10:07,240 Let's say you are a teacher, responsible for teaching a group of high school students. 131 00:10:07,240 --> 00:10:12,070 To apply the principles of zanshin to your work, you might: 132 00:10:12,070 --> 00:10:18,390 Stay focused: By maintaining a clear and focused lesson plan, you can keep your students engaged 133 00:10:18,390 --> 00:10:19,800 and on track. 134 00:10:19,800 --> 00:10:24,300 You might also make an effort to be fully present in the classroom, avoiding distractions 135 00:10:24,300 --> 00:10:27,930 like your phone or email. 136 00:10:27,930 --> 00:10:33,610 Be prepared: To anticipate potential challenges or questions, you might review your lesson 137 00:10:33,610 --> 00:10:39,060 plans ahead of time, prepare supplemental materials or resources, and be ready to adjust 138 00:10:39,060 --> 00:10:43,930 your plans if necessary based on your students' needs. 139 00:10:43,930 --> 00:10:49,040 Stay calm under pressure: In high-pressure situations, such as when a student is struggling 140 00:10:49,040 --> 00:10:54,920 or a lesson isn't going as planned, you can remain calm and focused by taking a deep breath 141 00:10:54,920 --> 00:10:57,450 and assessing the situation. 142 00:10:57,450 --> 00:11:02,050 You might also take a moment to step back and reflect on the bigger picture, reminding 143 00:11:02,050 --> 00:11:07,070 yourself of your ultimate goals as a teacher. 144 00:11:07,070 --> 00:11:13,300 Continuously improve: As the school year progresses, you might seek out opportunities to learn 145 00:11:13,300 --> 00:11:18,730 and grow as a teacher, such as attending professional development workshops or collaborating with 146 00:11:18,730 --> 00:11:20,330 other educators. 147 00:11:20,330 --> 00:11:26,100 You might also reflect on your teaching practices, identifying areas for improvement and experimenting 148 00:11:26,100 --> 00:11:30,000 with new approaches to better serve your students. 149 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:35,550 By applying the principles of zanshin to your teaching practice, you can create a more effective 150 00:11:35,550 --> 00:11:40,410 and engaging learning environment for your students, while also developing your own skills 151 00:11:40,410 --> 00:11:43,180 and expertise as an educator. 152 00:11:43,180 --> 00:11:49,110 In conclusion, Musashi believed that focus was about avoiding partial feeling and engaging 153 00:11:49,110 --> 00:11:53,220 in activities with complete concentration and commitment. 154 00:11:53,220 --> 00:11:57,970 He believed that this kind of total focus and commitment was essential to achieving 155 00:11:57,970 --> 00:12:01,990 mastery in any area of life. 156 00:12:01,990 --> 00:12:03,110 4. 157 00:12:03,110 --> 00:12:09,870 Let go of resentments Miyamoto tells us “Resentment and complaint 158 00:12:09,870 --> 00:12:14,820 are appropriate neither for oneself nor others”. 159 00:12:14,820 --> 00:12:20,120 Miyamoto Musashi is surrounded by numerous stories and legends, one of which recounts 160 00:12:20,120 --> 00:12:25,870 his encounter with a group of bandits who sought revenge on their former leader. 161 00:12:25,870 --> 00:12:31,209 Miyamoto advised the bandits to let go of their anger and resentment, highlighting the 162 00:12:31,209 --> 00:12:36,630 futility of revenge and suggesting that they could use their skills for positive purposes 163 00:12:36,630 --> 00:12:37,630 instead. 164 00:12:37,630 --> 00:12:43,180 This story demonstrates Miyamoto's belief that it's possible to transform negative emotions 165 00:12:43,180 --> 00:12:49,380 and make a positive impact by choosing a different path in life. 166 00:12:49,380 --> 00:12:55,570 Resentment is a complex emotion that can stem from various situations, such as feeling wronged 167 00:12:55,570 --> 00:12:57,310 or betrayed. 168 00:12:57,310 --> 00:13:02,810 It's challenging to let go of resentment since it's often tied to a sense of injustice or 169 00:13:02,810 --> 00:13:04,589 violation of values. 