Why Technique Fails: What Freemasonry and Musashi Agree On
Download MP3In this episode, we continue our symbolic reflection on The Book of Five Rings by exploring the Wind Scroll—Musashi’s fierce critique of illusion, distraction, and reliance on superficial technique.
This conversation draws parallels between martial philosophy and the Masonic journey, revealing that both traditions demand clarity of purpose, internal discipline, and rejection of showmanship. The work is not in the flourish—it’s in the sustained attention to transformation.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Musashi warns that technique can become a distraction from true mastery.
- Freemasonry also rejects illusion—favoring direct experience and inner alignment.
- The path requires clarity, not cleverness.
💬 Featured Quotes
“Including Musashi’s own school regarding the long sword… if you're focusing on the techniques, you're focusing on the wrong thing.” — [00:00:59]
“Of the shortcomings and challenges of the other schools… people with longer swords, people with different kinds of techniques…” — [00:00:29]
“As you're evaluating kind of your cognitive processes… it's really easy to pick the easy-to-grab-onto concepts… as if that's going to be the keystone.” — [00:04:35]
“The work is the work. It’s always been the same. The right behavior is going to get you the right outcomes.” — [00:04:55]
🔗 Explore Related Episodes
🎧 Ep. 76 – The Square and the Sword: Lessons from The Book of Five Rings
Introduces the symbolic alignment between Musashi’s elemental texts and Masonic working tools.
Introduces the symbolic alignment between Musashi’s elemental texts and Masonic working tools.
🎧 Ep. 73 – Geometry as truth between things
Focuses on structure and relationship as deeper truths—not surface patterns.
Focuses on structure and relationship as deeper truths—not surface patterns.
🎧 Ep. 69 – The Grammar of the Lodge: Structure, Symbol, and the Spoken Word
Explores the symbolic function of structure and intention in all communication.
Explores the symbolic function of structure and intention in all communication.
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
