Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai

By Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Yamamoto Yosho, Yamamoto

Book Overview

Hagakure ("In the Shadow of Leaves") is a manual for the samurai classes consisting of a series of short anecdotes and reflections that give both insight and instruction-in the philosophy and code of behavior that foster the true spirit of Bushido-the Way of the Warrior. It is not a book of philosophy as most would understand the word: it is a collection of thoughts and sayings recorded over a period of seven years, and as such covers a wide variety of subjects, often in no particular sequence.
The work represents an attitude far removed from our modern pragmatism and materialism, and possesses an intuitive rather than rational appeal in its assertion that Bushido is a Way of Dying, and that only a samurai retainer prepared and willing to die at any moment can be totally true to his lord. While Hagakure was for many years a secret text known only to the warrior vassals of the Hizen fief to which the author belonged, it later came to be recognized as a classic exposition of samurai thought and came to influence many subsequent generations, including Yukio Mishima.
This translation offers 300 selections that constitute the core texts of the 1,300 present in the original.
Hagakure was featured prominently in the film Ghost Dog, by Jim Jarmusch.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 4770029160
• ISBN13: 9784770029164
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Kodansha USA
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.5" x 0.8" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

Great for martial artists

I first want to mention that I have not read any other translations of this book, so I'm unable to compare it to others. However, it's a really good book for martial artists who want to learn more of the spiritual side of martial arts, like myself. The book is written in what I like to call little "tidbits," so you can read one part and meditate on it each day, or if you don't have much time to read, you would be able to read a tidbit at a time. It's also a great way to find more about the lives and the mindset of the samurai of the times. I would recommended this book to martial artists, zen artists, or those who have an interest in history.

Hagakure

I've read various versions of "Hagakure", and this one is my favorite. Very philosophical and inspirational, delves into the mindset of one whose only dedication is to serving one's master and way, in everyday life, and into one's chosen path, the battlefield.

Interesting

I bought this book after seeing the movie "Ghost Dog - Way of the Samurai". I didn't really know what to expect, but the book has some very interesting aspects on life and ways to live, that still work extremely well in todays society. I have at many times found myself in situations described in the book and even though some answers might be a bit hard to understand, the book has given me answers, or perhaps ways to answer/respond, in different situations. It's not really a book you read from cover to cover, but pick up and read a couple of "rules" every now and then, which after a while are in the back of your head, ready for use.I highly reccommend this book to pretty much every one.

Reveals the essence of Samurai thought.

HAGAKURE: The Book of the Samurai is a very interesting book which describes the everyday life and mindset of a samurai. For those that are not interested in the Samurai thought, this book may appear rather dry and in some instances, absurd. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The book is made up of short entries of various topics. Whether it's describing a wise samurai's actions, or cracking jokes at the noblemen around him, it is obvious that Yamamoto Tsunetomo was truly a samurai in every aspect of his life. During Yamamoto's time, the prestige of the samurai was declining, due to a long period of peace in Japan. The samurai lived to die for his lord in battle, but how can one remain a noble samurai during times of peace? Yamamoto answers this and many other questions in Hagakure. He also points out that when one is focused on dying, he will not be afraid in the presence of death. As Yamamoto liked to say, "The way of the Samurai is found in death."