To the best of my knowledge, the '5 Rings' represent different states, with the 'Rings' of 'Earth', 'Water', 'Fire' and 'Wind' representing 'States of the Body' (whenever to be strong, flexible, untouchable, etc. (kind-of like the differences between the Elemental Bending Arts in 'Avatar: The Last Airbender)), and the 'Ring' of 'Vacuity' ('Emptiness', 'Void', etc.) representing a 'State of the Mind'; a nod to the Buddhist concept of Śūnyatā ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABnyat%C4%81 ).
Hey Antony, I’m gonna repost a question I posted in the video of Musashi’s school name theory: Your theory does make sense, but what about the Ittou Ryu schools, like Ono-ha Ittou Ryu and Kogen Ittou Ryu. I don’t think the name literally means “one sword” ‘cause there is no point of using such a name, as using one sword is the norm, so it’s not something new, unless there were in fact some schools that predominantly used two swords in their practice, and thus the “Ittou Ryu” name has been added to distinguish some schools from the two-swords schools. Also, of course, it doesn’t refer to a group of people, or warriors in particular, meaning something like “a lower-ranking warrior” or “a half warrior” in this case, as this would discredit the schools.
I agree with you. Seems strange. I would have to see original manual to get an answer. But I think you may be correct. Not single sword. Maybe sword of victory.
Maybe the The Foundations Of Swordsmanship might be more accurate? Since he's talking about the basis of martial arts, the techniques of his school, his tactics, his view on other schools, and mental clarity and understanding in that order.
Makes sense with the contents of the earth book and void/air All relates to life, individual combat, politics and war but mostly war, single combat and philosophy
What's up, Antony? Just recently found your channel and REALLY dig your content. Have always been a big fan of that era, samurai, Musashi and the Book of Five Rings. All that stuff. I didn't know that about the original documents being lost. Maybe I just misunderstood, but how are we sure that what we have currently is what Musashi actually wrote? Just thought I'd ask. Anyways, keep up the great work!
Because no printing press people copy things by hand. So student to student. Often the first copy is lost. It’s possible he did not write it and some people have said that. But it most likely is real. Most Japanese documents like this are not the original
@@AntonyCummins Ahhh. Cool. I didn't even think about students writing it down. That's fascinating, and depressing, about so many original documents being lost. I never really stopped and considered the effects of time and such. At least the knowledge wasn't lost. Thanks for taking the time to reply!
Yeah, thats pretty much the way I understood it. That's the value of studying, rather than reading! 😁👍 I must ask, sir, will you please make a video on his explanation of "void" this is the one I had the hardest time understanding. I have some of my own theories, but I do value your way opinion. You have a great way of looking at these things. Please, and thank you!! 👋😁
Great video! The editing worked well (although it got a bit silly at times). I had no idea about the background of these 5 "fundamental aspects" and I should read the book again at some point with that in mind.
Hello Anthony - which is the best translation of this book in your opinion? I have not brought any of your books, but i have all of them on my list as they are full of quality knowledge.
You'd have to be able to read and understand Japanese fluently as well as actually have a deep knowledge of Japanese history. Alexander C Bennett professor at Kansai university with decades of years in Japan is probably the most qualified translator of the book.
Ha, That's weird. In USA and UK It's translated as The Book Of Five Rings. But in my country, Greece, Is translated as, The Book Of Five Cycles. I think it sounds right than The Book Of Five Rings.
I can not imagine the word five rings is a better translation. It means five circles. Five things. I can not imagine Musashi would agree to the idea of five rings as the proper idea behind his school. So of course it is good to have different views. But I can not imagine anyone would think five rings was close enough as a translation. At present I am passing my theories around the Japanese research community.
It's been a loong time since I read the book of five rings, and now I feel like I should read it again. Also, you've got so many books I'd need to get O_O
Gori no sho in Indian or specifically in Hinduism is PANCHATATVA five elements. Our body is made of PANCHATATVA what ever actions u perform these five elements can incorporate only if u have the knowledge how to use it by practice through yogic practice or martial arts but only difference between yogic method and martial arts is in yogic method u acquire spirituality but through proper guidance. In martial arts as words itself means use if weapons or hands for protection or to fight now how these universal elements come into existence is ur mind where in person have to understand his strength's and should know how to utilize it in ancient India a warrior would practice yogic method first so that in times of worst situation u can take correct decision when ur mind is enlightened how? By practice of Kundalini yoga which is difficult and dangerous if u don't have a proper guru because when u practice these method u have to enlighten seven chakras in ur body which are integral parts of these elements where a wise person won't act foolishly if the situation is adverse or against him he uses his ability of mind to resolve the issue. Because by this method he has control over his senses and won't get lured to any distractions. So to sum it up all five elements in our body are related to emotion like anger, lust is fire, when u are sentimental ur emotions get expresses by tears water, when u have taken a decision and ur are upto it it defines earth where in u are confident of what u are doing, air is something which know as happiness or sadness which when expressed others can get effected by it like if u are happy u express ur happiness the whole is engulfed by that emotion. This is what I understand if I am wrong some where I am sorry because I am that knowledgeable.
