Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵) also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke, or by his Buddhist name Niten Dōraku. The founder of the Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū or Niten-ryū style of swordsmanship, who is considerably the greatest swordman that ever lived. The author of The Book of Five Rings (五輪書, Go Rin No Sho), a book on strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is still studied today.

The Dokkodo (独行道 Dōkkōdō)
"The Path of Aloneness" or "The Way to be Followed Alone"
This work was written a week before he died in 1645.

1. Accept everything just the way it is.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a seperation.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyong what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body buy you must preserve your honour.
21. Never stray from the way