1
of
1
The Book of Five Rings
Series: Shambhala Pocket Library
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 60,045 ratings, 3,369 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2500
$2800
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Book of Five Rings
$2500
$2800
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
"Including The book of family traditions on the art of war by Yagyåu Munenori."--Title page.
Here is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Written not only for martial artists but for leaders in all professions, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, translated by Thomas Cleary, is a profound manual of strategy and philosophy originating from one of Japan's most venerated Samurai. Written in 1643, this timeless classic delves deep into the art of combat and the path to mastery. Musashi, having spent years on the battlefield and in contemplation, shares his insights into the processes of struggle and the principles of victory. This work is not merely about swordplay; it is a guide to understanding the complexities of conflict and overcoming them at every level of human interaction.
The book is divided into five separate scrolls, each representing an element of strategy and combat: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and the Void. Through these elemental metaphors, Musashi explains various techniques and philosophies that transcend physical confrontation, offering wisdom that is applicable to all aspects of life. Readers are presented with ideas on discipline, timing, and the importance of flexibility in both mind and body.
Thomas Cleary’s translation is celebrated for its clarity and accessibility. He provides an introduction that contextualises Musashi's teachings within the broader traditions of Zen Buddhism and Taoism, offering a spiritual dimension to the warrior's code. Cleary’s version does more than just translate words; it captures the essence of Musashi’s philosophies, making them relevant to contemporary readers.
In addition to Musashi’s text, this edition includes Cleary’s translation of The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, another significant Japanese classic. Munenori’s work complements Musashi’s teachings, emphasising the ethical and spiritual dimensions of leadership and strategy. This juxtaposition provides readers with a more holistic understanding of the way of the warrior, integrating Taoist and Zen principles into martial discipline.
This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series, which is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across various religious traditions and classic texts. The series is known for distilling the wisdom and heart of the works published by Shambhala Publications over the past 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life. The covers in this series are crafted by Colorado artist Robert Spellman, adding a unique artistic touch to these essential texts.
Series: Shambhala Pocket Library
View all-
The Book of Five Rings
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, translated by Thomas Cleary, is a profound manual of strategy and philosophy originating from one of Japan's most venerated Samurai. Written in 1643, this timeless classic delves deep into the art of combat and the path to mastery. Musashi, having spent years on the battlefield and in contemplation, shares his insights into...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Pocket Pema Chödrön
The Pocket Pema Chödrön is a beautifully curated collection of 108 short inspirational readings by Pema Chödrön, one of the world's most revered Buddhist teachers. This pocket-sized treasury is designed for readers seeking on-the-go inspiration and practical wisdom to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. Drawing from the timeless teachings found in Chödrön's best-selling books, this compact guide provides...Paperback$4500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Art of War
The most prestigious and influential book on strategy and dealing with conflict, beautifully translated for clear, accessible reading. In the words of Sun Tzu, "To win without fighting is best." This timeless Chinese classic captures the essence of military strategy used in ancient East Asia, with lessons on how to handle conflict confidently, efficiently, and successfully. The techniques and instructions...Paperback$2600Elsewhere:$2800Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh
A treasury of writings and teachings from the beloved Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh—now reissued in a new Shambhala Pocket Library series. A treasury of writings and teachings from the beloved Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Since Thich Nhat Hanh's exile from his native Vietnam in 1966, this Zen Buddhist monk has gone on to become one of the most...Paperback$2800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Tibetan Book of the Dead
A classic of Tibetan Buddhism brought to life with insightful commentary by a modern master. In this classic scripture of Tibetan Buddhism—traditionally read aloud to the dying to help them attain liberation—death and rebirth are seen as a process that provides an opportunity to recognise the true nature of mind. This unabridged translation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Bodhisattva Guide
The Dalai Lama's indispensable commentary on a beloved Tibetan Buddhist text—now in the Shambhala Pocket Library series. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is considered to be a living embodiment of the spiritual ideal. Here, His Holiness presents a detailed manual of practical philosophy based on the best-known text of Mahayana Buddhism, The Way of the Bodhisattva. That text has...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Pocket Rumi
A redesigned collection of the master's work in a Shambhala Pocket Library edition. A collection of Rumi's best, most beloved poetry—presented in one pocket-sized volume for on-the-go inspiration. The renowned Persian Sufi mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273) is one of the most widely read poets in the world today. His compassionate insight into the nature of human existence, his joyful...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Art of Peace
Teachings on fearlessness, compassion, and love of nature by the founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido—now part of the Shambhala Pocket Library. Inspirational teachings on fearlessness, compassion, and nature by the founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido—now part of the Shambhala Pocket Library. The real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and...Paperback$4200Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Bhagavad Gita
