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.

Product Description: This masterfully crafted guide to ninjitsu or budo explore in depth the history, culture and philosophy of this fascinating and enduring Japanese martial art.Budo is one of the least understood forms of art in the world. Even more than skills or techniques, the teachings of budo require faith to learn and courage to understand...read more

Through the ages, the samurai have been associated with honor, fearlessness, calm, decisive action, strategic thinking, and martial prowess. Their ethos is known as bushido, the Way of the Warrior-Knight. Here, premier translator Thomas Cleary presents a rich collection of writings on bushido by warriors, scholars, political advisors, and educators from the fifteenth century through the nineteenth century that provide a comprehensive, historically rich view of samurai life and philosophy. Training the Samurai Mind gives an insider's view of the samurai world: the moral and psychological development of the warrior, the ethical standards they were meant to uphold, their training in both martial arts and strategy, and the enormous role that the traditions of Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism had in influencing samurai ideals. The writings deal with a broad range of subjects—from military strategy and political science, to personal discipline and character development. Cleary introduces each piece, putting it into historical context, and presents biographical information about the authors. This is an essential read for anyone interested in military history and samurai history, and for martial artists who want to understand strategy.  

Discusses the impact of ancient Japanese philosophy and the ancient strategies of the art of war on Japanese attitudes and behavior in social, business, political, and personal life

Looks at the seven values that make up the code of the samurai.

Product Description: It is a goal for many practitioners of martial arts to study with masters in Japan. But it is not so simple for a Westerner to simply show up and sign up. There are rules and customs to be followed. As a Westerner who did study in Japan, author David Jones will help guide you through the pitfalls and achieve an invaluable learning experience...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Offers a modern translation of the four-hundred-year-old set of rules and guidelines followed by Japanese samurai warriors, and looks at their relevance to modern life and business (view table of contents)

Describes stages in the ethical development of a Japanese samurai, and explains how to use those values to find fulfillment in everyday life

Product Description: First Published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company. (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III RECTITUDE OR JUSTICE HERE we discern the most cogent precept in the code of the samurai...read more

Discusses the impact of ancient Japanese philosophy and the ancient strategies of the art of war on Japanese attitudes and behavior in social, business, political, and personal life.

Product Description: Offers a modern translation of the four-hundred-year-old set of rules and guidelines followed by Japanese samurai warriors, and looks at their relevance to modern life and business