One must make the warrior walk his everyday walk.
Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi taught that we should make the warrior walk our everyday walk, but what exactly was he talking about when he wrote this? The answer is simple. Musashi was talking about living the warrior lifestyle.
I have written many books and articles on living the warrior lifestyle and what it entails. And shockingly, my teachings are seen as very controversial to some people, but not to true warriors who understand what it means to make the warrior walk their everyday walk.
My definition of a true warrior is someone who has the ability and will to fight to protect himself, his friends, his family, and his ideals, and at the same time, seeks the perfection of his own character through a life lived with honor, integrity, and an unflinching dedication to what is right according to his own code of ethics. The ability to fight is only a small part of this definition. The true warrior has to develop more than his martial arts skills. The qualities of the true warrior go much deeper than that.
Warriors should exhibit the best qualities among men. The true warrior makes a firm decision to try to perfect his character and to live by a strict code of ethics. His word is his honor. His duty stays fresh on his mind. He lives life a little more seriously than most, but at the same time, lives life to its fullest. He sees through the veil of appearances covering most parts of this world, but does so without looking down on those who are less perceptive.
Family and friends are important to him, and they know that they can always count on him for protection and help in their times of need. He bases his decisions on his code of ethics, and he instinctively knows right from wrong, and chooses right. He knows that, at times, there is a difference between what is right and what is legal, and what is wrong and what is illegal. As Lao Tzu taught, “Highly evolved people have their own conscience as pure law.”
The true warrior is able to hold his head high with honor because he knows that he lives his life to the best of his ability, with honor and integrity. His code is ingrained in his spirit and is a part of his being. Warriors walk alone much of the time, as they prefer solitude to the company of lesser men. The warrior is a man who shoots for excellence in everything he does. These are the things which make someone a true warrior and the development of these traits leads to the warrior lifestyle.
I want to add that being a true warrior is not limited to men. Throughout history, their have been many female warriors from Gozen Tomoe, the famous female samurai, to Joan of Arc, to Boudica, the great Celtic queen who stood against the Roman Empire. And there are many more examples of great female warriors found throughout the world.
The develop of one’s character, along with the other traits I just explained, is a large part of the warrior lifestyle. Making the warrior walk your everyday walk is simply living by these, and other upstanding character traits, maintaining your skills, and living up to your code of honor. It is walking in integrity and courage, with the intention to always do what’s right in every situation.
When you make the warrior walk your everyday walk, you are living the warrior lifestyle. The two are synonymous with each other. It is never too late to begin living the warrior lifestyle. Each day provides you with an opportunity to begin to live a life of courage, integrity, and honor. You simply must make the decision and begin to change your life. Warrior up!