A new translation of the great spiritual classic. Widely hailed as the single most important text to emerge from India, the Bhagavad Gita has inspired countless readers—sages, students, yogis, and seekers. A part of the great Hindu classic, the Mahabharata, this text is presented as a dialogue between the skilful warrior Arjuna and the god Krishna, as Arjuna faces a...Paperback$4400Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
I Ching
The I Ching, also known as The Book of Change, is a profound and ancient Chinese oracle that has guided wisdom seekers for over three millennia. As the oldest of the Chinese classics, it has wielded unparalleled influence throughout Chinese history, earning its place as an essential guide in business, politics, and personal relationships. The text explores the omnipresent theme...PaperbackSold Out -
Become What You Are
Renowned lecturer and author Alan Watts presents his meditations on the dilemma of seeking your true self. In doing so, becoming what you are—at once an impossible directive and an unavoidable fact. In this collection of writings, Alan Watts displays the intelligence, playfulness of thought, and simplicity of language that has made him so perennially popular as an interpreter of...PaperbackSold Out -
Integral Vision
A pop-culture presentation of the Integral Approach from visionary genius Ken Wilber, designed as an easy introduction to his work. Suppose we took everything that all the various world cultures have to tell us about human potential—about psychological, spiritual, and social growth—and identified the basic patterns that connect these pieces of knowledge. What if we attempted to create an all-inclusive...PaperbackSold Out
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Book of Five Rings by Thomas Cleary and Miyamoto Musashi is embraced by many contemporary readers as a manual on how to succeed in life.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781611806403
Publisher: Shambhala Publications Inc
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 23 October 2018
Country: United States
Imprint: Shambhala Publications Inc
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 108.0mm
Height: 171.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 224
About the Author
Miyamoto Musashi, who lived in Japan in the 1600s, was an undefeated dueler, a masterless samurai, and an independent teacher. He spent the last decades of his life refining and teaching his military science. Thomas Cleary holds a PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University and a JD from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. He is the translator of over fifty volumes of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Islamic texts from Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Pali, and Arabic.
Also by Miyamoto Musashi
View all-
The Book of Five Rings
Written by the legendary master swordsman and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi in 1643, The Book of Five Rings is an enduring piece of literature that delves deeply into the complex art of strategy and confrontation. At its core, the book outlines Musashi's timeless theories on the intricacies of warfare, personal development, and the pursuit of mastery. Composed during his later...Paperback$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Musashi's Book of Five Rings
Musashi's Book of Five Rings is a compelling exploration of martial arts philosophy written by the legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. This seminal work, composed in 1645, delves into the intricacies of strategy, discipline, and the warrior's path. The book is divided into five chapters, known as "rings," each focusing on a different aspect of combat and tactics: Earth, Water,...Paperback$2600Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Book of Five Rings
"You can attain an understanding with which to win against ten thousand." Toward the end of his life, the great samurai warrior Miyamoto Musashi set down the secrets of his legendary success—the timeless principles of craft, skill, timing, and spirit that result in victory. His emphasis on strategic thinking, concentration, appropriate caution, choice of weapon, and the work ethic reflects...Paperback$3000Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid August -
The Book of Five Rings
A new, delightfully readable translation of the classic manifesto on swordsmanship, strategy, and winning by the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. When the undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi retreated to a cave in 1643 and wrote The Book of Five Rings, a manifesto on swordsmanship, strategy, and winning for his students and generations of samurai to come, he created one of the...Hardback$3900Elsewhere:$4299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings: The Manga Edition
A new manga adaptation of Musashi's legendary Book of Five Rings! Miyamoto Musashi is the greatest swordsman who ever lived. He is renowned for his fighting prowess and famous for having never been defeated. Then he mysteriously disappeared at the relatively young age of 29 to meditate and study. This book tells the fascinating story of Musashi's return from isolation...Paperback$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Book of Five Rings
This deluxe hardback gift edition introduces The Book of Five Rings, a timeless Japanese text by undefeated swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, featuring full-colour illustrations and stencilled page edges. Musashi's principles, outlined in this classic, ensure victory in martial arts and beyond. Recently acclaimed in the business world for conflict resolution and success strategies, Musashi's teachings emphasise psychological strength, self-control, and practicality...Hardback$4999Elsewhere:$5499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Book of Five Rings
A timeless masterpiece from Japan's most renowned swordsman on the subtle art of leadership in the face of conflict. Over 750,000 copies sold! The Book of Five Rings is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to...Paperback$4500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Book of Five Rings
Along with Sun Tzu's The Art of War, The Book of Five Rings is considered to be one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asia. It analyses the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. For Musashi, the way of the martial arts...Paperback$4700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Book of Five Rings
