Musashi

"Musashi" is a classic novel about the real exploits of the most famous samurai, Miyamoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi Grows up at a time when Japan is recovering after decades of turmoil. Because he dreams of being a samurai, he takes part in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. He comes to, wounded and dazed on the battlefield, among thousands of dead and dying. On the way home he commits a rash act, after which he has to flee. He is captured by the famous Zen monk Takuan.

Beautiful Otsu, who sees in Musashi his ideal of manhood, frees him from the agonizing punishment, but he is captured again and imprisoned. For three years he studies in solitude the classical literature of China and Japan. When his freedom is returned to him, he refuses to take up service as a samurai.

Gradually he comes to realize that following the Way of the Sword does not mean seeking out whom to defeat with his great strength. Musashi diligently refines himself, creating a previously unheard-of technique of fighting with two swords. He wanders far and wide, facing masters of many schools in duels. He regards nature as his highest and most severe teacher. He prevails in every encounter, perhaps because for him the Way of the Samurai is merely a path and a discipline through which to attain the most fundamental human virtues.