Understanding One Sentence

Miyamoto Musashi, a legend in swordsmanship, philosophy, and martial arts, has become one of the most powerful symbols of Japanese culture in the West. Yet, as is often the case with icons, his image has been distorted and reduced to a simple figure of an unyielding warrior, a hero with a sword whose strength is thought to lie solely in the precision of his blade. However, Musashi's true power did not lie in his duels but in the intellectual and spiritual depth that allowed him to see the world as it is and to act in absolute harmony with the unpredictability of capricious fate. Dokkōdō, written a week before his death, is his most intimate testament—a raw but strikingly relevant meditation on life, which remains a mirror for anyone daring enough to gaze into it.

Surprisingly, Musashi's teachings resonate deeply with a philosophy geographically and historically distant—Marcus Aurelius' Stoicism. Both masters, though separated by centuries and thousands of kilometers, pointed to a fundamental truth: life is inherently chaotic and unpredictable, and our suffering arises not from the chaos itself but from our stubborn attachment to the illusion that the world should conform to our expectations. Both Musashi and Aurelius teach acceptance of the present, rejection of the compulsion to control reality, and finding liberation in this understanding. Their thoughts, now expanded upon by positive psychology and mindfulness practices, reveal the ability to live in harmony with the present moment as the key to inner peace and balance.

Musashi's philosophy is not merely abstract reflection; it is a map that points the way to a fuller, more conscious life, free from false constraints. Adopting his principles opens the mind to new experiences and allows for greater independence from external circumstances. In a world increasingly trivializing great thinkers, reducing their teachings to pop-culture slogans, it is sometimes worthwhile to delve deeply into a single thought and see whether it hides depths we initially failed to notice. Today, we will not focus on Musashi's entire life, all his works, or even one text—Dokkōdō. In this article, we will attempt to understand one sentence—one principle from Dokkōdō:

「物毎尓すきこのむ事なし」

(Monogoto ni suki konomu koto nashi)

"In all things have no preferences."

The Meaning of the "Preferences" Principle in Dokkōdō

The principle "In all things have no preferences" is one of the deepest and most universal messages found in Dokkōdō. Its breadth allows for various interpretations encompassing both life philosophy and practical approaches to everyday situations. It can be understood as the open-mindedness of a scientist—not only in their field of study but in life as well. I recall Richard Dawkins eloquently illustrating this idea with a story of a scientist who, after dedicating years to a theory, felt no bitterness when it was clearly disproven but instead expressed gratitude for being closer to the truth. From a completely different perspective, in Stoicism—personified for me by Marcus Aurelius—this principle manifests as the acceptance of the inevitable and the stance of an observer of reality who responds to it with balance and reason (or not at all). Similarly, in Buddhism, the idea of non-attachment frees one from suffering born of excessive clinging to desires and illusions. Yet this principle transcends the boundaries of these traditions and simultaneously unites them—it is a universal guide for living in harmony with reality, without imposing one's expectations or illusions on it. It is a call for flexibility, deeper understanding, and the ability to accept the world as it is.

Musashi does not advocate abandoning all human preferences or emotions here but rather consciously freeing oneself from the tyranny of personal preferences, which often govern our perception of reality. Attachment to preferences is a habit that not only limits our view of the world but also impairs our ability to make sound decisions. When we cling too tightly to our "likes," we become their slaves, ignoring what might better suit the actual situation. For Musashi, liberation from attachment was the foundation of both martial arts and life philosophy—the ability to see things as they are, not as we wish them to be.

Attachment to preferences acts as a filter that distorts our judgment. A person who views the world through the lens of their preferences does not react to reality but to their imagined version of it. This approach breeds disappointment when reality fails to meet expectations, and such frustration leads to irrational actions. Musashi emphasizes that freedom lies in the readiness to accept reality without assigning value judgments to it. In practice, this means an open mind that not only embraces new experiences but also adapts to changing conditions with strength and calm. For a samurai who might find themselves in situations demanding instant reaction, the absence of attachment to preferences was a matter of life and death—but the same principle applies to the daily lives of modern individuals.

Philosophical Perspective

The philosophical message of this principle touches on the core of human striving for control. By attaching ourselves to preferences, we try to impose our will on reality, and when it turns out differently, we suffer. Musashi's principle critiques not only attachment but also the illusion of "should"—the idea that the world must conform to our expectations. This is the source of constant conflict, giving rise to frustration, anger, and anxiety. When we tie our satisfaction to whether the world aligns with our preferences, we lose the ability to respond consciously and act impulsively under the sway of emotions.