The philosophy of the Shinobi (ninja) is fascinating, after looking at the methods illustrated in the Shinobi Hiden their forms of infiltration and assassination and intelligence gathering were supreme. However, looking at the actual state of, as you say, McDojo garbage that gets passed of as Ninjutsu - what modern forms of martial arts are the most relevant to Ninjutsu/shinobi no mono? For example, I've always wanted to learn Kusari Fundo, but as its a chain based rather than fixed weapon I don't know where to start.
five ring of war is one way these his members an wisdom there lot way look at this but it his way of fight and methides of the sword and life Gonosho will get nother book got three one first book and four and fifth book
I thought this was about the lessons in it being wrong, but this is purely about the title... I don't understand the explanation of the Chinese elements as it had nothing to do with anything, aside from a segway to shill for another book.
Please clarify one thing: have you managed to decode the esoteric layers of this culture/literature and its actual praxis ? Because the real appeal of it all is precisely this.
The book - great Two swords school - specialist techniques (goes against the book) No fundamental skills? I had to figure out for myself some system (Kendo, Seitei Iaido, Shinkendo, Aikido sword)
To the best of my knowledge, the '5 Rings' represent different states, with the 'Rings' of 'Earth', 'Water', 'Fire' and 'Wind' representing 'States of the Body' (whenever to be strong, flexible, untouchable, etc. (kind-of like the differences between the Elemental Bending Arts in 'Avatar: The Last Airbender)), and the 'Ring' of 'Vacuity' ('Emptiness', 'Void', etc.) representing a 'State of the Mind'; a nod to the Buddhist concept of Śūnyatā ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABnyat%C4%81 ).
Sounds about right - Context , Intent, interpretation. These Nuances were understood at that time and place
Good comment on the book.. i hope you do have a chance to write a version of it.. so its like "the manual on the totality of his swordsmanship"..
This helped me out a lot. Miyamoto is such a legend that it’s unsure what’s true or not. much misinformation on him exists.
Hey Antony, I’m gonna repost a question I posted in the video of Musashi’s school name theory:
Your theory does make sense, but what about the Ittou Ryu schools, like Ono-ha Ittou Ryu and Kogen Ittou Ryu. I don’t think the name literally means “one sword” ‘cause there is no point of using such a name, as using one sword is the norm, so it’s not something new, unless there were in fact some schools that predominantly used two swords in their practice, and thus the “Ittou Ryu” name has been added to distinguish some schools from the two-swords schools. Also, of course, it doesn’t refer to a group of people, or warriors in particular, meaning something like “a lower-ranking warrior” or “a half warrior” in this case, as this would discredit the schools.
I agree with you. Seems strange. I would have to see original manual to get an answer. But I think you may be correct. Not single sword. Maybe sword of victory.
@@AntonyCummins It’s getting complicated mate 🤓
Very. I would need someone with a full understanding of school scrolls
Hard.. Bruh. Like when I deal with opposite sex. You are rrrrrrright. I was wwwwwwrong…Sssssssorry.🙏🏻🤣
Maybe the The Foundations Of Swordsmanship might be more accurate? Since he's talking about the basis of martial arts, the techniques of his school, his tactics, his view on other schools, and mental clarity and understanding in that order.
Sounds good
Are u Gunna translate the book of five rings ?! Waaaah that would be bananas
One day
Awesome video with great information
I really enjoyed this! quite interesting. Thank you.
Very nicely presented ideas. For the five rings I guess it's how literal you want to go with the translation or if you want to translate the idea.
Nice to see you john
Makes sense with the contents of the earth book and void/air
All relates to life, individual combat, politics and war but mostly war, single combat and philosophy
What's up, Antony? Just recently found your channel and REALLY dig your content. Have always been a big fan of that era, samurai, Musashi and the Book of Five Rings. All that stuff. I didn't know that about the original documents being lost. Maybe I just misunderstood, but how are we sure that what we have currently is what Musashi actually wrote? Just thought I'd ask. Anyways, keep up the great work!
Because no printing press people copy things by hand. So student to student. Often the first copy is lost. It’s possible he did not write it and some people have said that. But it most likely is real. Most Japanese documents like this are not the original
@@AntonyCummins Ahhh. Cool. I didn't even think about students writing it down. That's fascinating, and depressing, about so many original documents being lost. I never really stopped and considered the effects of time and such. At least the knowledge wasn't lost. Thanks for taking the time to reply!
