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Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke
Code of the Samurai is a four-hundred-year-old explication of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido, the Japanese way of the warrior. Bushido has played a major role in shaping the behavior of modern Japanese government, corporations, society, and individuals, as well as in shaping the modern martial arts within Japan and internationally. The Japanese original of...more
ebook, 128 pages
Published
June 7th 2011
by Tuttle Publishing
(first published September 15th 1999)
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The Code of the Samurai translated by Thomas Cleary summarized is a book that ancient samurais lived by. Today it is used by executives, military leaders, and politicians to them to success. It discusses moral duty, honor to your family and bosses, leadership, and daily life.As being over 400 years old it has some outdated terms but never outdated ideas.
In the first chapter of the book it explains how to keep death always in mind. To me, this seemed preposterous because you would worry yourself...more
In the first chapter of the book it explains how to keep death always in mind. To me, this seemed preposterous because you would worry yourself...more
Aug 25, 2007
Nash
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Japanese history and culture enthusiasts.
Shelves:
already-read
While the content of this book is the same as "Budo Shoshinshu" I recommended above and I prefer the other translation, this one was the first book I ran into and got me very interested to use it as the primary focus for my dissertation. I agree with the official web site of Columbia University's Bushido Page that did a review on all three translation of the same book, Budo Shoshinshu, that the version by William Scott Wilson is perhaps the most comprehensive. Why? 1) Wilson's version comes with...more
The Code of the Samurai is an example of one of the staples of literature since ancient times: the self-help/how-to guide. Sure, we like to think of that as a modern phenomena, but most literate societies have produced a book that tells you how to live, and feudal Japan was no different. This particular example is aimed at the young samurai, and attempts to instill in its reader good habits by first offering up advice on the mindset that is required of the samurai, then offering up examples of h...more
A highly-moving example of excellence in self-discipline and personal honor. I felt while reading it as though I belonged in that era, and also a sense of shame at straying from certain principles I knew were right, even by slight margins, during years of experimenting with various ways of life as a young adult. It was a pleasure to know that there were men in long ago times living out their ethos with every ounce of strength to their dying breath; I found this work to be redemptive toward my vi...more
This book is a translation of a manual for proper conduct according to the Taira clan in pre-Tokagawa or early Tokagawa era Japan (I forget exactly when). The translation is a bit tedious with the use of "knight" as opposed to "warrior" or bushi or better yet samurai, but otherwise it seems to be a faithful and straightforward translation.
It is divided into three parts, each focusing on a major aspect of samurai lifestyle. The text focuses on practical matters of samurai living, such as choosin...more
It is divided into three parts, each focusing on a major aspect of samurai lifestyle. The text focuses on practical matters of samurai living, such as choosin...more
Shigesuke's Code of the Samurai is not a book that I would have sought out an opportunity to read, but fortuitously that opportunity arose and read it I did--and boy am I glad!
Basically Shigesuke was writing in a time period when he felt the Samurai code of ethics had already been eroded and corrupted, thus the need to articulate that code clearly and write it down for future generations. Excellence, virtue, and discrimination are all heavily emphasized in the Code, and today in the West the Cod...more
Basically Shigesuke was writing in a time period when he felt the Samurai code of ethics had already been eroded and corrupted, thus the need to articulate that code clearly and write it down for future generations. Excellence, virtue, and discrimination are all heavily emphasized in the Code, and today in the West the Cod...more
Given that Bushido is the code of conduct that Kokondo-ka follow, this modern translation of Bushido (Taira Shigesuke) was most instructive for me. Bushido, or the way of warrior, embodies seven principles: Benevolence, Courage, Justice, Honor, Loyalty, Politeness and Veracity.