170 00:13:04,589 --> 00:13:10,190 Furthermore, our biases and perspectives can fuel resentment, preventing us from seeing 171 00:13:10,190 --> 00:13:14,940 things objectively or considering alternative viewpoints. 172 00:13:14,940 --> 00:13:20,190 When we hold onto resentment, we tend to replay the situation in our minds, which can keep 173 00:13:20,190 --> 00:13:25,010 us stuck in a never-ending cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. 174 00:13:25,010 --> 00:13:30,459 This can make it challenging to move forward and find resolution, and can impair our ability 175 00:13:30,459 --> 00:13:36,570 to concentrate on tasks, make decisions, and interact with others in a positive and productive 176 00:13:36,570 --> 00:13:38,460 way. 177 00:13:38,460 --> 00:13:44,370 Instead of dwelling on resentment, Miyamoto encourages people to focus on self-improvement 178 00:13:44,370 --> 00:13:48,130 and cultivate a positive attitude towards life. 179 00:13:48,130 --> 00:13:53,579 He believed that developing a clear mind, strong spirit, and unwavering determination 180 00:13:53,579 --> 00:13:57,149 was key to success in any endeavor. 181 00:13:57,149 --> 00:14:03,230 For example imagine a situation where an employee feels resentful towards a coworker who received 182 00:14:03,230 --> 00:14:06,709 a promotion that they feel they deserved. 183 00:14:06,709 --> 00:14:11,509 Instead of harboring resentment and allowing it to negatively affect their work and relationships 184 00:14:11,509 --> 00:14:16,720 with colleagues, the employee can choose to focus on self-improvement and developing their 185 00:14:16,720 --> 00:14:20,889 skills and abilities to increase their chances of future success. 186 00:14:20,889 --> 00:14:26,740 They can also work on cultivating a positive attitude towards their work and colleagues, 187 00:14:26,740 --> 00:14:32,680 seeking out opportunities for collaboration and teamwork rather than competition and resentment. 188 00:14:32,680 --> 00:14:38,089 By letting go of negative emotions and focusing on personal growth, the employee can achieve 189 00:14:38,089 --> 00:14:40,889 greater happiness and success in their career. 190 00:14:40,889 --> 00:14:45,980 Additionally, they may also seek out guidance from their supervisor or HR department to 191 00:14:45,980 --> 00:14:49,620 discuss their career goals and how to achieve them. 192 00:14:49,620 --> 00:14:54,040 Breaking free from the cycle of resentment and complaints involves acknowledging and 193 00:14:54,040 --> 00:15:00,399 validating our feelings while also cultivating empathy and understanding towards others. 194 00:15:00,399 --> 00:15:05,709 Seeking support from loved ones, practicing mindfulness and self-reflection, and developing 195 00:15:05,709 --> 00:15:11,110 a compassionate and forgiving mindset can help us let go of the past and move forward 196 00:15:11,110 --> 00:15:15,579 with greater clarity and peace of mind. 197 00:15:15,579 --> 00:15:17,120 5. 198 00:15:17,120 --> 00:15:23,459 Do not regret anything As Miyamoto Musashi put it so succinctly, 199 00:15:23,459 --> 00:15:27,940 "Do not regret what you have done". 200 00:15:27,940 --> 00:15:34,700 One of Miyamoto Musashi's most famous stories involves his encounter with a Zen monk, Takuan 201 00:15:34,700 --> 00:15:36,029 Soho. 202 00:15:36,029 --> 00:15:41,640 According to the story, Musashi went to Takuan seeking guidance on how to live a life without 203 00:15:41,640 --> 00:15:42,640 regrets. 204 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:48,370 Takuan's advice was simple yet profound: "If you want to be free of regrets, learn the 205 00:15:48,370 --> 00:15:52,769 art of accepting responsibility for everything you do. 206 00:15:52,769 --> 00:15:57,370 No matter what happens, never blame others or make excuses. 