Letting go of attachment to preferences does not mean abandoning moral principles or values that are important to an individual. On the contrary—it allows one to adhere to them more authentically, not based on illusions or prejudices. Freedom from preferences also means freedom from the need to manipulate reality to fit our expectations. It is the ability to stand in truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Undoubtedly, this often requires courage in addition to an open mind.

Psychological Perspective

From a psychological standpoint, the principle "In all things have no preferences" can be seen as a tool for developing emotional flexibility and adaptability. Attachment to preferences often stems from deeply rooted cognitive schemas that shape our perception of the world. As psychologist Daniel Kahneman's research on cognitive biases reveals, humans have a natural tendency toward "anchoring"—basing their thinking on initial impressions, expectations, or past beliefs. Attachment to preferences operates similarly, limiting our ability to assess situations objectively and adapt to changing circumstances.

Research in the field of emotional psychology, such as that by Susan David, author of the concept of emotional agility, shows that the ability to free oneself from rigid preferences and attachments to specific scenarios improves one’s ability to cope with life's challenges. Accepting reality without imposing one’s expectations on it reduces stress and allows for more mindful decision-making.

A similar phenomenon is observed in mindfulness theory (essentially a modern Western version of Zen meditation), where attention focused on the present moment helps reduce the impact of expectations and judgments on the perception of reality. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the creator of contemporary mindfulness practice, emphasizes that a key element of mindfulness is non-judgment, leading to acceptance of the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. This practice not only enhances mental health but also improves the ability to make conscious decisions in difficult moments.

Attachment to preferences can also lead to confirmation bias—the tendency to seek information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory data. This mechanism, extensively studied by psychologists like Leon Festinger, limits our ability to learn and grow. This is precisely why modern science has implemented safeguards like the double-blind trial. Musashi’s principle, advocating freedom from one’s preferences, thus promotes critical thinking and the ability to revise beliefs in light of new information.

The psychological perspective on the principle "In all things have no preferences" highlights its value as a tool for self-awareness and coping with everyday challenges. This approach fosters inner balance, enabling both better self-understanding and more harmonious relationships with the world.

Practical Dimension of the Principle

The principle "In all things have no preferences" proves exceptionally useful when facing the challenges of daily life. Our preferences, seemingly innocuous, can act as barriers that prevent us from seeing broader perspectives. In the simplest example, attachment to routine ways of doing things or always eating the same dishes can limit our experiences and ability to discover new opportunities. What at first glance appears to be a minor compromise actually opens the door to greater flexibility and spontaneity in daily life.

It is worth noting that preferences often evoke strong emotions in us, especially when reality does not align with our expectations. Imagine a situation where your favorite dish is unavailable at a restaurant—rather than enjoying a new offering from the menu, you might feel frustrated or disappointed. However, an approach aligned with Musashi's teachings encourages a shift in perspective: the absence of preferences allows us to embrace the new with openness and curiosity.

Of course, this principle holds greater significance in less trivial situations—those involving complex life decisions. Attachment to a specific vision of a career or relationship might cause us to overlook other equally valuable opportunities. Psychology shows that such rigid approaches carry the risk of what is called the "lost alternative effect," leading to regret over other paths that could have been more satisfying if we had allowed ourselves to consider them. Instead, freedom from attachment to preferences enables a more conscious approach to life, opening us to changes and unforeseen opportunities.

Examples from life demonstrate how adopting this principle can bring benefits in daily functioning. Imagine someone planning a weekend getaway to enjoy the fresh air, expecting beautiful weather for a forest walk or a bike ride. But the forecast suddenly changes, and the entire day is spent under a rainy sky. Clinging to the preference for sunny weather might lead to irritation and discouragement, overshadowing the value of the trip itself. Applying Musashi's principle allows one to accept these conditions, shifting perspective: the rain becomes an opportunity for tranquility, listening to the sounds of nature, or experiencing the day in a different, unplanned way. Perhaps the trip was planned to spend time with a loved one—not to bask in the sun’s rays. Yet, due to unexamined expectations of sunny weather, the rain not only ruins the vision of a cheerful day but also prevents enjoying the closeness of the other person. And yet, closeness can be shared in the rain as well—one only needs to be open to the changing world, accept these changes, and adjust one’s expectations accordingly.

