Written by: Aashutosh Pudasaini - 22002, Grade XI
Posted on: 11 January, 2021
The Japanese word ‘Ronin’ describes a Samurai without a Master who Wonders alone. The status of a Ronin varied across different time periods in Ancient Japan. The Ronins can generally be defined as failures or the Samurai's who had committed the act of Seppuku, Seppuku basically means Samurai’s way of committing suicide, those who refused Seppuku became Outcasts most times a Ronin. Most Ronin’s after refusing Seppuku became mercenaries and bodyguards.
One of the most Legendary Ronin is Miyamoto Musashi, He is also Japan’s greatest swordsman of all time. Musashi became a Ronin after he escaped death in the battle of Seki Gahaga when serving general Hireogi. He was also a Philosopher, Artist, and Buddhist. Growing up Miyamoto was a very Ambitious young boy, he had already mastered basic swordplay by the age of 7, In Ancient Japan when two Clans fought they’d select one champion to represent them in the battle later the Champion’s fought each other and whoever won their corresponding clan was declared Victorious, this was convenient for the clan’s as they didn’t have to risk losing a lot of Soldiers.
Musashi also was a Champion. Musashi was known for showing up hours late to duels to cause psychological stress to the opponent. He was known for his mastery of the two-sword style (Story). He fought his first duel at the age of 13 when he saw a sign put up by the Warrior Arima Kihei alongside the Siyo river challenging any local swordsman. Musashi rose to the challenge and wrote his name in the paper. When the day Arrived 13-year-old Musashi killed Arima Kihei who thought he’d have an easy win against such an adolescent. At the age of 17, Musashi fought the decisive battle of Seki Gahagan. This monumental battle marked the beginning of the Edo period, Musashi later became the provincial governor of Miyamoto, his birthplace. Musashi spent many years learning Buddhism and Swordsmanship. Musashi later spent his life in a very artistic way, He was into Painting, Sculpture and some history books even state that he was into Articiture. Musashi wrote the book “The Five Rings” which is considered one of the greatest books in Japanese history. In his book, he talks about his young life as a prodigy samurai, his beliefs, and talks about 21 principles of life which he thinks must be followed by everyone to obtain satisfaction called Dyokko. He died in Hugo Province around 1640 AD aged 60. There are so many things we can learn from Musashi’s life, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest people to ever step foot on Planet Earth.
*All Events mentioned in this article were taken from manga Vagabond, which is a manga based on Musashi’s life, highly recommended :)*
