“Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.”

A key moment in Musashi’s life was when he encountered a woman who, despite her charm,

couldn’t distract him from his path. Although she was alluring, Musashi remained dedicated

to his martial training and spiritual growth. His commitment was so strong that even romance

couldn’t pull him off course. Musashi’s relationships, though present, were always

secondary to his quest for perfection in his art. Whether dealing with friends, rivals, or admirers,

he kept his focus on his mission. He knew that to achieve greatness, he had to stay committed

to his purpose with unwavering dedication. Relationships are important for our well-being,

providing support and connection. However, they can also stir powerful emotions that may sway

our decisions. For instance, you might hesitate to move for a great opportunity

because it means leaving a loved one behind or turning down a promising job to spend more

time with family. These are common dilemmas and raise the question: How much should love

and desire influence our decisions? Musashi’s life teaches us that while

relationships can be motivating, they shouldn’t derail our goals. His relationships never

interfered with his dedication to his craft, showing that love and desire should support,

not overshadow, our main objectives. Think of it like tending a garden. Each

plant needs specific care and attention, but if you focus too much on adding extra fertilizer

and neglect the basic needs of watering and weeding, your garden can suffer. Similarly,

love and desire should be like the sunlight that nurtures your growth but shouldn’t overshadow the

essential tasks needed to achieve your main goals. They should enhance and motivate you without

taking over the focus from your primary path. If you haven’t found the supportive love that

aligns with your goals, don’t rush it. Just keep moving forward and trust that the right

love will come in time, helping you achieve your dreams rather than holding you back. Avoiding

distractions from love or lust helps you stay focused. When you keep your priorities clear,

you resist temporary passions, maintaining the discipline needed to rise above mediocrity.