207 00:15:57,370 --> 00:16:01,300 When you make a mistake, admit it and learn from it. 208 00:16:01,300 --> 00:16:07,430 That way, you will always be moving forward, never looking back with regret." 209 00:16:07,430 --> 00:16:12,860 Musashi took Takuan's advice to heart and spent the rest of his life living by this 210 00:16:12,860 --> 00:16:13,860 principle. 211 00:16:13,860 --> 00:16:18,880 He never regretted any of his past actions or decisions, but instead focused on learning 212 00:16:18,880 --> 00:16:24,070 from them and using those lessons to continue growing and improving. 213 00:16:24,070 --> 00:16:29,290 To not regret what you have done can be challenging, but it is a mindset that can be cultivated 214 00:16:29,290 --> 00:16:33,430 with practice, patience and persistence. 215 00:16:33,430 --> 00:16:38,940 Our minds have a natural tendency to remember past mistakes and negative experiences, which 216 00:16:38,940 --> 00:16:45,940 is a survival mechanism that helped our ancestors avoid danger and stay alive in dangerous situations. 217 00:16:45,940 --> 00:16:52,960 However, dwelling on them can be counterproductive and lead to feelings of regret, guilt, and 218 00:16:52,960 --> 00:16:54,329 anxiety. 219 00:16:54,329 --> 00:17:00,529 To break this cycle, we need to take responsibility for our actions and decisions. 220 00:17:00,529 --> 00:17:04,910 Rather than dwelling on past mistakes or missed opportunities, we should focus on what we 221 00:17:04,910 --> 00:17:08,520 can do now to improve our situation. 222 00:17:08,520 --> 00:17:13,400 Another way to practice this mindset is to use past mistakes as an opportunity to learn 223 00:17:13,400 --> 00:17:17,280 and grow, instead of beating yourself up over them. 224 00:17:17,280 --> 00:17:23,189 For example, if you made a poor investment decision, instead of fixating on your loss, 225 00:17:23,189 --> 00:17:27,860 analyze why it didn't work out and use that knowledge to make better decisions in the 226 00:17:27,860 --> 00:17:29,110 future. 227 00:17:29,110 --> 00:17:35,450 Finally, practice self-forgiveness and let go of past mistakes & regrets. 228 00:17:35,450 --> 00:17:41,120 Remember everyone makes mistakes, and forgiving yourself is an essential step in moving forward 229 00:17:41,120 --> 00:17:43,720 and living a fulfilling life. 230 00:17:43,720 --> 00:17:49,340 By practicing these strategies, you can focus on personal growth and self-improvement, and 231 00:17:49,340 --> 00:17:51,800 learn to live without regret. 232 00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:52,840 6. 233 00:17:52,840 --> 00:18:00,330 Do not chase love or lust According to Miyamoto "Do not let yourself 234 00:18:00,330 --> 00:18:05,179 be guided by the feeling of lust or love". 235 00:18:05,179 --> 00:18:10,429 One popular story about Miyamoto involves a woman who attempted to seduce him. 236 00:18:10,429 --> 00:18:15,780 Despite her beauty and her persistent attempts, he resisted her advances. 237 00:18:15,780 --> 00:18:20,600 She eventually revealed that she had been sent by one of his rivals to seduce and kill 238 00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:21,600 him. 239 00:18:21,600 --> 00:18:28,539 This story illustrates Musashi's ability to resist temptation and stay true to his principles. 240 00:18:28,539 --> 00:18:33,451 Musashi had many relationships with women, as he himself mentions in his book "The Book 241 00:18:33,451 --> 00:18:34,590 of Five Rings." 242 00:18:34,590 --> 00:18:40,650 However, these relationships never distracted him from his goals or his training. 243 00:18:40,650 --> 00:18:44,020 Musashi was not guided by love or lust. 244 00:18:44,020 --> 00:18:48,950 He knew when to resist temptation and when to allow himself to be emotionally engaged 245 00:18:48,950 --> 00:18:52,549 without letting it interfere with his focus. 246 00:18:52,549 --> 00:18:56,700 Musashi's ability to maintain his discipline and stay true to his goals in the face of 247 00:18:56,700 --> 00:19:02,710 temptation is one of the many reasons why he is still revered today. 