What I appreciate most about this work is the expansion of discussion around these principles to include practical every day applications ~ for example, the admonitions around laziness are very sound:
"When you think you...more
What I appreciate most about this work is the expansion of discussion around these principles to include practical every day applications ~ for example, the admonitions around laziness are very sound:
"When you think you...more
In this translated by Thomas Cleary the reader is given an intense insight into the life of a Samurai. It is basically a condensed version of rules a samurai is intended to their life by. In it you find material on how a samurai is to live his everyday life to how he should act and portray himself in war. Each section a short and brief overview such as one labeled Borrowing Authority and Stealing Authority. In this section it is discussed the appropriate times when a samurai should refer to his...more
This is a truly amazing book. It covers everything for how to conduct yourself in a proper manner to how to handle family life at home. If you want something new to life by, or even just something good to read; I'd say get this. The only thing I really don't like about it is that you can't understand all of it at times because it's a translation of a text 400 years old. Still a great book though!
Apr 07, 2013
Eddy Allen
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
arts-and-historical
Code of the Samurai is a four-hundred-year-old explication of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido, the Japanese way of the warrior. Bushido has played a major role in shaping the behavior of modern Japanese government, corporations, society, and individuals, as well as in shaping the modern martial arts within Japan and internationally. The Japanese original of this book has been one of the primary sources on the tenets of Bushido, a way of thought that remains fascinating to modern w...more
I think this book was interesting especially if the reader applies the book to his/her life, or the lives of the general population. There is definitely a "common sense" message here, and practical application for living.
A good introduction to the Japanese cultural background of the samurai and a good way to begin to understand their philosophical underpinnings.
another excellent work from leading author of eastern philos: Thomas Cleary (and Scott William Wilson) appear to be the leading lights in any writing on eastern philosophy/religion; particularly here dealing with the Bushido code of the Samurai as Way of Life. Readers will also find Thomas Cleary's translations of Sun Tzu's "Art of War" (Shambhala) the best translation and also should consider all the Shambhala publications as best translations of sought after Eastern strategic classics, includi...more
I liked this one. It was a very accessible translation, and fun reading. I have lots highlighted for later reading.
A bit childish, a bit tunnel thinking; i suggest Hagakure as a much more deep insight on the subject..
Thoughtful insight into the everyday life of one of the best warrior classes there ever been.
An excellent reading, when combined with the Hagekure they will give you good insight into Bushido.
It gives you a nice guide of life rules to follow, with the purpose of better'ing yourself.
Some of it makes sense, even for today. The rest is a bit outdated. Still a great read...
Difficult read. An interesting philosophy on life from a warriors point of view.
Classic of samurai etiquette in a clear English style, using parallel English references ("knight" etc.) to bring a sense of the known to the Japanese cultural content.
A good introduction, but not the most complete translation.
Great philosophy.
Excellent translation of a warriors code. This book really opened my mind.
The book is an excellent and straightforward translation of a classic Japanese work, though I think the author put in too many modern slang terms. Overall, it was a great read.
"He who is samurai must before all things keep always in mind...the fact that he has to die." The sense of honor, duty, and filial duty and moral code is represented in this dual language (Japanese/English) book. It's no wonder the Japanese Culture thrives to this day even after 2 Nuke attacks... An interresting and enlightening read.
I read this book to gain insight into my husband, the Marine. It's become something of a reference book for me in that aspect.
The last chapter on Cultural Refinement, especially as it touches on the tea ceremony is hilarious. Wry and dry.
The last chapter on Cultural Refinement, especially as it touches on the tea ceremony is hilarious. Wry and dry.
May 29, 2011
Peter
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
samurai fans
Bought it on discount price from Indonesia Japan Expo last week. Haven't finished yet, but so far it's one of the best books I've bought.
It tells the code of the samurai, the way of warrior, and its application in real life.
It tells the code of the samurai, the way of warrior, and its application in real life.
Overall was an interesting book. Provides some perspective on the background to Japanese culture and thinking. But really I found that it just intrigues me to find a better book to learn about their history and culture.
May 07, 2007
Matt
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone with questions about Bushido
An explanation of bushido through the context of modern Japan explores the notions behind the samurai belief system. There are probably better texts, but this gets the job done nicely.
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