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33rd out of 95 books
—
82 voters
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 sa...more
Hardcover, 179 pages
Published
August 30th 2002
by Kodansha
(first published 1906)
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I love the randomness of this book. One paragraph is a about how to wear your awesome samurai hat, and the next is about the proper way to decapitate someone.
It irks me that people don't know the history of this book.
A lot of people seem to read it assuming that it's some sort of rule book that the samurai class carried around in their kimonos so as to follow its writings without err.
This is not the case. The book was written after 100 years of peace in Japan, when the samurai class was transforming into an administrative class.
Yes, that's right -- the author was some pencil-pusher for the state.
This doesn't mean it isn't an interesting book. Thinki...more
A lot of people seem to read it assuming that it's some sort of rule book that the samurai class carried around in their kimonos so as to follow its writings without err.
This is not the case. The book was written after 100 years of peace in Japan, when the samurai class was transforming into an administrative class.
Yes, that's right -- the author was some pencil-pusher for the state.
This doesn't mean it isn't an interesting book. Thinki...more
12 likes · like · see review
"If one dedicates these four vows to the gods and Buddhas every morning, he will have the strength of two men and will never slip backward. One must edge forward like the inchworm, bit by bit. The gods and Buddhas, too, first started with a vow."
A samurai's journal of anecdotes and aphorisms I've been rereading for years. It means something different to me each time, though the lessons are often the same ones I've forgotten. It's amazing how these lessons apply themselves to whatever my life is...more
A samurai's journal of anecdotes and aphorisms I've been rereading for years. It means something different to me each time, though the lessons are often the same ones I've forgotten. It's amazing how these lessons apply themselves to whatever my life is...more
3 likes · like · see review
Nice little sneak peak to the life of samurai and Japan of samurai.
I think Tsunetomo was a bit extreme even for a samurai. In "Act now! Contemplate later." sort of way. Or maybe he was bitter. After all he stayed alive while samurais most important goal and duty is to die. At least according to him.
The "real" Japan of samurai was long past when Tsunetomo blurted out his visions. Tsunetomo maybe was one of the most hard core samurais that still existed in that time so let's give him some slack. A...more
I think Tsunetomo was a bit extreme even for a samurai. In "Act now! Contemplate later." sort of way. Or maybe he was bitter. After all he stayed alive while samurais most important goal and duty is to die. At least according to him.
The "real" Japan of samurai was long past when Tsunetomo blurted out his visions. Tsunetomo maybe was one of the most hard core samurais that still existed in that time so let's give him some slack. A...more
Aug 02, 2011
Jody Mena
added it
This is a really powerful book, which I think people could take lessons from even still today. It's possible that someone would have to know something about Japanese history and culture to begin to appreciate this writing, even as it teaches more deeply about the Japanese way of thinking, but I still think everyone should read this and try to wrap their heads around it. I don't pretend to have understood the significance of everything I read in it, and there are other concepts that in literal te...more
Jul 23, 2012
Peiman
added it
«هاگاکوره کتاب سامورایی» نوشته «یاماموتو چونه تومو» با ترجمه «سید رضا حسینی» از روی ترجمه انگلیسی آن، توسط انتشارات چشمه به چاپ رسیده است، چاپ اول در بهار 1389 و چاپ دوم در بهار1390 انجام شده که استقبال خوبی را به همراه داشته است.
به گزارش هنرنیوز، «هاگاکوره» به معنای «پوشیده با برگها» و یا «برگ های پوشیده»، عنوان کتابی است که در 1716 از نگارش گفته های «چونه تومو» پدید آمد و شامل آیین ها و طریقت سامورایی های ژاپن است.
بعد از مرگ «نابشیما میتسوشیگه» امیر منطقه ای در ژاپن، به دلیل اینکه خودکشی آیی
...more
Jul 01, 2012
Allen
added it
The ability to discern the true meaning of a worthy commitment can be a difficult journey for the True Warrior. His life is surrounded by violence and although having the sharpest reflexes mentally, he can lack clarity. Master Samurai Yamamoto Tsunetomo gives depth and understanding to the poignant life of a Samurai who's only real commitment in life is to die honorably. "This is not a phrase that the weak mind can comprehend..." I see expressions of films & web series being thrown around by...more
I've grown to like this book so much that I have my copy in my backpack at all times on campus. Any free time between classes and I'll re-read a little story Tsunetomo put in to teach a certain value.
