The Square and the Sword: Lessons from The Book of Five Rings
Download MP3In this episode, we begin a new reflection series pairing Masonic symbols with chapters from The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi. The Square takes the lead—serving as both a moral compass and a symbolic framework for cognitive clarity, structural thinking, and precise evaluation of action.
By linking Masonic tools to warrior philosophy, this conversation invites listeners to consider what symbolic excellence looks like, and how intentional structure enables real change.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- The Square helps clarify which behaviors are structural versus reactionary.
- Tools like the Square and Musashi’s writings both emphasize disciplined self-evaluation.
- Symbolic excellence begins by defining your operating structure with precision.
💬 Featured Quotes
“The Square will help you look at your current behavior set and evaluate what's important and what isn't… what's structural in your beliefs.”
— [00:01:57]“The Book of Five Rings… helps you understand from a structural level what behaviors are going to help you achieve your objective and what isn’t.”
— [00:03:16]“The Square as a concept is very much a cognitive slicing tool.”
— [00:01:37]“None of these tools are really designed to be used in isolation… I think you’ll find the Square has a lot more to teach us than meets the eye.”
— [00:04:23]
🔗 Explore Related Episodes
🎧 Ep. 69 – The Grammar of the Lodge: Structure, Symbol, and the Spoken Word
Explores how linguistic structure reflects internal discipline and symbolic thinking.
Explores how linguistic structure reflects internal discipline and symbolic thinking.
🎧 Ep. 71 – Logic as the groundwork for discernment
Focuses on how clear evaluation and structure guide personal refinement.
Focuses on how clear evaluation and structure guide personal refinement.
🎧 Ep. 60 – Thinking in Symbols
Invites listeners to approach symbols like the Square as tools for deep introspection and clarity.
Invites listeners to approach symbols like the Square as tools for deep introspection and clarity.
Creators and Guests
Host
Brian Mattocks
Host and Founder of A Mason's Work - a podcast designed to help you use symbolism to grow. He's been working in the craft for over a decade and served as WM, trustee, and sat in every appointed chair in a lodge - at least once :D
