Art Quote by Miyamoto Musashi
““In the Way of the Martial Arts, do not let your frame of mind be any different from your everyday mind. In both everyday and military events, your mind should not change in the least, but should be broad and straightforward, neither drawn too tight nor allowed to slacken even a little…Do not let your mind stand still even when you are in repose, but do not let it speed up even when you are involved in quick actions. The mind should not be distracted by the body, nor the body distracted by the mind.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Book of Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi, 1645
Maintain a consistent, balanced mindset across all activities, avoiding extremes of tension or laxity, and keep mental and physical aspects in harmony.
In simple terms: Keep your mind steady and balanced in every situation.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate mental steadiness and adaptability.
Themes
mindfulness
balance
discipline
resilience
Mood
calm
focused
steady
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- combat training
- meditation
- daily work
- sports
- stressful negotiations
Key Concepts
Zen
martial philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice mental steadiness during rest?
- What habits help prevent over‑reactivity in fast actions?
A Different Perspective
Mind may still drift under fatigue or emotional stress.