The ersatz way of the samurai can still touch you, with stories that make you laugh and impress you. Random pieces of philosophy also roam the pages, serving as a reminder that a time in which honor was something you had the right to protect is long gone. While not everyone may agree that the Hagaku...more
The ersatz way of the samurai can still touch you, with stories that make you laugh and impress you. Random pieces of philosophy also roam the pages, serving as a reminder that a time in which honor was something you had the right to protect is long gone. While not everyone may agree that the Hagaku...more
Knowing nothing about Samurai's history and/or tradition, I can take only the "philosphy" from this book.
Death is considered the only very important thought, around which everything else must dance in one's life. Death is our ultimate destination, and everything must be done in view of that unavoidable event. I can agree, but I cannot wholly share the attitude of a Samurai about it, since I believe I can leave more seeds and fruits through my life than through my death. I can teach a lot with t...more
Death is considered the only very important thought, around which everything else must dance in one's life. Death is our ultimate destination, and everything must be done in view of that unavoidable event. I can agree, but I cannot wholly share the attitude of a Samurai about it, since I believe I can leave more seeds and fruits through my life than through my death. I can teach a lot with t...more
How did the samurai live? What was the ultimate purpose of their life?
This book answers to all of these questions and more.
I managed to extract tons of great quotes out of this one, most of which have retained their relevance throughout all of these years. However, it IS impossible to keep up with the names (even in the same story), especially in the later, anecdote filled chapters derived from the writer's memory and circulating rumors and stories.
Also, this book might not appeal to the faint-...more
This book answers to all of these questions and more.
I managed to extract tons of great quotes out of this one, most of which have retained their relevance throughout all of these years. However, it IS impossible to keep up with the names (even in the same story), especially in the later, anecdote filled chapters derived from the writer's memory and circulating rumors and stories.
Also, this book might not appeal to the faint-...more
- Ho scoperto che la via del samurai è la morte. Quando sopraggiunge una crisi, davanti al dilemma tra vita o morte, è necessario scegliere subito la seconda. Non è difficile: basta semplicemente armarsi di coraggio e agire. Alcuni dicono che morire senza aver portato a termine la propria missione equivale a morire invano. Questa è la logica dei mercanti gonfi
d’orgoglio che tiranneggiano Osaka ed è solo un calcolo fallace, un’imitazione grottesca dell’etica dei samurai.
E’ quasi impossibile compi...more
I read a selection of parts from Hagakure in the final year of high school for my end paper. Now, I picked up this illustrated hardcover copy in Dutch, which will make for a nice reference. It turns out its nearly 300 pages contain only a modest selection of the original work, so I wonder how many Hagakures are actually completely unabridged.
The book is deservedly a classic of Japanese philosophy, and it gives a valuable contrast to works like Musashi's Book of Five Rings, who emphasises other p...more
The book is deservedly a classic of Japanese philosophy, and it gives a valuable contrast to works like Musashi's Book of Five Rings, who emphasises other p...more
I was drawn to this book for some timeless wisdom that may be found within. I highlight a few. Ultimately this book is less useful for general strategy or even for military strategy. It seems to be of interest from a purely historical and cultural interest, but that was not my goal when reading this book.
"It is a mistake to put forth effort and obtain some understanding and then stop at that. At first putting forth great effort to be sure that you have grasped the basics, then practicing so that...more
"It is a mistake to put forth effort and obtain some understanding and then stop at that. At first putting forth great effort to be sure that you have grasped the basics, then practicing so that...more
I enjoyed this very much. Reading it is very soothing, there is some excellent sage advice, and it's frequently hilarious, what with all the beheadings and whatnot. Slightly scary, but also hilarious.
It beats Marcus Auralius hands down (neck severed).
Favourite quotes: Human life is truly a short affair. It is better to live doing the things that you like. It is foolish to live within this dream of a world seeing unpleasantess and doing only things that you do not like. But it is important never...more
It beats Marcus Auralius hands down (neck severed).
