Miyamoto Musashi (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: (Japanese) Yoshikawa Eiji
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: Yoshikawa Eiji, the "million-reader national writer" of Japan, spent over two decades crafting this classic masterpiece, Musashi. Revered by writers like Jin Yong and Gu Long, Musashi is a perennial bestseller on Amazon with a ★★★★★ rating. Reprinted over seventy times, it has sold over 10 million copies! Train your soul's sword to achieve transcendence in life and wisdom. A must-read for modern people seeking the true path in life, challenging themselves, and overcoming difficulties! Musashi, a practitioner of life like you and me, a dedicated martial artist, a sword master of the 17th century, and a legendary figure from 400 years ago. He deeply influenced the writers, artists, and athletes of the 20th century whom you and I are all familiar with; he shook the elite of the era; and he moved countless followers striving for life. Yoshikawa Eiji's works are like jars of aged fine wine—the longer they age, the richer they become. Among all his works, "Musashi" almost consumed nearly two decades of his life and effort. It is a novel you absolutely cannot afford to miss, as it gives a sense of belonging to those in adversity and cleanses the dust of the soul for those in prosperity. —Venerable Xingyun
In the process of social progress, this book can help overcome the habit of being overly ambitious yet underprepared, and it can inspire the transformation of customs. These can be considered the motivations behind my creation of this work. —Yoshikawa Eiji
There is a chapter in "Musashi" that I believe has never been written so vividly in all Chinese martial arts novels. After reading the Chinese translation, I also found the book incredibly captivating. —Jin Yong
The book discusses the cultivation of swordsmanship and enlightenment, pointing out that when a swordsman faces an opponent, the authority, knowledge, and emotions he usually relies on are irrelevant to life. Yoshikawa reflects from the perspective of a swordsman, extending it to individuals—only a completely serious attitude can solve life's dilemmas. This book, read twenty years ago, was admirable, and today, twenty years later, it still lingers in my heart. —Zen master and cultural critic Lin Guofang
Musashi is not just a divine sword but the god of the sword. The insights Musashi gives us transcend not only orthodox classics but also what is generally considered martial arts fiction. —Writer Bo Yang
This book is absolutely a must-read for modern people seeking the true path, challenging themselves, and overcoming difficulties. —Prominent entrepreneur Ishizaki Kazuhiko
He is a legendary sword saint beloved by the Japanese people, a sword master of the 17th century, and a legendary figure from 400 years ago. Before the age of 17, he killed countless people. At 21, he resolved to practice, and after defeating 66 masters in combat, he finally attained the highest realm of "Unity of Sword and Zen." This realm guided him to victory against the superior swordsmanship and strength of Jiro in the Battle of Ipponji Island, relying on his spiritual sword to become the greatest swordsman in the world. He was also an artist, with a refined side. At the same time, his unique love life can also serve as a mirror for modern love. He is the protagonist of the novel—Musashi.
Set against the backdrop of Japan's Warring States period and the early Edo era, this book describes Musashi's arduous journey of seeking the truth of "Unity of Sword and Zen," traveling far and wide with a lone sword, in a time of transition from chaos to peace. The book is divided into seven parts: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Void, Two Heavens, and Round Brightness, narrating the turbulent life of Musashi. At the same time, it is also a classic of Sino-Japanese cultural exchange.