248 00:19:02,710 --> 00:19:05,290 Relationships are vital for human beings. 249 00:19:05,290 --> 00:19:10,830 However, relationships bring about emotions, feelings, and desires that can easily and 250 00:19:10,830 --> 00:19:13,200 abruptly sway the heart. 251 00:19:13,200 --> 00:19:19,110 At times, you may find yourself torn between a decision that makes perfect sense rationally 252 00:19:19,110 --> 00:19:22,630 and one that is driven by love or desire. 253 00:19:22,630 --> 00:19:28,020 This can lead to a deep dilemma where emotions and logic are at odds with each other. 254 00:19:28,020 --> 00:19:33,530 Maybe you were in a relationship and got accepted into a prestigious school, but hesitated to 255 00:19:33,530 --> 00:19:37,559 go because you would have to leave your loved one behind. 256 00:19:37,559 --> 00:19:41,500 Maybe you got offered a new job but considered refusing it because it will take too much 257 00:19:41,500 --> 00:19:44,140 time from your partner or kids. 258 00:19:44,140 --> 00:19:49,780 These are not exceptional scenarios, they are in fact extremely common. 259 00:19:49,780 --> 00:19:54,789 The question is, how much power should we give to love and desire over the course of 260 00:19:54,789 --> 00:19:56,130 our lives? 261 00:19:56,130 --> 00:20:01,780 According to Miyamoto, while they can provide motivation and fulfillment, they should never 262 00:20:01,780 --> 00:20:04,450 stand in the way of our goals. 263 00:20:04,450 --> 00:20:10,170 Miyamoto understood and lived this balance, having had relationships that - to our knowledge 264 00:20:10,170 --> 00:20:13,250 - never interfered with his pursuits. 265 00:20:13,250 --> 00:20:18,700 We can learn from his example and recognize that love and desire should not guide us, 266 00:20:18,700 --> 00:20:22,480 but rather keep us focused on our path. 267 00:20:22,480 --> 00:20:26,110 It's similar to driving a car and listening to music. 268 00:20:26,110 --> 00:20:31,190 The music is there, but we don't stop to focus on the lyrics as it could make us lose focus 269 00:20:31,190 --> 00:20:32,690 on our surroundings. 270 00:20:32,690 --> 00:20:38,500 We choose the right music that keeps us focused and even enhances our concentration. 271 00:20:38,500 --> 00:20:44,860 Likewise, love and lust should not distract us but rather keep us centered on our objectives. 272 00:20:44,860 --> 00:20:50,830 The right kind of love will make us laser-focused and allow us to achieve great things. 273 00:20:50,830 --> 00:20:55,309 If you have not encountered the right kind of love yet, you shouldn't desperately search 274 00:20:55,309 --> 00:20:56,570 for it. 275 00:20:56,570 --> 00:21:01,350 Instead, you should continue on your path and trust that destiny will bring you the 276 00:21:01,350 --> 00:21:05,640 love that will propel you forward, not hold you back. 277 00:21:05,640 --> 00:21:10,880 By finding the right balance between love and our goals, we can create a fulfilling 278 00:21:10,880 --> 00:21:15,690 life that allows us to thrive. 279 00:21:15,690 --> 00:21:17,240 7. 280 00:21:17,240 --> 00:21:22,809 Accept life as it happens In our final quote from Miyamoto Musashi for 281 00:21:22,809 --> 00:21:30,130 this video, he says "Accept everything just the way it is". 282 00:21:30,130 --> 00:21:35,529 In the pursuit of glory, one must be prepared to face challenges that will test one’s 283 00:21:35,529 --> 00:21:37,880 resolve like never before. 284 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:43,280 Miyamoto Musashi understood this, and his success can be attributed in large part to 285 00:21:43,280 --> 00:21:49,380 his unwavering acceptance of all obstacles, and his determination to keep moving forward 286 00:21:49,380 --> 00:21:50,940 despite them. 287 00:21:50,940 --> 00:21:56,620 A prime example of this is when he challenged the revered swordsmanship school, Yoshioka. 