A graphic novel retelling of the classic manifesto on swordsmanship, strategy, and winning by the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. This graphic novel version of The Book of Five Rings, the iconic book of confrontation and victory by the famed seventeenth-century duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi, illuminates this brilliant manifesto, which has long inspired martial artists and anyone interested in...PaperbackSold Out
Also by Thomas Cleary
View all-
The Art of War
The Art of War by Thomas Cleary and Sun Tzu is a profound and timeless treatise that delves into the principles and philosophy of strategic thinking, extending beyond mere military tactics to encompass all forms of conflict and competition. Compiled over two thousand years ago by the enigmatic warrior-philosopher Sun Tzu, this ancient Chinese classic lays out strategies to handle...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Art of War
The most prestigious and influential book on strategy and dealing with conflict, beautifully translated for clear, accessible reading—including commentaries by other ancient Chinese philosophers and strategists. Over two million copies sold! The Art of War: The Definitive Translation with Over Two Million Copies Sold From esteemed translator Thomas Cleary and including commentary from philosophers such as Cao Cao, Du Mu,...Paperback$3100Elsewhere:$3400Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Soul of the Samurai
In Soul of the Samurai, respected author and translator Thomas Cleary reveals the true essence of Bushido or Zen warrior teachings according to 17th-century Japanese sword master Yagyu Munenori and his Zen teacher Takuan Soho. These writings introduce the reader to the authentic world of Zen culture and the secrets behind the Samurai's success—being "in the moment" and freeing the...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 1 week -
The Art of War
The most prestigious and influential book on strategy and dealing with conflict, beautifully translated for clear, accessible reading. In the words of Sun Tzu, "To win without fighting is best." This timeless Chinese classic captures the essence of military strategy used in ancient East Asia, with lessons on how to handle conflict confidently, efficiently, and successfully. The techniques and instructions...Paperback$2600Elsewhere:$2800Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Art of War
The Art of War is perhaps the most influential book of strategy in the world today. This classical Chinese text is a penetrating study of organisations in conflict. Compiled over two thousand years ago by Sun Tzu, a mysterious Chinese warrior-philosopher, the text addresses competition and conflict on every level from the interpersonal to the international. This unique volume includes...Paperback$9500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Inner Teachings of Taoism
A collection of accessible texts on the Taoist art of inner alchemy. Taoist inner alchemy: a theory and method for transforming and refining the mind through practices such as meditation, breath control, and calisthenics. Includes a classic of Chinese alchemy: Four Hundred Words on the Golden Elixir. Written by the founder of the Complete Reality School, the text is accompanied...Paperback$5700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks
More from Religion & Spirituality
View all-
New Release2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New Release2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include: • 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open) • Spiral binding allows the pages to...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Braiding Sweetgrass
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The King Is Coming
Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faith—the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
NIV, Holy Bible, Economy Edition, Paperback, Comfort Print
Hope for your everyday life. The New International Version of the Bible is today’s most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible, featuring extra helps that are ideal for evangelism and an easy-to-read Comfort Print® typeface, is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word in bulk through their outreach events. Features include: The full text of the accurate,...Paperback$1000Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips late August -
The Practice of Not Thinking
Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...Paperback$2100Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Odyssey
The epic final chapter to Stephen Fry's outstanding retellings of the Greek Myths. Troy has fallen. After 10 years of war, the Greeks make their way back to their own lands—but what homes now await them? Agamemnon must return to his wife Clytemnestra, who has been nursing her rage since he sacrificed their daughter to the gods for a favourable...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseThe Prosperous Heart
Cameron is a veteran of the modern self-care movement — THE NEW YORK TIMES Discover the true meaning of prosperity and abundance in this uplifting and beneficial guide — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Create a sense of security and wealth in your life by applying Julia Cameron's bestselling Artist's Way techniques to the topic of prosperity. How do we keep a roof...Paperback$3799Elsewhere:$4500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseThe Make-Believe
From the actor in Skins and Games of Thrones, a deeply intimate, shockingly honest memoir about acting, fame, mental illness and the struggle to leave a cult-like organisation whose belief in magic shattered Hannah's reality. In 2017, Hannah Murray was a successful actor whose career had taken her to Hollywood and given her the opportunity to act with A-list stars...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$4000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New Release2027 Moon Goddess Diary - Southern Hemisphere
This full-colour, beautifully illustrated planner will teach you how to harness the energy and guidance of the moon, seasons, and sacred celebrations of 2027 so you can thrive throughout the year.As you're guided through the year, learn how to use crystals, essential oils, affirmations, and rituals to harness your inner goddess. You'll also discover how to live in harmony and...Paperback$2499Elsewhere:$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
NIV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, Pink, Red Letter, Comfort Print
Bibles make great gifts! This leather-look NIV Gift and Award Bible is economically priced so you can share the life-changing Word of God with more people. Perfect for special events or acts of kindness, this gift Bible is arranged in two columns with the words of Jesus in red, along with a presentation page for gift-giving, maps, and other Bible...Paperback$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