The practical application of Musashi's principle comes down to learning how to free oneself from emotional habits and rigid expectations. It is worth reminding ourselves that many life situations are beyond our control, and the ability to accept them—without unnecessary judgments—can bring inner peace and a sense of control over our reactions. This flexibility makes us more resilient to difficulties and better able to draw fulfillment from life, regardless of circumstances.

Stoicism—Musashi’s European Counterpart

Stoicism, especially in Marcus Aurelius’ interpretation, resonates perfectly with Musashi's principle: "In all things have no preferences" (as well as with surprisingly many other concepts from Japanese culture). Both traditions, though developed in different parts of the world and cultural contexts, emphasize the universal value of accepting reality and achieving inner freedom by detaching from external circumstances. Marcus Aurelius frequently highlights in Meditations the importance of mastering one’s mind and rejecting harmful expectations. As he wrote: “Remove the judgment, and you have removed the thought ‘I am hurt’: remove the thought ‘I am hurt,’ and the hurt itself is removed” (Meditations, Book IV, 7), and even more succinctly: “Do not be angry with events, for they care nothing for your anger” (Meditations, Book VII, 38).

In Stoicism, a key role is played by the distinction between what is within our power and what is beyond our control. This approach is clearly present in Musashi's principle as well, which teaches flexibility in the face of the inevitable. The advice of both Marcus Aurelius and Miyamoto Musashi reminds us that life is a constant flux, and stubbornly clinging to how things "ought to be" leads only to frustration and suffering.

For the Stoic, as for Musashi, detachment from preferences does not mean apathy or passivity. On the contrary—it is an attitude of active engagement that allows one to act according to one’s values, regardless of circumstances. Aurelius wrote: “A man who knows how to fit his life to what happens, as a runner fits his stride to the rhythm of the course, is like a dancer who adapts to the music’s tempo. Every change of fortune, like every change of rhythm, is an opportunity to display his mastery” (Meditations, Book VI, 15). This arises from a principle that teaches that instead of fighting reality, it is better to focus on what can be achieved here and now.

Moreover, Stoicism encourages contemplation of one’s mortality, which Marcus Aurelius called memento mori—a reminder of the inevitability of death. Similarly, Musashi, in his principle "Do not fear death," urged detachment from the false sense of security often rooted in attachment to material things or illusory life scenarios. “Do not fear death” is akin to saying, “Do not forget that you will die,” or, more simply, “While you live, enjoy life, for it is all you have—and soon, even that will be gone.” This shared characteristic of both philosophies leads to liberation from fear and a greater ability to live in harmony with the present moment.

Both Musashi and Marcus Aurelius emphasize that life becomes richer when we free ourselves from false notions of how it "should" be. It is not about abandoning goals or dreams but about accepting what is—even when it diverges from our expectations. As Aurelius put it: “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” Therefore, the ability to control one’s judgments and detach from preferences opens the way to peace, inner balance, and more conscious action.

Who Was Miyamoto Musashi?

Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645) is one of the most popular historical figures in Japan today—a samurai, master swordsman, strategist, philosopher, and artist. Known for never losing a duel, of which he fought over 60 in his lifetime, he was the creator of the two-sword style—Niten Ichi-ryū (二天一流, “The Two Heavens as One Style”), which is still studied in traditional swordsmanship schools. Beyond his mastery in combat, Musashi left behind an intellectual and artistic legacy that extends far beyond the world of samurai.

At the end of his life, Musashi withdrew from the active life of a warrior and devoted himself to reflecting on his experiences. At the age of 60, he wrote his most famous work—Go Rin no Sho (五輪書, “The Book of Five Rings”), a philosophical and strategic treatise that continues to inspire people from various fields—from warfare and sports to business and management. However, Go Rin no Sho is not Musashi’s only work; shortly before his death, he also wrote Dokkōdō.

Dokkōdō?

Dokkōdō (獨行道, translated as "The Way of Solitude," "The Lone Way," or more precisely, "The Way to Be Followed Alone") is Musashi's final work, written a week before his death in 1645. It contains 21 principles of life that encapsulate his philosophy—severe, ascetic, and surprisingly similar to insights from modern psychological studies on achieving happiness. Dokkōdō is not a philosophical treatise in the traditional sense; it is rather a collection of maxims intended as Musashi’s spiritual testament, passed on to his favorite disciple, Terao Magonojō.

The creation of Dokkōdō was linked to Musashi's preparations for death. In his final days, he distributed his possessions, isolated himself, and devoted himself to meditation. Dokkōdō also served as a complement to Go Rin no Sho, which focused more on strategy and combat, while Dokkōdō represents the essence of his personal life philosophy.

