Looking for a novel in which the protagonist trains in spirituality and philosophy as much as in fighting techniques. For example, in Eiji Yoshikawa’s Musashi, the protagonist learns:
1. The importance of continuous learning and self-discipline.
2. To transcend self-imposed limitations and to grow through hardships.
3. To discard rituals and embrace instinct.
4. To understand the flow and nature and to work with it instead of against it.
Open to any genre and setting but would prefer stories where the protagonist grows through effort and discipline rather than the ‘chosen one’, ‘secret bloodline’ or ‘magical artefact’ tropes (which may rule out some fantasy or Sci fi). Historical fiction set in Asia would be ideal but not essential.
Closest I’ve come across is Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha and Frank Herbert’s Dune, which were both great.
All suggestions appreciated!
by Alternative-Bag849