The Way of Walking Alone: The 21 Principles of Doodo
Acceptance and Detachment
1. Accept everything just the way it is. Life flows like water - resist it and you will be swept away. The world unfolds as it will, and no one must resist its natural flow. To fight against reality is to weaken oneself. Acceptance is the first step towards mastery of your own destiny.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake. The pursuit of pleasure distracts from the path of discipline. True fulfillment comes from mastering the self, not indulging in temporary desires. Seek instead the joy found in the process of becoming stronger. A warrior's path is one of balance, not excess.
3. Do not depend on a partial feeling. Half-heartedness is the enemy of progress. Commit fully to your purpose. Trust in incomplete feelings leads to uncertain action. Let your decisions rise from a calm, whole mind. Clarity comes when you embrace the entirety of your experience.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world. Do not burden yourself with excessive self-regard. Focus instead on understanding the world around you. A humble heart opens the mind to greater truths. To grasp the world's complexities, one must first relinquish the burden of self-importance.
5. Be detached from desire. Your lifelong desire is a chain that binds the spirit. To walk freely, one must cast off its weight. Liberation lies in prioritizing purpose over personal cravings. In detachment, find the strength to pursue your path without distraction.
Letting Go and Moving Forward
6. Do not regret what you have done. Regret weakens the present by chaining you to the past. Face forward, for the past cannot be changed, but the future can. Every misstep is an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace each step taken as part of your journey.
7. Never be jealous. Jealousy stems from insecurity and clouds the spirit. Be content with your own path, for it is yours alone to walk. Instead of envying others, learn from them. Their success can be a guide, not a curse. Appreciate the success of others as a source of inspiration, not resentment.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by separation. Separation is a natural part of life's journey. The warrior moves forward, carrying no sorrow for what is left behind. Each parting paves the way for new encounters and experiences. Embrace the lessons learned from those you lose, for they strengthen your resolve. Each departure creates space for new beginnings.
9. Resentment and complaint are inappropriate. Neither for oneself nor for others. Resentment poisons the mind and hinders clear thought. A warrior must rise above petty grievances. True strength lies in letting go and focusing on what truly matters. Release your grievances to find peace.
Discipline and Discernment
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love. Love and lust can obscure judgment and weaken the spirit. Let your path be directed by reason, not fleeting emotions. The heart must not overshadow the clarity of the mind. Maintain a disciplined mind to discern true affection from fleeting desire. Love, when cultivated wisely, can become a source of strength.
11. In all things, have no preferences. Preferences lead to attachment, and attachment leads to suffering. Walk your path without bias, and you will see clearly. Freedom comes from viewing each moment as it is, without judgment. Embracing indifference allows you to respond to life's challenges without hesitation. A mind unshackled by preference is free to explore all avenues.
12. Be indifferent to where you live. Whether in a castle or a hut, a warrior's mind remains unchanged. Do not let your surroundings dictate your spirit. Do not let yourself be reliant nor take advantage of luxuries. Your true home is where your purpose resides. Cultivate an inner house that no external circumstance can disrupt and can be weathered by no storm.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food. Nourish the body as necessary, but do not seek excess. True sustenance arrives from the strength you build through discipline. Remember, the warrior's diet is one that fuels the spirit and body alike.
Simplicity and Integrity
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need. Possessions are a burden that slow your progress. Keep only what is essential and let the rest fall away. A clear space allows for a clear mind. The act of letting go opens the door for new opportunities and growth. A true warrior values utility over sentimentality. Simplify your life to sharpen your focus and enhance your practice.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs. Tradition and times will bind you to truths. Act only according to what is right, not what is customary. Trust your intuition and the wisdom you gain from experience. Walk your path based on personal conviction rather than societal expectation.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful. A sword is but a tool in the hands of a warrior. Beyond necessity, additional weapons are burdens. Focus your energy on honing your skills with the tools that truly serve you. Mastery comes from simplicity and focus, rather than accumulation.
17. Do not fear death. Death is inevitable for all, so fearing it serves no purpose. Instead, live fully and without hesitation. Embrace each day as a gift, knowing it may be your last. Understand that in acceptance of death, you find the freedom to live fully.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or foes for your old age. The future is uncertain, and preparing for it only distracts from the present. A warrior lives in the now. Invest your energy in experiences and wisdom, not material wealth. What you gather in life is not as valuable as what you learn along the way and pass down to those who follow in your footsteps.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help. Honor the divine, but do not rely on them to shape your fate, for they owe you no gift nor reward. Your path is yours to undertake through your own actions. A warrior must stand firm in their own strength and choice, for true respect lies in embodying the principles they represent through your actions.
20. You may abandon your body, but you must preserve your honor. Your body is transient, but your honor endures beyond death. Let honor be your highest aim. In the end, it is the legacy of your integrity that will endure. A warrior's true strength is measured not by their physical prowess, but by the respect they earn.
21. Never stray from the way. The path of the warrior is a sacred commitment that demands steadfast dedication. Straying from this path leads to confusion and disarray, ultimately compromising your honor and purpose. Consistency in your actions and thoughts is essential for maintaining the integrity of your journey. In moments of uncertainty, return to the fundamental principles that guide you, for they serve as your compass through life's challenges. Distractions abound, but clarity comes from commitment. Trust in your training and intuition to guide you.
