Review: Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai
Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai by Yamamoto Tsunetomo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
Hagakure, by Yamamoto Tsunetomo is a book less about how to become a Samurai, and more about what sort of mindset is ideal for those who follow 'The way' of the Samurai.
The first few chapters contain observations to this effect. While the latter part of book are filled with countless anecdotes and hearsay tales of those individuals who lived and died in accordance with 'The way'. Which is counter by how Yamamoto was a Samurai who lived in a time of peace during the Tokugawa Shogunate.
For all his words Yamamoto seems to be the one who regrets the passing of the times of Sengoku, when blood flowed freely and men gained glory in battle. Yamamoto believed that, in his time, men have become soft. Men’s pulse which was distinct to a woman, had now become the same for both sexes. So much so that medicine which once was used for women, could be used for men. The pulse of men had diluted, and there were fewer men of character. And fewer who could commit clear beheadings with conviction. Strange times, eh
He preaches a dangerous world, where men should throw themselves headlong into battle, with no though of tactics or planning, for these were deplorable. Everyone knows that a true man can win battles with his strength alone. And start cutting down bodies left and right, at the slight hint of being offended.
I can see why Imperialist Japan encouraged its spread during the early 20th century. The book prescribes unwavering and unquestioned loyalty to one's master, assuming that said master too is a man of character.
Keeping aside some questionable views, which can be considered par for course for its time, Hagakure also establishes what is the four tenets of the way of the Samurai
One thing I appreciate books of this genre, like A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy is that they don't presume to tell you how to do the things. Rather, how to develop the right mindset for a warrior prepared to court death. Things should be kept simple and clear, (Yamamoto also has a distaste for the likes of 'martial arts' implying such arts are not befitting for a warrior. Seeing the drama that certain chinese martial arts, I tend to agree)
But where it truly shines is as an almost meditative treatise on what things are necessary for a proper life. How not be marred by mediocrity, how to live and die with purpose. Hell, some passages could've come straight out of some self-help book.
Approach the book like a crow, pick what you want, and see as useful; There is much to learn in this manner.
The first few chapters contain observations to this effect. While the latter part of book are filled with countless anecdotes and hearsay tales of those individuals who lived and died in accordance with 'The way'. Which is counter by how Yamamoto was a Samurai who lived in a time of peace during the Tokugawa Shogunate.
“It is said that what is called "the spirit of an age" is something to which one cannot return. That this spirit gradually dissipates is due to the world's coming to an end. For this reason, although one would like to change today's world back to the spirit of one hundred years or more ago, it cannot be done. Thus it is important to make the best out of every generation.”
For all his words Yamamoto seems to be the one who regrets the passing of the times of Sengoku, when blood flowed freely and men gained glory in battle. Yamamoto believed that, in his time, men have become soft. Men’s pulse which was distinct to a woman, had now become the same for both sexes. So much so that medicine which once was used for women, could be used for men. The pulse of men had diluted, and there were fewer men of character. And fewer who could commit clear beheadings with conviction. Strange times, eh
He preaches a dangerous world, where men should throw themselves headlong into battle, with no though of tactics or planning, for these were deplorable. Everyone knows that a true man can win battles with his strength alone. And start cutting down bodies left and right, at the slight hint of being offended.
I can see why Imperialist Japan encouraged its spread during the early 20th century. The book prescribes unwavering and unquestioned loyalty to one's master, assuming that said master too is a man of character.
Keeping aside some questionable views, which can be considered par for course for its time, Hagakure also establishes what is the four tenets of the way of the Samurai
Never lag behind in the pursuit of Bushido
Always be loyal and devoted to the service of your lord
Do your duty to your parents
Manifest great compassion; and act for the sake of Mankind.
One thing I appreciate books of this genre, like A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy is that they don't presume to tell you how to do the things. Rather, how to develop the right mindset for a warrior prepared to court death. Things should be kept simple and clear, (Yamamoto also has a distaste for the likes of 'martial arts' implying such arts are not befitting for a warrior. Seeing the drama that certain chinese martial arts, I tend to agree)
But where it truly shines is as an almost meditative treatise on what things are necessary for a proper life. How not be marred by mediocrity, how to live and die with purpose. Hell, some passages could've come straight out of some self-help book.
"Everyone let's the present moment slip by, and then looks for it as though it were somewhere else."
"Throughout your life, advance daily. Becoming more skillful than yesterday, more skillful than today. This is never-ending."
Approach the book like a crow, pick what you want, and see as useful; There is much to learn in this manner.
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