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Yamamoto Tsunetomo

    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.

    Hagakure
    Hagakure : the book of the Samurai
    Honor
    The Hagakure
    Hagakure
    Hagakure
    • 2019
    • 2014

      Hagakure : the book of the Samurai

      • 416 pages
      • 15 hours of reading
      4.1(35)Add rating

      The seminal treatise on the code of the samurai--now available as a Shambhala Pocket Classic. Hagakure is a treatise on the samurai code written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, an eighteenth-century samurai. It's a guide, organized as a loose collection of thoughts, on how samurai should conduct themselves. This philosophy--bushido, or "the way of the samurai"--is, according to Tsunetomo, essentially a Way of death or dying. This embracing of death with honor and courage is the core theme of Hagakure--and part of its allure. This edition, translated by the esteemed translator William Scott Wilson, is considered the definitive version of this classic. No other translator has so thoroughly and eruditely rendered this text into English. Wilson's introduction casts Hagakure in a different light than ever before. In Tsunetomo's time, the Way of death was a nuanced concept that related heavily to the Zen idea of the death of the ego. Wilson's introduction gives the historical and philosophical background for that more metaphorical reading of Hagakure, and through this lens, the classic takes on a fresh and nuanced appeal.

      Hagakure : the book of the Samurai
    • 2010

      Hagakure

      Book of the Samurai

      • 102 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      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)

      Hagakure
    • 2010

      Honor

      Samurai Philosophy of Life - The Essential Samurai Collection; The Book of Five Rings, Hagakure: The Way of the Samurai, Bushido: The Soul of Japan.

      • 218 pages
      • 8 hours of reading
      4.0(10)Add rating

      Exploring the profound principles of honor and life, this collection features three influential texts that delve into Samurai philosophy. It provides insights into the ethics, values, and mindset that shaped the Samurai way of living, emphasizing the importance of integrity, loyalty, and discipline. Readers are invited to reflect on these timeless teachings and their relevance in contemporary life, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in personal development and Eastern philosophy.

      Honor
    • 2001

      Bushido : the way of the samurai

      • 109 pages
      • 4 hours of reading
      3.9(460)Add rating

      Presents a translation of Tsunetomo Yamamoto's "Hagakure," which formed the basis of behavior, values, and etiquette for samurai warriors.

      Bushido : the way of the samurai
    • 2000

      Hagakure

      The Book of the Samurai

      • 194 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      This treatise comprises the authentic relections of a 17th-century Samurai warrior on the character of martial life and death. It aims to be an invaluable guide to the disciplines of thought and practice required of the serious martial artist. 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:'

      Hagakure
    • 2000

      The Hagakure

      • 182 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      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.

      The Hagakure
    • 1979

      Hagakure

      • 144 pages
      • 6 hours of reading
      4.0(546)Add rating

      This book describes the short, succinct passages found in 'Hagakure', composed in the spirit of the way of thinking they reflect and outline the qualities that make a samurai: readiness to die, whatever one's cause; uncompromising loyalty; singlemindedness, preparedness, artlessness, celerity, decorum and compassion. It transcends time, space and the encumbrances of societal living by penetrating to the core of existence with the clarity and vividness of its insights.

      Hagakure