Part 1/11:
The Way of Walking Alone: The 21 Principles of Doodo
Acceptance and Detachment
1. Accept everything just the way it is. Life flows like water - resist it and you will be swept away. The world unfolds as it will, and no one must resist its natural flow. To fight against reality is to weaken oneself. Acceptance is the first step towards mastery of your own destiny.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake. The pursuit of pleasure distracts from the path of discipline. True fulfillment comes from mastering the self, not indulging in temporary desires. Seek instead the joy found in the process of becoming stronger. A warrior's path is one of balance, not excess.
Part 2/11:
3. Do not depend on a partial feeling. Half-heartedness is the enemy of progress. Commit fully to your purpose. Trust in incomplete feelings leads to uncertain action. Let your decisions rise from a calm, whole mind. Clarity comes when you embrace the entirety of your experience.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world. Do not burden yourself with excessive self-regard. Focus instead on understanding the world around you. A humble heart opens the mind to greater truths. To grasp the world's complexities, one must first relinquish the burden of self-importance.
Part 3/11:
5. Be detached from desire. Your lifelong desire is a chain that binds the spirit. To walk freely, one must cast off its weight. Liberation lies in prioritizing purpose over personal cravings. In detachment, find the strength to pursue your path without distraction.
Letting Go and Moving Forward
6. Do not regret what you have done. Regret weakens the present by chaining you to the past. Face forward, for the past cannot be changed, but the future can. Every misstep is an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace each step taken as part of your journey.
Part 4/11:
7. Never be jealous. Jealousy stems from insecurity and clouds the spirit. Be content with your own path, for it is yours alone to walk. Instead of envying others, learn from them. Their success can be a guide, not a curse. Appreciate the success of others as a source of inspiration, not resentment.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by separation. Separation is a natural part of life's journey. The warrior moves forward, carrying no sorrow for what is left behind. Each parting paves the way for new encounters and experiences. Embrace the lessons learned from those you lose, for they strengthen your resolve. Each departure creates space for new beginnings.
Part 5/11:
9. Resentment and complaint are inappropriate. Neither for oneself nor for others. Resentment poisons the mind and hinders clear thought. A warrior must rise above petty grievances. True strength lies in letting go and focusing on what truly matters. Release your grievances to find peace.
Discipline and Discernment
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love. Love and lust can obscure judgment and weaken the spirit. Let your path be directed by reason, not fleeting emotions. The heart must not overshadow the clarity of the mind. Maintain a disciplined mind to discern true affection from fleeting desire. Love, when cultivated wisely, can become a source of strength.
Part 6/11:
11. In all things, have no preferences. Preferences lead to attachment, and attachment leads to suffering. Walk your path without bias, and you will see clearly. Freedom comes from viewing each moment as it is, without judgment. Embracing indifference allows you to respond to life's challenges without hesitation. A mind unshackled by preference is free to explore all avenues.
12. Be indifferent to where you live. Whether in a castle or a hut, a warrior's mind remains unchanged. Do not let your surroundings dictate your spirit. Do not let yourself be reliant nor take advantage of luxuries. Your true home is where your purpose resides. Cultivate an inner house that no external circumstance can disrupt and can be weathered by no storm.
Part 7/11:
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food. Nourish the body as necessary, but do not seek excess. True sustenance arrives from the strength you build through discipline. Remember, the warrior's diet is one that fuels the spirit and body alike.
Simplicity and Integrity
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need. Possessions are a burden that slow your progress. Keep only what is essential and let the rest fall away. A clear space allows for a clear mind. The act of letting go opens the door for new opportunities and growth. A true warrior values utility over sentimentality. Simplify your life to sharpen your focus and enhance your practice.
Part 8/11:
15. Do not act following customary beliefs. Tradition and times will bind you to truths. Act only according to what is right, not what is customary. Trust your intuition and the wisdom you gain from experience. Walk your path based on personal conviction rather than societal expectation.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful. A sword is but a tool in the hands of a warrior. Beyond necessity, additional weapons are burdens. Focus your energy on honing your skills with the tools that truly serve you. Mastery comes from simplicity and focus, rather than accumulation.
Embracing the Inevitable
Part 9/11:
17. Do not fear death. Death is inevitable for all, so fearing it serves no purpose. Instead, live fully and without hesitation. Embrace each day as a gift, knowing it may be your last. Understand that in acceptance of death, you find the freedom to live fully.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or foes for your old age. The future is uncertain, and preparing for it only distracts from the present. A warrior lives in the now. Invest your energy in experiences and wisdom, not material wealth. What you gather in life is not as valuable as what you learn along the way and pass down to those who follow in your footsteps.
Honoring the Divine and One's Legacy
Part 10/11:
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help. Honor the divine, but do not rely on them to shape your fate, for they owe you no gift nor reward. Your path is yours to undertake through your own actions. A warrior must stand firm in their own strength and choice, for true respect lies in embodying the principles they represent through your actions.
20. You may abandon your body, but you must preserve your honor. Your body is transient, but your honor endures beyond death. Let honor be your highest aim. In the end, it is the legacy of your integrity that will endure. A warrior's true strength is measured not by their physical prowess, but by the respect they earn.
Part 11/11:
21. Never stray from the way. The path of the warrior is a sacred commitment that demands steadfast dedication. Straying from this path leads to confusion and disarray, ultimately compromising your honor and purpose. Consistency in your actions and thoughts is essential for maintaining the integrity of your journey. In moments of uncertainty, return to the fundamental principles that guide you, for they serve as your compass through life's challenges. Distractions abound, but clarity comes from commitment. Trust in your training and intuition to guide you.