Dokkōdō

The double-edged sword of Capcom's Onimusha.

Part 1.1 The Book of Earth or The Way of Walking Alone Prince Sachi Mutsuhito was born in Kyoto on the 3rd of November 1852.

The Japan he entered was presided over by the Tokugawa Shogunate, a ruling body that had the country operating as an isolated feudal state.

By the time of Prince Sachi Mutsuhito's death 59 years later in Tokyo in 1912, Japan was an industrialized imperial power.

He had never relied on the gods before.

Why would they listen to him now? He stepped away, bowed in thanks for the revelation, and went on.

In his book, The Way of Walking Alone, he wrote, Respect the gods and buddhas, but do not rely on them.

He never did again.

This idea of detachment extends to comfort and material possessions.

One of the principles in Dokkodo states, do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

Musashi understood that chasing comfort leads to weakness.

Today we live in a world of instant gratification, entertainment, fast food and easy pleasures are available at all times.