Favourite quotes: Human life is truly a short affair. It is better to live doing the things that you like. It is foolish to live within this dream of a world seeing unpleasantess and doing only things that you do not like. But it is important never...more
There is much knowledge to be found here that is still applicable today in many different arenas, from how to conduct yourself while in public view, to perspective on self-discipline. While it is essentially a handbook for the code of the samurai, which would make it seem at first like a dated subject that would only interest historians and those interested in martial arts, it is similar to Miyamoto Musashi's "Book of Five Rings" in that a good amount of the views still hold true in the modern w...more
Outdated, irrelevant in many ways, and very disjointed, Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai should still be a fun read for anyone interested in Japanese history and Samurai. There are some applicable philosophical ideas contained in these pages, but it's nowhere near as influential or thorough as other dedicated philosophical works of the time.
Worth the read if you're looking for fun facts and snippets of a Samurai's way of life, but not quite the handbook I was expecting. It feels very medieval...more
Worth the read if you're looking for fun facts and snippets of a Samurai's way of life, but not quite the handbook I was expecting. It feels very medieval...more
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.
T...more
T...more
So, want to read a book written by a mid-level clerk about samurai that never existed in his own time? A book whose message was corrupted by the militaristic rulers of Japan following the Meiji Resotoration?
If so, you've found the book you are looking for. This is a steamy pile, so bring some fresh gloves. If your black belt instructor is making you read this, hit him (or her) in the knee with it and ask for your money back. This is a prime example of how something awful can be made uniquely te...more
If so, you've found the book you are looking for. This is a steamy pile, so bring some fresh gloves. If your black belt instructor is making you read this, hit him (or her) in the knee with it and ask for your money back. This is a prime example of how something awful can be made uniquely te...more
Feb 10, 2013
Yasiru
marked it as to-read
Found an interesting edition of this in the library- a graphic novel adaptation in the manga style based on Wilson's translation. I hope to read the text edition eventually, but this isn't bad so far. Through a series of anecdotes, Yamamoto Tsunemoto, now a Zen monk, elucidates the Code of the Samurai (Bushido) to a young disciple. The Samurai way as it turns out, demands an immediate, zero-tolerance approach to the slightest impropriety from one's peers and those inferior. This wouldn't be sust...more
Hagakure: Book of the Samurai was written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, a samurai who lived from 1659-1719. The version that I read was translated by William Scott Wilson.
The book was written in short thoughts and anecdotes, this combination gives the reader a look into not only the mind of the samurai but it also helps the reader understand the times and the culture of the samurai.
As one would expect there are many thoughts and stories about what death and honor meant to the samurai. But it also c...more
The book was written in short thoughts and anecdotes, this combination gives the reader a look into not only the mind of the samurai but it also helps the reader understand the times and the culture of the samurai.
As one would expect there are many thoughts and stories about what death and honor meant to the samurai. But it also c...more
In 1700 the credited author, Yamamoto Tsunetomo was granted permission to retire and became a Buddist priest rather than disemboweling himself in sympathy with his master’s death. In 1710, a young samurai scribe, Tashiro Tsuramoto, had been released from his duties and he spent the next 7 years recording the utterances of Yamamoto. They were arranged as a book title "Hagakure."
"The Book of the Samurai" contains 300 selections (from over 1,300) from "Hagakure," as translated by William Scott Wils...more
"The Book of the Samurai" contains 300 selections (from over 1,300) from "Hagakure," as translated by William Scott Wils...more
An interesting vision into the thoughts and reflections of a member of the samurai class from the 17th-18th century. Some real wisdom, some real insights, but also much that I found personally reprehensible from a social justice point-of-view (absolute obedience to one's lord to the point that one should breathe in and out the name of one's master is a sick form of idolatry and cannot be excused, nor can the class-based structure of the society). I believe in the warrior's code, and there was mu...more
To begin with it is not for everyone. It is disjointed and quite unreadable to a person who is unfamiliar with Japanese history and culture. With this understood, however, it is an excellent read. The Hagakure, or Book of the Samurai, lets the reader into the world of 17th and 18th century Japan. Written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, well written is actually inacurate. It was passed on to a visitor of Yamamoto's, who then transcribed it. Unfortunately it comes to us incomplete. This no doubt has aided...more
I began reading this with the air of a bit of a chore. It was fairly dry in its first initial chapters. I`m not sure exactly where it began to hook me but by around the 4th Chapter, I began to `get it`. This book is unlike the other Samurai Code book I`d read, the Book of five rings, which is mainly based on discipline & the perfection of the trade or art of the Samurai. This text on the other hand is a very pragmatic set of beliefs surrounding the role a Samurai plays & what that entail...more
The definitive book of my adult life.
