Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵, c. 1584 – 13 June 1645) was a Japanese swordsman, philosopher, strategist, writer and rōnin, who became renowned through stories of his unique double-bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 61 duels. Musashi, as he was often simply known, is considered a Kensei, a sword-saint of Japan.

He was the founder of the Niten Ichi-ryū, or Nito Ichi-ryū, style of swordsmanship, and in his final years authored The Book of Five Rings (五輪の書, Go Rin No Sho) and Dokkōdō (獨行道, The Path of Aloneness).

Here are some important things that Musashi teaches us:

Be prepared to die. "If you think you will live forever, you will not be able to fight well." Source: The Book of Five Rings, Chapter 1: Earth
Be aware of your surroundings. "Know the Way broadly, but act within your own limitations." Source: The Book of Five Rings, Chapter 2: Water
Be flexible and adaptable. "Do not be rigid in your thinking or your actions. Be like water, which can flow around any obstacle." Source: The Book of Five Rings, Chapter 3: Fire
Be focused and determined. "The mind is the sword. If the mind is sharp, the sword will be sharp." Source: The Book of Five Rings, Chapter 4: Wind
Be humble and respectful. "Do not think of yourself as better than others. Respect your opponents and treat them with honor." Source: The Book of Five Rings, Chapter 5: Void
Be patient and persistent. "Do not give up easily. If you keep trying, you will eventually succeed." Source: Dokkōdō, Rule 12
Be always learning and growing. "The sword is not the only weapon. There are many other things to learn in life." Source: Dokkōdō, Rule 13
Be true to yourself. "Do not follow the crowd. Be your own person and live your own life." Source: Dokkōdō, Rule 14

Be masterless.

Be you.

When lies bring you truth.

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Be broken to be reforged, from fire to flame.

Be like water.

Be unstoppable.

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