Unlike Go Rin no Sho, which was directed at a broader audience of students and future warriors, Dokkōdō had a more intimate character. It was a personal declaration of the values Musashi upheld throughout his life—values he believed led to true inner freedom and spiritual peace.

Although written in the 17th century, its message remains relevant today. In Dokkōdō, Musashi shares his reflections on living in harmony with nature, maintaining mental balance, and avoiding illusions that often dominate our lives. His teachings, expressed in simple yet deeply reflective principles, continue to inspire people worldwide, regardless of their culture or era.

21 Principles of Dokkōdō

獨行道　　　二十一箇条
(Dokkōdō Niju-ichi Kajō)

The Way of Solitude – 21 Principles

1. 世々の道をそむく事なし
   (Seze no michi o somuku koto nashi)
   Accept life as it is; do not oppose the way of the world.
2. 身尓たのしみをたくましからず
   (Mi ni tanoshimi o takumashikarazu)
   Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. よろす尓依怙の心なし
   (Yorosu ni eko no kokoro nashi)
   Do not rely on partial feelings.
4. 身をあさく思世をふかく思ふ
   (Mi o asaku omoi yo o fukaku omou)
   Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
5. 一生の間よくしん思わず
   (Isshō no aida yokushin omowazu)
   Throughout your life, remain free from desires.
6. 我事尓おいて後悔をせず
   (Waregoto ni oite kōkai o sezu)
   Regret nothing you have done.
7. 善惡尓他をねたむ心なし
   (Zen'aku ni hoka o netamu kokoro nashi)
   Feel no envy toward the good or evil in others.
8. いつれの道尓もわかれをかなしまず
   (Izure no michi ni mo wakare o kanashimazu)
   Do not grieve over separations.
9. 自他共尓恨みをかこつ心なし
   (Jita tomo ni urami o kakotsu kokoro nashi)
   Hold no resentment toward yourself or others.
10. れんほの道思ひよるこヽろなし
    (Renpo no michi omoi yoru kokoro nashi)
    Do not be led by desires or feelings of love.
11. 物毎尓すきこのむ事なし
    (Monogoto ni suki konomu koto nashi)
    In all things, have no preferences.
12. 私宅尓おいてのぞむ心なし
    (Shitaku ni oite nozomu kokoro nashi)
    Be indifferent to the place where you live.
13. 身ひとつ尓美食をこのまず
    (Mi hitotsu ni bishoku o konomazu)
    Do not seek luxury in refined tastes of food.
14. 末々代物なる古き道具所持せず
    (Sue-sue shirumono naru furuki dōgu shoji sezu)
    Do not keep things that are unnecessary or outdated.
15. か身尓いたり物いミする事なし
    (Kami ni itari mono imi suru koto nashi)
    Do not be influenced by traditional beliefs.
16. 兵具ハ各別よの道具たしなまず
    (Heigu wa kakubetsu yo no dōgu tashinamazu)
    Do not collect weapons or practice with them beyond what is necessary.
17. 道尓おいては死をいとは思わず
    (Michi ni oite wa shi o ito wa omowazu)
    Do not fear death.
18. 老身尓財寳所領もちゆる心なし
    (Rōjin ni zaihō shoryō mochi yuru kokoro nashi)
    Do not crave wealth or land in old age.
19. 佛神は貴し佛神をたのまず
    (Butsushin wa tōtoshi butsu shin o tanomazu)
    Respect Buddha and the gods, but do not rely on their help.
20. 身を捨ても名利はすてず
    (Mi o sutemo meiyu wa sutezu)
    You may abandon your body, but never your honor.
21. 常尓兵法の道をはなれず
    (Tsune ni hyōhō no michi o hanarezu)
    Never stray from the Way of Strategy.

正保弐年五月十二日 (Shōhō ni-nen gogatsu jū-ni-nichi)
May 12, 1645.

新免武藏玄信 (Shinmen Musashi Genshin)
The official name of Musashi.

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 A connoisseur of Asian culture with a deep-seated appreciation for various philosophies of the world. By education, psychologist and Korean philologist. By heart, an Android developer and an ardent tech aficionado. In tranquil moments, he champions a disciplined way of life, firmly believing that steadfastness, perpetual self-enhancement, and a dedication to one's passions is a sensible path for life.

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(aka Michał Sobieraj)

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