This book was popularized in the film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, showing an assassin for the mob who lives according to the his interpretation of the principles of this book. That is how I first came across the book, and since then the book has been a central part of my life.
The book is some 300 excerpts from a total of about 1,300 dictated to Yamamoto's attendant over the course of 7 years, between 1710 and 1716. Yamamoto was a samurai born some 60...more
This book was popularized in the film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, showing an assassin for the mob who lives according to the his interpretation of the principles of this book. That is how I first came across the book, and since then the book has been a central part of my life.
The book is some 300 excerpts from a total of about 1,300 dictated to Yamamoto's attendant over the course of 7 years, between 1710 and 1716. Yamamoto was a samurai born some 60...more
Some nice quotes, but generally just wacky.: Anyone interested in Japanese feudalism and the arts
risen from it, not to mention WWII should read this
book, or at least read it on-line as it's available
in it's entirety on several sites.
Those who have seen the film Ghost Dog will have already
'read' the best quotes from the book, as there are some
delightfully quirky quotes in there.
Personally what I find most distasteful about hagakure
is that it is negatively Confucian. The Samurai's be all
and end-...more
risen from it, not to mention WWII should read this
book, or at least read it on-line as it's available
in it's entirety on several sites.
Those who have seen the film Ghost Dog will have already
'read' the best quotes from the book, as there are some
delightfully quirky quotes in there.
Personally what I find most distasteful about hagakure
is that it is negatively Confucian. The Samurai's be all
and end-...more
"Bushido: The way of the Samurai" by Yamamoto Tsunetomo is the words of a power samurai (Yamamoto Tsunetomo) in his final days. Most of the book entails battle tactics and stories of battles, but through this stories a message about how to live your life better is portrayed. Like most wise samurai, Yamamoto belived that aspects that are learned in the battle field are ones that can be used to everyday life. I found this book very interesting because i am very into the whole "war verus life" phil...more
"Хагакурэ" очень подобна работе Юдзана Дайдодзи "Будосёсинсю". Книга того же жанра и её целью является пропаганда полного подчинения и безукоризненного служения самураев своему господину. Кроме самого служения здесь как и в вышеуказанной книге есть призыв к воспитанию высоких морально-деловых качеств. Но так же как и в "Будосёсинсю" автор не раскрывает читателям более широкого и глубокого мировоззрения.
Я не считаю что данные древние учения помогут воспитать великих людей, так как эти учения очен...more
Я не считаю что данные древние учения помогут воспитать великих людей, так как эти учения очен...more
If you are interested in the samurai class and Bushido, then you should check this book out. A very deep book about the Way of the Samurai and various stories that present stories about the samurai and how there following of the code of Bushido. This books does not go about giving logical reasons for why the samurai were the way that they were because it follows more intuitive reasons as to why. This book is also a good presentation of the court life of the samurai.
This is not just a "manual for the samurai classes." The wisdom of it is pure and rarely found nowadays. Hardly anywhere else one could come across something like this:
"When faced with a crisis, if one puts some spittle on his earlobe and exhales deeply through his nose, he will overcome anything at hand. This is a secret matter. Furthermore, when experiencing a rush of blood to the head, if one puts spittle on the upper part of one's ear, it will soon go away."
"When faced with a crisis, if one puts some spittle on his earlobe and exhales deeply through his nose, he will overcome anything at hand. This is a secret matter. Furthermore, when experiencing a rush of blood to the head, if one puts spittle on the upper part of one's ear, it will soon go away."
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Yamamoto Tsunetomo, also known as Yamamoto Jōchō, was a samurai and monk whose collection of commentaries Hagakure (also known as 葉隱, 葉隠, In the Shadow of Leaves, Analects of Nabeshima, Bushido, The Book of the Samurai, The Art of the Samurai, or The Way of the Samurai) has become in the twentieth century one of the most famous books on samurai.
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“There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. There will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue. Live being true to the single purpose of the moment.”
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72 people liked it
“There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. But doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you will still get the same soaking. This understanding extends to everything.”
—
47 people liked it
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Jun 14, 2012 07:33pm
Jul 01, 2012 06:06pm