Miyamoto Musashi (Volume 1, Volume 2)

Author: (Japanese) Yoshikawa Eiji
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: Yoshikawa Eiji, Japan's "National Writer with Millions of Readers," spent over two decades crafting this classic masterpiece, Musashi. Revered by writers like Jin Yong and Gu Long, Musashi is a perennial top-rated bestseller on Amazon with ★★★★★ ratings. 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 17th-century swordsman, and a legendary figure from 400 years ago. He profoundly 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 a collection of aged fine wines—the longer they age, the richer their aroma. Among all his works, Musashi consumed nearly two decades of his heart and soul. 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 from the hearts of those in prosperity. —Venerable Hsing Yun
In the process of social progress, this book can help overcome the habit of being overly ambitious yet underprepared, and it serves to inspire positive changes in 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 any Chinese martial arts novel. After reading the Chinese translation, I also recognized the immense appeal of this book. —Jin Yong
The book discusses the cultivation of swordsmanship and enlightenment, pointing out that during a duel, the authority, knowledge, and emotions that one relies on are irrelevant to life. Yoshikawa reflects from the perspective of a swordsman and extends it to individuals—only a completely earnest attitude can resolve life's dilemmas. This book, read twenty years ago, was admirable, and today, twenty years later, its lessons still linger 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 Bai 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 sage beloved by all in Japan, a 17th-century swordsman, and a legendary figure from 400 years ago. Before the age of 17, he had killed countless people. At 21, he resolved to practice, and after defeating 66 masters in duels, he finally attained the highest realm of "Unity of Sword and Zen." This realm guided him to victory against the exceptional swordsmanship and strength of Jiro in the duel on Iwagura Island, relying on his spiritual sword to become the master of all masters. He was also an artist, with a refined side to him. At the same time, his unique love life could 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, the book describes Musashi's arduous journey of seeking the truth of "Unity of Sword and Zen," traveling far and wide with his lone sword in a time of transition from chaos to peace. The entire work is divided into seven parts: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Void, Two Heavens, and Round Brightness, narrating the tumultuous life of Musashi. At the same time, it is also a classic of Sino-Japanese cultural exchange.