288 00:21:56,620 --> 00:22:02,480 After defeating their best students and then their master Seijuro, the school sent men 289 00:22:02,480 --> 00:22:05,020 to ambush him for revenge. 290 00:22:05,020 --> 00:22:11,580 When Miyamoto encountered the mob, he didn't plead or weep, but instead used his two swords 291 00:22:11,580 --> 00:22:15,600 to fight his way through and emerge victorious. 292 00:22:15,600 --> 00:22:20,659 While there’s no denying that his skills are second to none, the mindset is as important 293 00:22:20,659 --> 00:22:27,080 as the skill, and maybe during that fight, the mindset is what gave him the edge. 294 00:22:27,080 --> 00:22:33,100 This story exemplifies Miyamoto's acceptance of life's challenges and his ability to adapt 295 00:22:33,100 --> 00:22:35,809 to any circumstances. 296 00:22:35,809 --> 00:22:41,870 Life is not a straight line, but rather a winding road with many turns that we must 297 00:22:41,870 --> 00:22:43,430 navigate. 298 00:22:43,430 --> 00:22:49,039 Just like driving around a mountain, we don't stop and lament the difficulty of the road 299 00:22:49,039 --> 00:22:51,340 but rather keep going. 300 00:22:51,340 --> 00:22:54,040 You might even find you enjoy the journey! 301 00:22:54,040 --> 00:22:59,860 One has to accept life's twists and turns, not fixate on them, if we want to move forward 302 00:22:59,860 --> 00:23:03,650 and experience the true beauty of life. 303 00:23:03,650 --> 00:23:08,020 Unfortunately, many people spend their time complaining about how things didn't go their 304 00:23:08,020 --> 00:23:15,220 way or how one single event turned everything upside down, as if life is over. 305 00:23:15,220 --> 00:23:23,120 However, life is simply one creature's experience of a perpetual, relentless chain of events. 306 00:23:23,120 --> 00:23:27,890 Sometimes those events work in our favor and sometimes they don't. 307 00:23:27,890 --> 00:23:32,960 We must accept both outcomes because they are two sides of the same coin, and that coin 308 00:23:32,960 --> 00:23:34,400 is life. 309 00:23:34,400 --> 00:23:41,809 And if we want to truly love life, we have to love the coin as a whole, not just one 310 00:23:41,809 --> 00:23:42,809 side. 311 00:23:42,809 --> 00:23:47,370 Of course, it's not always easy to accept an unfortunate event right away. 312 00:23:47,370 --> 00:23:54,159 It's natural to feel upset, disappointed, and in more extreme cases grieve, but we can 313 00:23:54,159 --> 00:23:58,970 use that time to catch our breath and rationalize the situation. 314 00:23:58,970 --> 00:24:03,980 We must remind ourselves that no matter what happens, it's not the end, and there may be 315 00:24:03,980 --> 00:24:07,830 hidden opportunities for growth and success. 316 00:24:07,830 --> 00:24:11,970 For example, let's say someone lost their job unexpectedly. 317 00:24:11,970 --> 00:24:17,470 While this event may seem negative at first, it could lead to new opportunities and experiences 318 00:24:17,470 --> 00:24:20,340 that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. 319 00:24:20,340 --> 00:24:25,770 By accepting the situation and remaining open to new possibilities, this person could ultimately 320 00:24:25,770 --> 00:24:31,080 find a more fulfilling career path or discover hidden talents and skills they never knew 321 00:24:31,080 --> 00:24:32,660 they had. 322 00:24:32,660 --> 00:24:39,210 The key is to embrace the twists and turns of life and trust that everything happens 323 00:24:39,210 --> 00:24:41,590 for a reason. 324 00:24:41,590 --> 00:24:45,850 As always if you enjoyed this video, please make sure to check out our full philosophies 325 00:24:45,850 --> 00:24:50,309 for life playlist, and for more videos to help you find success and happiness using 326 00:24:50,309 --> 00:24:54,340 ancient philosophical wisdom, don’t forget to subscribe. 327 00:24:54,340 --> 00:24:56,440 Thanks so much for watching.