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 posesses 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. (Text refers to a previous edition)
Yamamoto Tsunetomo Books
June 11, 1659 – November 30, 1719
Yamamoto Tsunetomo's life was dedicated to service and, after his lord's passing, to spiritual retreat. He shared his profound insights with a fellow samurai, which were compiled into the influential work Hagakure. Tsunetomo believed that embracing the concept of death in thought cultivated a higher state of being, characterized by beauty and grace, transcending mere self-preservation.
Бусидо (Busido)
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Unbekannte Samurai-Texte, die im deutschen Sprachraum noch nicht bekannt sind.
Die besten Strategien des Samurai
- 127 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Hagakure: Il Codice Segreto dei Samurai
- 209 pages
- 8 hours of reading