Essays and Thoughts on The Dokkodo Part Seventeen Do Not Collect Weapons, Nor Practice with Them, Beyond What is Useful Samurai wields two swords - a katana and a wakizashi - the hallmark of Musashi's "two heavens as one" style. Here is another precept where there are often subtle differences in how it is translated. But these subtle differences in translation can lead to subtly different outcomes. So let's see if we can figure out the meaning of Musashi's words, then we'll see if we can apply it to our day-to-day lives. Roshi Richard Collins's translation is similar to the one I used: "Do not seek especially either to collect or practice arms beyond what is useful." William Scott Wilson - who typically has the most "accurate" translations - has this one as: "While it's different with military equipment, do not be fond of material things." Lastly, David K. Groff translates this as: "Do not concern yourself with...
Essays on Old-School Strength Training, Classic Bodybuilding, Traditional Martial Arts, and Budo Philosophy