If you are interested in Japanese samurai culture and martial arts, you might be familiar with Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1643). He was not only a master martial artist who perfected the way of warfare but also an exceptional painter, calligrapher and craftsman.
His work “The Book of Five Rings” records the secrets of Musashi's martial techniques, and is often read for insights into business management (although that is debatable, but I won’t talk about it in this post). There are various translations available, but some fail to capture the original meaning. The text is incredibly complex even for Japanese readers, and its full understanding often eludes those without a background in swordsmanship, making translation into other languages exceedingly difficult.
But perhaps, art is a more intuitive way to understand his philosophy?
The ink painting in the photograph is “Koboku meigeki-zu (Shrike in a barren tree)”, Musashi's masterpiece. Spend a quiet minute observing this painting. What do you feel?
The shrike, with its sharp gaze, motionless; the insect slowly climbing the branch; the steadfast, dead tree, and the low bushes swaying in the gentle breeze. Both depict a contrast between stillness and motion. However, when one anticipates the impending fate of the insect in the next moment, even the tense atmosphere before the balance is broken becomes palpable.
This contrast and tension reflect the keen observational and insightful skills of a person who has mastered the way of the sword. Mastery in one field often translates to capabilities in others, embodying the concept of “one way, many skills”.
In “The Book of Five Rings”, Musashi also states that involvement in various arts, such as painting and calligraphy, is a means to train in martial arts. He didn’t paint merely for the sake of painting; his earnest spirit in mastering the martial arts is reflected in his artwork, making it unique.
Finally, immerse yourself once more in the world of “Koboku meigeki-zu ”. What have you discovered?
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