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Warrior:
I understand this precept and why Musashi included it in his 21
lessons. However, while I agree with some of the sentiment behind
this precept, I disagree with taking this on face value and having an
indifference to where you live.
First, let’s look at the positive aspects of this precept. It reminds me
of the old saying, “Home is where you hang your hat.” I like the belief
that you should not be affected or influenced by your physical
environment, and that you are who you are no matter where you are.
I also like the belief that you can become all you can be regardless
of where you live or grow up. It also aligns well with the romanticized
wandering warrior who endures harsh living conditions while
traveling forsaken paths to right wrongs and avenge injustices.
Additionally, it is a practical precept for the soldier or warrior in
combat who must be indifferent to living conditions and focus on the
task at hand, namely killing enemies, winning battles, and ultimately
becoming victorious in war. So, yes, I get all that. But I still don’t
agree with being indifferent to where you live as this precept
advises…
There are several reasons why I don’t agree with Musashi, and the
first relates to safety. There is no question that where you live relates
to safety issues. When you live alone and are arguably the greatest
swordsman in the land, being indifferent to where you live comes a
bit easier than it does to most of us mere mortal types, especially
when we have families to think about. When selecting a place to live,
I don’t just disagree with Musashi, I think it would be stupid to be
indifferent. I teach people to think about safety when choosing a
place to live. This includes a location that is in a safe neighborhood,
has safe schools, and an apartment or house that has safety
features that not only protect from the criminal element, but also
natural disasters that are frequent in that location. I understand that
there will be financial and other conditions that come into play, and
the levels of security that each individual is comfortable with will vary.
But that in no way means people should be indifferent in regards to
where they live and safety issues, it just means that it is up to each
person to seek the most secure and safe place to live within their
means. In this context, indifference really could be the difference
between life and death. There is no way I’m going to be indifferent
when it comes to my family’s safety. You shouldn’t either.
The second reason I don’t agree with Musashi’s precept relates to
productivity. Where you live and where you work directly affect your
productivity. Yes, I know that some individuals can perform an
enormous amount of work with little resources and under less than
desirable conditions and locations. But in general, if you create the
living and working environment that works best for you, it will
increase your productivity and enjoyment of what you are doing. It is
very individual and will be determined by your own values, your own
likes, dislikes and other personal preferences, not to mention,
finances. Where you live can affect your productivity when it comes
to your work, training, and everything else you do. You won’t
maximize your potential if you are indifferent to where you live.
The third and final reason I disagree with this precept that I’ll address
here is related to enjoying life and living to the fullest. While I don’t
advocate the extravagant gluttony that some homes of the rich and
famous seem to ooze from their seams, I don’t believe in living the
life of an ascetic either.
[24]
There is absolutely nothing wrong with
wanting to own a nice home and possess luxurious things. There is
nothing wrong with wanting to provide the absolute best for your
family. I’ll even go so far to say if you are a parent, it is your duty to
provide not only love and nurturing, but also the safest and best
home to your children that you are able to provide. And you are not
going to do this by being indifferent to where you live.
Musashi may have been indifferent to where he lived, and as a
warrior I understand the precept for limited conditions. But if you
want to furnish a home for yourself and family that provides safety, a
place to be productive, and a nicer place to live, you must take an
active interest in where you live and work toward making it the best
home you can.
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