A Book of Five Rings

The Strategy of Musashi

By: Miyamoto Musashi

Narrated by: Alec Sand

Length: 1 hr and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Legendary 17th century swordsman Miyamoto Musashi’s exposition of sword fighting, strategy and Zen philosophy. Required reading for any martial artist, business person or student of strategy. Includes the one hour Zen inspired soundtrack The Mysterious Sound of Wind in the Bamboo. Performed on authentic Japanese instruments.

©2009 trout lake media (P)2009 Trout Lake Media

Read all of it in one day, then read it once a day forever

This is not a normal book with a start a finish. Reading the whole thing once is almost pointless, but I recommend doing it once so you can see a overview of the idea of this book. After that, 2 or 3 pages is something you could read over and over again for days, weeks, or even months, until that one though in those few pages becomes apart of you. Isn't his way, it could take you 2 hours to read this book and 2 decades to master what's inside.

I also find it rather encouraging, Musashi has a can-do, no nonsense way of thinking, and writes in a tone that comes across clear and to the point. If you explain all your problems to him, he could tell you in a few words how to try and fix things and almost make you feel silly for overthinking. In that way, it's good practice to whip this book out once a day for a minute or 2, like checking a text message, and having this ancient master impart any wisdom to you, if for nothing else, that invaluable reminder.

Insightful metaphorical story

An interesting look at how to approach life based on the analogy of a Samurai warrior and first - intellectual. How will you decipher these metaphorical analogies to be true to your life’s perspective and stance? I know I need to listen to it the rest of my life to continue to understand and see how mine change! A timeless book.

Japanese Warrior Culture

A quick and interesting read on the arts of the sword of old Japan. The Swordmaster tells you many techniques to control yourself and your spirit in many situations. Much like other Asian Philosophical works this will benefit you in every day life.

For the swordsman in us all

If you are planning to become a Kendo sportsman or actually do some samurai work then this is the book for you. Mainly dealing with the Katana (long sword) and not the Wakizashi (short sword) it does explain why. Minamoto Musashi has set out his explanation well but does use the caveat that with experience you will understand. I guess you could say that about any skill. I don't quite understand where the 5 Rings comes into it but overall not a bad book but more of a reference book and probably best if you got it in paper back to refer to over and back & forth when necessary.

Stunning

I decided to get audible to listen to this, and I can't say how stunning it is. Applicable to life in many different ways.

Wouldn't Want To Meet This Guy In Battle

Would you consider the audio edition of A Book of Five Rings to be better than the print version?

Yes, the narrator was awesome! The voice, pacing, and music was all well done.

Any additional comments?

Favorite take away is the importance of daily, constant practice.

Absolutely a must read

This book is a must. Excellent read with great insights. I highly recommend that you pick this up.

Great short listen.

Listened to it coming home from work. Enjoyed looking for the situations in modern life.

so much wisdom

this book is really a life guide everyman should read. short but packed with wisdom.

a perfect reading

perfect reading. the voice the attitude of the speaker match the book perfectly. very pleased with it and be listening to it multiple times.

horrible

The narrator invokes NOTHING of the legendary warrior. This is unlistenable. Give me someone who sounds less like a balding white guy with glasses who has never left his tie and briefcase let alone the USA.

The music and story telling was fantastic

Loved this even though i'm not a sword fighter or in need of knowing this I still loved learning it and imagining I was back in mid 1600s Japan

A Classic

Trulte a Classic to behold in awe the ways of the warrior of old. Recommended

4685 Verses

Verses you have read many times will impact you in a new way when you hear them read aloud

fantastic little book

well read. nice touch to add atmosphere with music. alot of wisdom in this little book. wish it had some personal examples and stories but that would be less educational.

nice summary of strategy

Easy to listen to. very applicable to today's combat sports. I learned something so it has value.