Asakura Clan House Code - Law #5 | Part 5 of 17 Article Series

ORIGINAL TEXT:

Refrain from frequently bringing from Kyoto actors of the four schools of Nō (Komparu, Kanze, Hōshō, and Kita) for performances. Instead use the money needed for that purpose to select talented local actors of sarugaku, and train them in the basic elements of Nō (shimai) for the perpetual enjoyment of this province.

MODERN INTERPRETATION:

Invest in local strength and ability.  “Good enough” but local is better than the “outsider’s best.”

Know your Purpose and Prepare for Victory

Yes it’s wonderful to see famous artists at the top of their craft. 

But a Samurai’s main purpose is war. 

A Warrior protects the lives of those he loves and ensures the continued success of the Clan.  Why, then, should a Samurai’s house spend money lavishly on frivolous excesses such as bringing top performers from around the country to entertain officials?

Samurai version of “Buy Local & Support Small Business!”

Asakura Toshikage saw this practice of lavish spending on fancy items as a complete waste of time and money.  Even further, he believed it was foolishness to invest in and thus empower a rival clan!  

Instead, he recommended “buying local” and building up the people within the Asakura Clan’s own domain.  Why invest in other families when one can invest in one’s own?  

Toshikage suggested developing local performers to raise the prestige of the Asakura Clan’s domain in Echizen.  After all, Samurai didn’t need to see the best performers, actors, dancers, etc. - they simply needed to be exposed to the arts.  They needed some cultural expression, some form of entertainment.  Therefore, selecting performers that were “good enough” was… well… good enough!

Are we really better off getting the BEST?

In modern times, sometimes we feel that we need to see the best, to watch the best, to visit the best, to know the best, and be surrounded by… the BEST.

This is the wrong approach when aiming to build up your tribe, your community.  One should instead aim to invest locally.  When more attention is paid to those in your local area, your local area comes to improve.  If you want to improve what is immediately available to you and will have the most direct impact on your quality of life, start by building up your family and local community.

You’re the Sum Total of the 5 (FIVE) People you Spend the Most Time With

“You’re the sum total of the five people you spend the most time with,” is a common saying.  Who are YOU spending the most time with?  How can you invite the right people into your “clan”?  How can you invest in those people?  How can you get stronger, together?

@TonyRobbins says, “energy flows where attention goes.” 

It costs more money to watch the best athletes perform.  Locally, you can often go to a local meetup and watch excellent athletes compete for free.  You can befriend local business people, you can find mentors in people close to you.  You don’t always need the “BEST.”  Usually, all you need is “GOOD ENOUGH.” 

Invest local.  Build your community.  Strengthen your Clan.  

This is Law #5 of the Asakura Clan House Code.

NEXT ARTICLE IN THE SERIES: A PREVIEW

The next article, Law #6, is regarding keeping your priorities straight.