The Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke Hardcover Author: Oscar Ratti | Language: English | ISBN:
0804831904 | Format: PDF, EPUB
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Review
"…useful for students of the modern and classical martial arts and well worth buying."—Meik Skoss, Koryu.com
"This is a compelling, well written translation."—Lawrence Kane, author of
The Little Black Book of Violence and
The Way of Kata"…a wonderful book for anyone who wants to understand the ideals behind the true warrior."—Bohdi Sanders, author of
Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern WarriorAbout the Author
Thomas Cleary is one of the best known and most accomplished translators of the wisdom of Asia. He holds a doctorate in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. Cleary has translated
Soul of the Samurai,
Samurai Wisdom,
The Art of War and
Secrets of the Japanese Art of Warfare, as well as over 70 other titles on martial arts philosophy, Buddhism, Taoism and religion.
See all Editorial Reviews
Books with free ebook downloads available The Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke Epub Free
- Hardcover: 128 pages
- Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; Hardcover with Jacket edition (September 15, 1999)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0804831904
- ISBN-13: 978-0804831901
- Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
- Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
The first time I read a book about samurai philosophy and customs, it was the Hagakure. After reading it, I felt sick and even embarassed that I was so heavily into martial arts having origins in such a death-focussed, suicidal, slavish mentality. After reading it, I lost most of my interest in the origins of the Japanese martial arts, and Japanese culture. How mistaken I was... Two years ago, I bought the "Code of the Samurai", and my interest immediately returned. This book was written one hundred years earlier than the Hagakure and thus it was written closer to the time when the Samurai were in fact warriors and not so only in theory (as they were at the time of the publication of the Hagakure). Both books have in intention the reformation of the Samurai class to what the authors consider to be proper moral standards. But after reading both, it seems evident that the Hagakure is a forlorn attempt to recreate some kind of "glorious" suicidal mindset that never existed much in reality. The "Code of the Samurai" gives suggestions for every facet of behaviour... Everything about this book is remarkably humane, and very well thought out. It promotes responisibility to all one's aquaintances, colleagues, and leaders. This book could be retitled as "How to be a Responsible Citizen". It is about how to live well, not about how to die.
In a time of peace, at the end of the Tokugawa regime, (1603-1867), the Samurai extended their duties into the administrative class, developing from mere 'attendants' to philosophers, scholars, physicians, and teachers, creating concise systems of mental and moral training. This class influenced the country's culture in profound ways, which continues to be felt and seen in modern day Japan. Fearing that the Samurai would lose their basic purpose and essential character, author Taira Shigesuke, (1639-1730) a Confucian scholar, wrote this handbook for the novice knight. For the beginning knight, this book would have been indispensable, in terms of conducting oneself in the true spirit of the Samurai.
The book is structured in three parts, including subjects ranging from education, familial duty, frugality, courtesy and respect, laziness, discretion to military service, vassalage and loyalty to dealing with one's superiors. What is so valuable about this book for the modern western reader is that it provides age-old ethical guidelines that are exceedingly practical and relevant to the present day.
Central to the Samurai philosophy is the notion of concerning oneself daily with death. Shigesuke emphasises from the outset, that, "As long as you keep death in mind at all times, you will also fulfil the ways of loyalty and familial duty." In other words, everything else follows from this basic attitude - a long life, and a character that will improve and virtue that will grow. This makes sense, of course, because as the author points out, when you think your time here will last, you're inclined to take it for granted, thereby saying things you shouldn't say and letting important matters slide because "...it can always be done tomorrow.
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