Crossing the Ford
Musashi speaks to the idea that every person has a crossroads in life, if not more than one. Sometimes it is welcomed, other times it is refused. It is possibly unearned as well.
Unearned Forbidden Knowledge
A Blues music legend, Robert Johnson, disappeared for several days. No one knew his whereabouts. Upon his return, he had a newfound skill in musicianship; he was a master of the Blues. Some believe he sold his soul to the devil for his new skill. The story has it that Johnson met the devil at the rural crossroads of Highway 61 and Highway 49. At this now legendary intersection, Johnson cut his deal with the devil.
This is a story based on the allure of forbidden knowledge. Musashi is more mundane but profound. There comes a moment in life where you step into a new life, or turn your back and refuse the change, and likely growth.
Rebirth
Hence, Musashi points to the rebirth that is not easy to get to but is worth the value and risk of the journey. “Crossing the Ford” symbolizes pivotal transitions. This is a moment when one must leave behind the familiar and step into uncertainty with resolve.
These crossings are not just physical or circumstantial. These crossroads are psychological thresholds where clarity, courage, and commitment are tested. Musashi’s metaphor invites us to treat these junctures not as obstacles. They are necessary rites of passage. These passages can be a symbol of identity or illusions that are whisked away. When that happens, the road ahead will become our own.
Four Truths
Here are four immutable transitions according to Carl Jung. The first is from the Athlete to the Warrior. The Athlete is seeing everything as being shot through the prism of their body. Their physicality is the driving factor. The next phase, the Warrior, is about acquisition. Next is the Statesperson, this is where a person turns their attention to the community. The final stage is the Sage. The Sage is not inclined to offer unsolicited advice and to often just observe. Each one of these phases is met whether you like it or not. A refusal to transition at these crossroads results in awkwardness. Think of the athlete who has stayed on the field past their prime. Or the older gentleman with hair plugs, a new sports car, and a date for the prom. These are hard to watch.
Musashi says don’t fight the transition, learn from it and embrace a new and different future.
You may enjoy this past posting: https://www.martialjournal.com/the-book-of-fire-3-ways/
You can reach Kris Wilder here: https://linktr.ee/KrisWilder
He has authored several books on martial arts and self-defense, such as "The Way of Kata" and "The Little Black Book of Violence". Kris also runs the Wilder Karate Academy, where he teaches classes and conducts seminars.
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