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Product Description
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.
This translation offers 300 selections that constitute the core texts of the 1,300 present in the original.
Editorial Reviews
East West Journal
"A guidebook and inspiration for ... anyone interested in achieving a courageous and transcendent understanding of life."
Review
"A Classic of Japanese thought....Poetic, robust...a feast of aphorisms and martial anecdotes." -The New York Review of Books
"HAGAKURE became a kind of magical discovery for me, and 'hidden under its leaves' were some important gifts." -Jim Jarmusch
"A fascinating glimpse into another place and time." -Library Journal
"Yamamoto brought together three temperaments: loyalty to his master, a literary sensibility, and the enlightenment of Zen." -Choice
New York Review of Books
"A Classic of Japanese thought….Poetic, robust…a feast of aphorisms and martial anecdotes."
Customer Reviews
for the future warrior5
If you are considering reading this book than be prepared to step back into time when death was not considered a negative part of life. When it was more important what you did in life rather than how much you have, how long you live or how much you think you know.
It very easy to misinterpret what this book was all about, many of what is written shouldn't be taken literally and may seem to contradict it self and was not meant for scholars and the like.
When I read this book the first time it totally challenged many of my beliefs and therefore I rejected them. Once I realized this book has less to do with what is written literally and more to do with courage and self sacrifice, it did have a profound influence on me. Many examples given seem to be about accepting death, but then I realized it was a metaphor for anything which we cling to. I guess only when we are ready to give everything up at any momement are we truly free.
"Calculating people are contemptible. The reason for this is that calculation deals with loss and pain, and the loss and gain mind never stops. Death is considered loss and life is considered gain. Thus, death is something that such a person does not care for, and he is contemptible. Furthermore, scholars and their like are men who with wit and speech hide their own true cowardice and greed. People often misjudge this."
A Great Book!5
I loved it. It's an enjoyable read, full of great stories and full of insights. When I first read this book back in 1998, it had a tremendous impact on my life. It allowed me to view things from a different perspective. I will continue to recommend it to everyone. I also highly recommend the modern day version Understanding: Train of Thought.
A classic!5
This is one of the best historical texts available on the subject of Japanese warrior philosophy. While many of its practices seem alien to the 21st century reader, there is still much wisdom to be found here. I have read this book many times over the years. I will very likely continue to read it again and again.Bushido: A Modern Adaptation of the Ancient Code of the SamuraiMeditations (Penguin Classics)
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