Archive for July 2011
Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai
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.
13 Assassins Blu-Ray Review
13 Assassins is the perfect example of a film that has come full circle. It’s a remake of a 1963 film of the same name but also draws heavily upon Akira Kurosawa 1954 classic Seven Samurai and its American remake, The Magnificent Seven . In fact, it is as much if not more influenced by The Magnificent Seven with some of its plot elements and particularly its characters…
Published Jul 18, 2011.
Read more: Mania
The Religion of the Samurai A Study of Zen Philosophy and Discipline in China and Japan
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
The Religion of the Samurai A Study of Zen Philosophy and Discipline in China and Japan