C.S. Sloan's Integral Strength

  Essays and Thoughts on The Dokkodo Part 22 Never Veer from the Way "Samurai contemplating the Way" (design by C.S.) We have come to the "end-of-the-road" of Musashi's The Dokkodo .  This last musing is at once extremely basic and simple, and also - because of its very simplicity - is a profound and never-ending well to be explored to greater and greater depths of both interiority and physicality. The "Way" (that we are to never veer from) is the "Do" in "Budo" or "Karate-Do."  Many times, when used by Musashi, and by other Zen/Budo textualizers, this Way is the same as a "path" or even a "discipline."  It's very straightforward when used in this manner, and it's meant to be.  You must follow  Musashi's path in the way that he intended if you are to become a skilled exponent of his sword-school.  But the Way  can, and often does , mean the Tao .  Now, and let me be clear on this point, the