Correct Bearing in Strategy
Musashi urges warriors to develop calm bearing, act with resolve, and study their own art and their opponent. He treats physical and mental composure as parts of the same practice.
THE IDEA
THE IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL BEARING IN STRATEGY
The manner in which a warrior carries himself is of the utmost importance both physically and mentally. You are undoubtedly familiar with men who are quiet and strong and seem to be doing nothing.
They do not appear to be tense and do not appear to be in disarray. They simply appear. This is exactly the appearance for which they strive. When it is necessary to attack, they do so with complete resolve, sure of themselves, neither over-bearing in attitude nor with false humility. They attack with one purpose and one purpose only—to destroy the enemy. They do not take false postures when they prepare for attack. They simply attack with all their heart and soul.
A small man can beat a much larger man and one man can beat many men in a fight. Allow your wisdom to develop by constantly striving to perfect yourself in your own art and by understanding the arts of others. When you understand yourself and you understand the enemy you cannot be defeated. Be aware at all times of what is right and wrong among men. Do not permit yourself to be intimidated by the size of the enemy. Do not be fooled by your own misunderstanding of what your purpose is. To do so is wrong thinking and means that you are not studying the principles of my Way properly.
Whether on or off the battlefield, there is no difference in spirit. The warrior sees all of life as the battlefield. Do not lose heart if the enemy’s appearance is overwhelming. You must commit yourself to constant study in order to develop the perfection in your soul evident in the demeanor of the spirit.
When to use it
In a business negotiation, maintain calm confidence to project strength and control.
In a competitive sport, focus on your own technique and mindset rather than being intimidated by the opponent's size or reputation.
Before a difficult task, review your purpose and preparation, then practice acting without unnecessary tension.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
The Quiet Strong Man
A warrior who appears calm and composed, not tense or in disarray, and attacks with full resolve when necessary.
Size Disadvantage
Musashi urges a smaller fighter to study technique and the opponent without being intimidated by size. This expresses his approach to preparation; composure alone does not remove a physical disadvantage.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How does your physical bearing affect your mental state and performance in high-stakes situations?
What does it mean to 'attack with one purpose' in the context of your daily challenges?
In what ways can constant self-perfection in your own art lead to understanding the 'enemy' in your domain?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)