The Dokkodo or "The Way of Walking Alone"

The Dokkodo or "The Way of Walking Alone" was written by Miyamoto Musashi one week before dying, for the occasion where Musashi was giving away his possessions in preparation for death. It was given to Terao Magonojo, his most skilled disciple in Niten-Ichi-Ryu. After the Gorin-No-Sho, Dokkodo is the summary of Musashi's life, his will and his philosophy.

The 21 precepts of Dokkodo:

1. Accept everything just the way it is.

2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.

4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.

6. Do not regret what you have done.

7. Never be jealous.

8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.

9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others.

10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.

11. In all things have no preferences.

12. Be indifferent to where you live.

13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.

14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.

15. Do not act following customary beliefs.

16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.

17. Do not fear death.

18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.

19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.

20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor.

21. Never stray from the Way.

『独行道』（どっこどう）
（部分的現代語訳）
一、世の中のさまざまな道に背く事なし

一、身のたのしみを得ようとせず

一、どんなことにも、それを頼みにする心を抱かず

一、身を浅く思い、世を深く思ふ

一、一生の間、欲深いことを考えず

一、我事において後悔をせず

一、善悪の判断において、他人への嫉妬の心は介入せず

一、どのような道においても、別れを悲しまず

一、自分にも他人にも、不平を言わず、嘆かず

一、物ごとに好き好んで執着せず

一、恋慕の道、思いよる心なし

一、私邸について、あれこれ望む心なし

一、身一つ簡素にして美食を好まず

一、代々伝えるような骨董品を所持せず

一、わが身に関し、物を嫌わず

一、武具は別として、他の道具はたしなまず

一、道のためには、死をいとはず思う

一、老身で財宝を持とうとする心を持たず

一、仏神は貴し、仏神をたのまず

一、身を捨てても名誉心は失はず

一、常に兵法の道をはなれず