Overview

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. Alexander Bennett's completely new and highly readable translation of this essential work is the most complete version of the Hagakure published to date. 

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9784805311981

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the most impressive part of the book for us was Bennett's introductory chapter It puts the <i>Hagakure</i> into its proper historical and social setting as well as examining 'bushido' [ ] with a critical eye and a look at how Jocho'

This is a great book for anyone looking for a more centered way of life, or just some good advice about living. --Sacramento Book Review

Dr. Bennett possesses a profound knowledge of, and deep insight into, the world of Japanese bushido. This expertise has been enhanced by his extensive practical experience of the traditional martial arts of Japan, and his proficiency in this domain is highly acclaimed. --Tetsuo Yamaori, former Director of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies Alex Bennett has produced the first truly authoritative translation and analysis of Hagakure--perhaps the most famous text ever written about samurai honor--to appear in any Western language. Simultaneously erudite and accessible, this volume belongs on the bookshelves of anyone--scholar or hobbyist alike--interested in samurai culture, or modern perceptions thereof. --Dr. Karl F. Friday, author of Samurai, Warfare and the State in Early Medieval Japan and Japan Emerging: Premodern History to 1850 [A] strong point is a scholarly and succinct introduction that grounds the work in historical and social context, equipping the reader with a cultural map of Yamamoto's world. Footnotes provide valuable background and add resonance throughout, keeping names and familial relations straight, highlighting pertinent cross-references and generally rendering the work accessible to contemporary readers. --The Japan Times [Alex Bennett] is the very best writer on martial arts alive today and [his] work needs to be showcased to the general public. --Don Warrener, President, Budo International ...the most impressive part of the book for us was Bennett's introductory chapter...It puts the Hagakure into its proper historical and social setting as well as examining 'bushido' [...] with a critical eye and a look at how Jocho's life experiences and psychology is reflected in the work--and does so elegantly and brilliantly. This translation is well worth picking up just on the strength of this chapter. --TheShogunsHouse.com blog

Author Information

Alexander Bennett holds doctorates from the University of Canterbury and Kyoto University. He has worked for the International Research Center for Japanese Studies and is currently Associate Professor at Kansai University's Department of International Affairs. He frequently lectures on Japanese martial culture and is Vice President of the International Naginata Federation and a committee member of the All Japan Kendo Federation, as well as director of the Japanese Academy of Budo. He is also the head coach of New Zealand Kendo. His recent publications include Naginata: the Definitive Guide, Budo Perspectives, The History and Spirit of Budo and The Bushido That Japanese Don't Know (in Japanese).

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