No worries I can not answer often but I normally check when a video first goes up
Interessing ... thank you
Nice video keep up the good work 👍🏻
Yeah, thats pretty much the way I understood it. That's the value of studying, rather than reading! 😁👍 I must ask, sir, will you please make a video on his explanation of "void" this is the one I had the hardest time understanding. I have some of my own theories, but I do value your way opinion. You have a great way of looking at these things. Please, and thank you!! 👋😁
Well considering no one lives in feudal Japan or has been this type of warrior who knows.
Really interesting. Also nice editing
I love your energy.
"Book of All Fundamentals"? "Book of All Elements"? Your interpretation seems right in the context of the language, culture and metaphysics. Cheers!
Ni To Ichi Ryu or Niten Ichi Ryu (二天一流) = ? I thought it means something like Two Heavens or Two Swords One School, how did you arrive at Supremacy?
Great video!
The editing worked well (although it got a bit silly at times).
I had no idea about the background of these 5 "fundamental aspects" and I should read the book again at some point with that in mind.
The Book of 5 Domains would sound better.
Hello Anthony - which is the best translation of this book in your opinion?
I have not brought any of your books, but i have all of them on my list as they are full of quality knowledge.
Maybe William Scot Wilson I think
@@AntonyCummins Thank you.
You'd have to be able to read and understand Japanese fluently as well as actually have a deep knowledge of Japanese history. Alexander C Bennett professor at Kansai university with decades of years in Japan is probably the most qualified translator of the book.
Ha, That's weird. In USA and UK It's translated as The Book Of Five Rings. But in my country, Greece, Is translated as, The Book Of Five Cycles. I think it sounds right than The Book Of Five Rings.
Your ideas on both the book and the school names sound kind of cool. However, I am less than convinced that they are accurate.
I can not imagine the word five rings is a better translation. It means five circles. Five things. I can not imagine Musashi would agree to the idea of five rings as the proper idea behind his school. So of course it is good to have different views. But I can not imagine anyone would think five rings was close enough as a translation. At present I am passing my theories around the Japanese research community.
@@AntonyCummins is the Japanese version more precise and detailed than the one translated into English?
Very nice!
It's been a loong time since I read the book of five rings, and now I feel like I should read it again.
Also, you've got so many books I'd need to get O_O
Emptiness is translated as air? That really odd to me somehow. I've seen wind as air, but never emptiness.
Basically lots of different interpretations
Gori no sho in Indian or specifically in Hinduism is PANCHATATVA five elements. Our body is made of PANCHATATVA what ever actions u perform these five elements can incorporate only if u have the knowledge how to use it by practice through yogic practice or martial arts but only difference between yogic method and martial arts is in yogic method u acquire spirituality but through proper guidance. In martial arts as words itself means use if weapons or hands for protection or to fight now how these universal elements come into existence is ur mind where in person have to understand his strength's and should know how to utilize it in ancient India a warrior would practice yogic method first so that in times of worst situation u can take correct decision when ur mind is enlightened how? By practice of Kundalini yoga which is difficult and dangerous if u don't have a proper guru because when u practice these method u have to enlighten seven chakras in ur body which are integral parts of these elements where a wise person won't act foolishly if the situation is adverse or against him he uses his ability of mind to resolve the issue. Because by this method he has control over his senses and won't get lured to any distractions. So to sum it up all five elements in our body are related to emotion like anger, lust is fire, when u are sentimental ur emotions get expresses by tears water, when u have taken a decision and ur are upto it it defines earth where in u are confident of what u are doing, air is something which know as happiness or sadness which when expressed others can get effected by it like if u are happy u express ur happiness the whole is engulfed by that emotion. This is what I understand if I am wrong some where I am sorry because I am that knowledgeable.
His words are pure truth. It is our job to make it fit in our daily lives.
The philosophy of the Shinobi (ninja) is fascinating, after looking at the methods illustrated in the Shinobi Hiden their forms of infiltration and assassination and intelligence gathering were supreme. However, looking at the actual state of, as you say, McDojo garbage that gets passed of as Ninjutsu - what modern forms of martial arts are the most relevant to Ninjutsu/shinobi no mono? For example, I've always wanted to learn Kusari Fundo, but as its a chain based rather than fixed weapon I don't know where to start.
five ring of war is one way these his members an wisdom there lot way look at this but it his way of fight and methides of the sword and life Gonosho will get nother book got three one first book and four and fifth book
Very thoughtful.
Thank you.
I thought this was about the lessons in it being wrong, but this is purely about the title...
I don't understand the explanation of the Chinese elements as it had nothing to do with anything, aside from a segway to shill for another book.
Please clarify one thing: have you managed to decode the esoteric layers of this culture/literature and its actual praxis ? Because the real appeal of it all is precisely this.
The book - great
Two swords school - specialist techniques (goes against the book)
No fundamental skills?
I had to figure out for myself some system (Kendo, Seitei Iaido, Shinkendo, Aikido sword)
You forgot Enmei ryu...