Overcoming Fear: Insights from Bushido, The Book of Five Rings, and Yoda for Youth Seeking Opportunities

Me : "Why haven't you considered taking the job opportunity in Yogyakarta?"

Youth : "Well, it's far. From Bandung to Yogyakarta is quite a distance."

Me : "But the offer would make you a permanent staff with a salary of 7 million... And the distance between Bandung and Yogyakarta is only 6-7 hours by train."

Youth : "Even so, it's far from Bandung. Far from my family."

That was a conversation that occurred during my tenure in Bandung, where one of my roles was to assist youth who had undergone skills training in securing employment and encouraging them to take up work. Before my assignment in Bandung, a few years earlier with a similar role, I encouraged a young person residing in Cikarang to consider a job at a company in Karawang. However, they declined due to the perceived long distance, despite the actual travel time being just 2 hours by bus.

These were two different incidents with individuals facing the same issue: they were afraid to leave their homes. They felt that the distance and being away from their parents were daunting prospects. They preferred working close to home, even if it meant earning significantly less.

This reminded me of a quote by Yoda, an iconic character in the Star Wars universe known for his wisdom and profound insights into the Force and life itself, from the film Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, which goes, "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." Yoda uttered these words during his interview with Anakin Skywalker, who was then a prospective Jedi apprentice. Anakin Skywalker, upon becoming a Jedi, struggled with the transition to the Dark Side, becoming one of the Jedi's greatest foes, burdened by leaving his home and being distant from his mother.

From the stories I've shared, it's apparent that many youth have the potential and opportunities to secure good jobs, yet they hesitate due to fear of leaving home or their families. This reflects Yoda's quote about how fear can lead to poor decisions ("fear is the path to the dark side").

Analogously, the story of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars resonates here. Anakin feared and hesitated to leave his mother, which contributed to his long journey towards darkness (Dark Side). Similarly, the youth I mentioned, their fear of distance and leaving family can hinder them from seizing better career and life opportunities.

Bushido

As someone interested in history, one of the histories I appreciate is that of Japan. In one article, I once read about Bushido. Bushido, which translates to "Way of the Warrior," is a code of conduct and ethical principles that emerged in Japan during the feudal era, particularly associated with the samurai class. Here's a brief overview of its history. Bushido developed primarily during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and became more defined in the following periods, particularly the Muromachi (1336-1573) and Edo (1603-1868) periods. It was influenced by Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism, blending warrior ethics with spiritual and philosophical teachings. Some key principles of Bushido are:

A. Rectitude (義, Gi): Moral righteousness and justice.

B. Courage (勇, Yū): Valor and bravery, both physical and moral.

C. Benevolence (仁, Jin): Compassion and kindness, especially towards the less fortunate.

D. Respect (礼, Rei): Politeness and respect towards others.

E. Honesty (誠, Makoto): Sincerity and truthfulness.

F. Honor (名誉, Meiyo): Upholding one's reputation and moral integrity.

G. Loyalty (忠義, Chūgi): Devotion and allegiance to one's master and family.

H. Self-Control (自制, Jisei): Maintaining self-discipline and restraint.

The Book of Five Rings

Besides Bushido, there's also a well-known book in Japanese history, "The Book of Five Rings" (五輪書, Go Rin no Sho), written by the legendary katana swordsman Miyamoto Musashi in 1645. It is divided into five chapters, each named after one of the five elements of Japanese Buddhism: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void. These elements represent different aspects of strategy and combat.

A. Earth Scroll (地の巻, Chi no Maki): Emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation in one's technique and strategy, much like how the earth provides a stable base.

B. Water Scroll (水の巻, Sui no Maki): Focuses on the fluidity of movement and the importance of adapting one's strategy to the changing dynamics of a fight.

C. Fire Scroll (火の巻, Ka no Maki): Explores the principles of timing, rhythm, and the psychological aspects of engaging an opponent. It emphasizes the importance of seizing the initiative and overwhelming the enemy.

D. Wind Scroll (風の巻, Fū no Maki): Stresses the importance of understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of other styles.

E. Void Scroll (空の巻, Kū no Maki): Delves into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Musashi's teachings. He discusses the concept of "no mind" (mushin) and the importance of intuition and inner peace in achieving mastery.

Both Bushido and "The Book of Five Rings" share several similarities, primarily because they both stem from the ethos of the samurai class in feudal Japan. Philosophically, both Bushido and "The Book of Five Rings" are deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism and Confucianism, which were influential in shaping the moral and ethical values of the samurai. These philosophies emphasize self-discipline, mastery of skills, and the pursuit of personal and martial excellence.

