Insight Spring 2021

Musashi Scene Analysis: An Ascent into Self-Realization Cherie Fernandes ’21 An epic novel featuring the eponymous legendary swordsman, Eiji Yoshikawa’s Musashi is packed with interwoven stories of growth and developing spiritual connections. As the protagonist fights to master the art of war, a lesson that proves particularly concordant with both Zen and the Art of War is at the center of Book 3’s “Eagle Mountain”. Although much of the chapter follows Musashi seeking an external battle with Shishido Baiken, the climax of the chapter — in which he successfully reaches the mountain’s summit — is instead an internal battle. This arc is illustrative of several specific teachings from the Art of War about fortifying oneself before turning to opponents and Musashi’s broader narrative surrounding how the physical and spiritual growth of the titular character go hand-in-hand.

The course of the story in Eagle Mountain marks a turning point for Musashi, who begins the chapter neglecting key principles of the Art of War and the Way in his dogged quest to fight chain-ball-sickle expert Shishido Baiken. In the "Art of War", Master Sun discusses the importance of understanding “Emptiness and Fullness” in battle strategy. His first principle states, “good warriors,” who understand the “art of emptying others and filling yourself,” will cause “others to come to them, and do not go to others” (Yoshikawa 77). Takuan exemplified this in his successful capture of Musashi early in the story, setting a trap and allowing his “prey” to come to him. By contrast, Musashi insists on hounding the man he wishes to fight, from Shishido Baiken’s home to Yamada, all the while disregarding an injured foot. He ignores his own injury in his pursuit, growing increasingly frustrated — and thus emptying himself further — as he does so. Thus, Musashi also breaks a key principle of “Formation”: Master Sun notes that “...skillful warriors first made themselves invincible, and then watched for vulnerability in their opponents:” in essence, taking care to fortify their own ranks before chasing opponents (Sun-Tzu 55). Musashi completely neglects his own injury and deteriorating state of mind in favor of a quest that is not within reach. In short, he is overly concerned with the external when he is meant to be considering his own state. This preoccupation with others extends into his conception of the Way. The Japanese shoshin, or Beginner’s Mind, emphasizes that a focus on achievement — attainment 46