Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai

The principal pillars of Bushido—the Samurai warrior's code—are loyalty, filial piety, bravery and mercy. Tsunetomo Yamamoto, the author of the Hagakure , lived his life based on these principles and was willing to sacrifice his own life for them when his liege and master died. However, Shogunate law forbade Samurai retainers from taking their lives in this way, so Yamamoto became a monk instead—spending the last years of his life in seclusion recording his wisdom and insights in the Hagakure for the teaching and training of future Samurai warriors in the essence of Bushido. Written nearly 300 years ago, the Hagakure is one of the most influential of all Japanese texts. Its power has been felt throughout the world, and yet its existence is barely known to Westerners. Alex Bennett's completely new and highly readable translation of this essential work is the only full version of the Hagakure published to date. This is the first translation to include the complete first two books of the Hagakure , and the most authentic passages of the third book. It contains extensive footnotes that fill in many cultural and historical gaps found in previous translations. The combination of readability and scholarship gives Bennett's translation a distinct advantage over all earlier English editions of this work. Reading this compendium of tales by a faithful and devoted Samurai provides unique insights into the nature of Samurai service and the warrior's role in Japanese history and society.

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