Another similarity, "The Book of Five Rings" emphasizes the importance of mastering one's craft and developing skill in combat. This mirrors the Bushido emphasis on martial prowess and the continuous pursuit of excellence in the arts of war. The third similarities, both texts outline principles of conduct that are essential for samurai life. While Bushido provides a broader ethical framework encompassing loyalty, honor, and duty, "The Book of Five Rings" focuses more specifically on strategies and tactics in combat, but also touches on broader philosophical principles that guide a warrior's mindset and behavior.

Both Bushido and "The Book of Five Rings" emphasize the integration of mind, body, and spirit in the pursuit of martial mastery. This holistic approach is central to the samurai's way of life, where physical skill is complemented by mental clarity and spiritual discipline.

Last similarity, both Bushido and "The Book of Five Rings" have had a lasting impact on Japanese culture and martial arts traditions. They continue to be studied and revered not only for their historical significance but also for the timeless wisdom they impart about discipline, strategy, and ethical conduct.

Bushido, The Boof of Five Rings and “Fear is the Path to the Dark Side”

The quote from Yoda, "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering," can be related to several key principles from Bushido and the philosophies found in "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi. Here's how:

Bushido

A. Courage (勇, Yū):

Bushido emphasizes courage, which is the opposite of fear. A samurai must face challenges with bravery and without fear, as fear can cloud judgment and lead one astray from the righteous path. Yoda's quote highlights how fear can lead to negative emotions and actions, which contradicts the Bushido principle of maintaining courage.

B. Self-Control (自制, Jisei):

Bushido stresses the importance of self-control and managing one's emotions. The progression from fear to suffering described by Yoda illustrates a loss of self-control, leading to destructive outcomes. A samurai must maintain composure and control over their emotions to prevent such a descent.

The Book of Five Rings (Go Rin no Sho)

A. Mind of No Mind (無心, Mushin):

Musashi discusses the concept of "no mind" or "mushin," which involves a state of mental clarity and absence of fear, anger, and ego. Achieving "mushin" allows a warrior to act intuitively and effectively, free from the detrimental effects of fear and other negative emotions. Yoda's quote illustrates the dangers of letting fear dominate, which is precisely what "mushin" seeks to avoid.

B. Emptiness and Enlightenment (Void Scroll, 空の巻, Kū no Maki):

The Void Scroll emphasizes enlightenment and the understanding of the deeper nature of reality, which includes overcoming fear and other negative emotions. Yoda's quote underscores the importance of transcending fear to prevent the chain reaction leading to suffering, aligning with Musashi's teachings on the void and enlightenment.

In summary, both Bushido and "The Book of Five Rings" stress the importance of overcoming fear and maintaining emotional balance, which directly correlates with Yoda's warning about the destructive path that fear can initiate.

Yoda's Quote, Bushido, The Book of Five Rings, and Youth Encouragement

The teachings of Bushido, "The Book of Five Rings," and Yoda's quote "Fear is the path to the dark side" collectively offer valuable insights on how to address the issue of youth who are afraid to leave their homes and families for better opportunities.

Bushido's Emphasis on Courage and Self-Control :

Courage (勇, Yū) : Bushido teaches the importance of facing challenges with bravery. Encouraging youth to adopt this principle can help them see moving away from home not as a daunting prospect but as a necessary step towards personal and professional growth.

Self-Control (自制, Jisei) : Bushido stresses managing one's emotions and maintaining composure. By learning to control their fears and anxieties, youth can better handle the emotional stress of moving away and focus on the opportunities ahead.

"The Book of Five Rings" and the Concept of Mushin :

Mind of No Mind (無心, Mushin) : Musashi's teachings on achieving a state of mental clarity and absence of fear, anger, and ego can help youth overcome their fear of distance and separation. By attaining a mindset free from fear, they can make rational decisions about their future without being held back by emotional barriers.

Adaptability and Strategy : The principles of fluidity and adaptation from the Water Scroll can teach youth to be flexible and open to new environments and experiences, making the transition smoother and less intimidating.

Yoda's Warning about Fear :

Yoda's quote underscores the destructive potential of fear. Fear can lead to negative emotions and poor decisions, which can stifle growth and opportunity. By recognizing that fear can lead to suffering, youth can be motivated to confront and overcome their fears, understanding that doing so is essential for their well-being and success.

Conclusion :

By integrating the principles of courage and self-control from Bushido, the concept of mental clarity and adaptability from "The Book of Five Rings," and the understanding of fear's destructive potential from Yoda's wisdom, youth can be encouraged to face their fears of leaving home. These teachings collectively promote the development of a resilient, adaptive, and courageous mindset, enabling youth to pursue better opportunities and achieve personal and professional growth despite the challenges of distance and separation from family.