The Dokkodo: Miyamoto Musashi’s 21 rules to live by - part 9.

Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.

Miyamoto Musashi.

The Dokkodo is a set of 21 rules for life written by the legendary samurai and philosopher Miyamoto Musashi in the days before his death in 1645. The ninth rule in this series is: “Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others”, and this article will explore what this means and how we can apply it to our lives (if you want to read this series from the beginning, click here for part one).

What does it mean to resent and complain neither for oneself nor others?
To resent and complain neither for oneself nor others means to avoid feeling or expressing anger, bitterness, or dissatisfaction towards oneself or others for perceived wrongs, injustices, or hardships. It means to resist the urge to blame oneself or others for one’s own or others’ misfortunes, failures, or losses and accept them for that which they are. It means to refrain from being influenced or disturbed by resentment or complaint, which can cloud one’s judgment, perception, decisiveness and action.

Not resenting and complaining neither for oneself nor others does not mean to ignore or deny the reality of suffering, injustice, or hardship. It does not mean to live a life of apathy, complacency, or indifference, nor does it mean to tolerate or condone wrongdoing, unfairness, or cruelty.

Not resenting and complaining neither for oneself nor others means to acknowledge and understand the reality of suffering, injustice, or hardship as it is, without being obsessed with it, controlled by it, or identified with it. It means to evaluate and respond to the reality of suffering, injustice, or hardship with conscious wisdom, reason, and deliberate moderation. It means to express and communicate the reality of suffering, injustice, or hardship with honesty, respect, acceptance and compassion.

Why is it important to resent and complain neither for oneself nor others?
Resenting and complaining neither for oneself nor others is important for several reasons. Firstly, it is the key to peace, happiness, and freedom. When we do not resent and complain neither for ourselves nor others, we free ourselves from the suffering caused by our anger, bitterness, disappointment and dissatisfaction. We stop being haunted by the past, which is gone and cannot be changed, and we cease being tormented by the present, which is the result of the past. We are also no longer fearful of the future, which is unknown and unpredictable, yet able to be influenced by our conscious decisions and actions in the present.

When we do not resent and complain neither for ourselves nor others, we also open ourselves to the joy, love, and wisdom that life offers. We start being present in the moment, which is a conscious choice, and one of the only things we have the ability to control. We start being optimistic about the future, which is the result of the present conscious actions and decisions and we start being more confident and courageous in the face of uncertainty, which is the essence of life.

Secondly, it is a foundation of growth, learning, and improvement. When we do not resent and complain neither for ourselves nor others, we improve ourselves and our skills seeing actions as elements for growth and development. We stop being stagnant, stuck, or limited in our thinking, and we start being dynamic, flexible, and adaptable. We stop being distracted, confused, or misled in our pursuits, and start being more focused, clear, and wise.

When we do not resent and complain neither for ourselves nor others, we also contribute to the world and its well-being. We stop being selfish, conceited, harmful, or destructive, and start being altruistic, helpful, and constructive. We stop being isolated, alienated, or indifferent through our resentment or complaint, and start being more connected, engaged, and involved in our world.

Thirdly, it is a source of harmony, balance, and unity. When we do not resent and complain neither for ourselves nor others, we harmonize ourselves and our relationships, and the world around us. We are no longer hostile, aggressive, difficult or violent, instead becoming more approachable, friendly, peaceful, and respectful. We stop being divisive, exclusive, or prejudiced in our views and opinions, and start being much more inclusive, tolerant, and empathetic towards others.

When we do not resent and complain neither for ourselves nor others, we also balance ourselves and our environment. We stop being wasteful, excessive, or imbalanced (especially in terms of how we spend our time), and we start being moderate, sufficient, or balanced. We stop being chaotic, disorderly, or unstable in our opinions and decisions, and start being more orderly, stable, and harmonious.

How can we practice resenting and complaining neither for oneself nor others?
There are many ways to practice resenting and complaining neither for oneself nor others, but here are some simple and effective ones:

• Practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is the practice of letting go of resentment, anger, or bitterness towards oneself or others for perceived wrongs, injustices, or hardships. Forgiveness helps us to heal and move on from past experiences, without feeling guilty, ashamed, or helpless. It allows us to reconcile and restore our relationships, whether good or bad, without feeling bitter, resentful, or vengeful. It also helps us to cultivate a forgiving, peaceful, and compassionate state of heart.
• Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, awareness and acceptance. It helps us to be aware of our sensations, thoughts, emotions, and impulses, without being attached, controlled, or identified by them. It helps us to recognize the triggers, patterns, and consequences that result of our resentment or complaint, without judging, resisting, or avoiding them, allowing us to cultivate a calm, clear, and compassionate state of mind with which to move forward.
• Practice gratitude. Gratitude is the practice of expressing appreciation for what we have, what we are, where we are and what we experience, without taking these things for granted, comparing them, or complaining about them. It helps us to recognize the gifts, blessings, and opportunities that we already receive and have access to, without feeling entitled, dissatisfied, or resentful. It helps us to acknowledge the contributions, efforts, and kindnesses of others, without feelings of jealous, superiority, or inferiority, allowing us to cultivate a joyful, generous, and humble state of heart.

Conclusion.
The ninth element of the Dokkodo is resentment and complaint are appropriate for neither oneself nor others. This is a powerful and profound rule that can enhance our lives for the better. By resenting and complaining neither for ourselves nor others, we can achieve peace, happiness, and freedom; growth, learning, and improvement; and harmony, balance, and unity in our lives and for those around us. We can also overcome the challenges, difficulties, and uncertainties of life with courage, resilience, and optimism, allowing us to live in harmony, not just with ourselves, but also with others, and the world.

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