The Drunken Historians Society Presents: Mushashi's The Book of Five Rings

Hello Drunken Scribes!
Per group vote, this month, we will embark on a profound exploration of The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi—a classic text that transcends time, offering enduring wisdom on strategy, mastery, and the art of conflict.
Penned in 1643 by Musashi, a legendary duelist and undefeated samurai, this book dives deeply into the philosophy of struggle, victory, and self-discipline. Far from being limited to martial arts, Musashi’s principles resonate across all human interactions and challenges, making it a timeless guide for anyone seeking mastery in life.
This edition, translated by Thomas Cleary, brings Musashi’s words to life with clarity and accessibility. Included alongside The Book of Five Rings is The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, which enriches the text with ethical and spiritual perspectives rooted in Zen and Taoism.

### Book Information

• Title: The Book of Five Rings: A Classic Text on the Japanese Way of the Sword
• Author: Miyamoto Musashi
• Translator: Thomas Cleary
• First Published: 1643

Purchase or view the book on Amazon

### What’s New?

To improve the group’s experience, this meetup will take place in a private venue to provide a quieter and more focused setting. This change comes directly from member feedback, and this gathering will serve as a trial for future meetups.

• Entry Fee: $10 per person to cover venue rental costs. Note: This is only refundable upon cancellation or rescheduling of the event as the venue has to be reserved ahead of time.
• Extra Funds: If funds collected exceed the venue costs, they will be used in the following order of priority:

1. Water and non-alcoholic refreshments.
2. Alcoholic beverages.
3. Light snacks or food.

• Bring Your Own Comforts: To maintain the casual and welcoming atmosphere of past events, participants are encouraged to bring their own drinks, snacks, or anything else they’d like to enjoy as this will be in a dance studio.

This new venue provides an exciting opportunity to elevate the quality of our discussions and social interactions, and feedback after the event will be greatly appreciated.

### Agenda

1. Introductions: Meet fellow Drunken Scribes and share your connection to the book.
2. Book Discussion: Explore Musashi’s teachings on strategy, leadership, and the way of the warrior.
3. Socializing: Continue conversations in a relaxed, private environment with good company.

Join us for this exciting chapter in the evolution of the Drunken Historians Society, where thought-provoking discussions meet new possibilities.
Cheers!