When it comes to books on samurai philosphy, Hagakure is iconic to contemporary readers. But Budōshoshinshū, which was also written by a respected samurai during the Edo period, was equally influential at the time. Both works address the warrior's role in times of peace and emphasize the importance of living selflessly. Written by Daidōji Yūzan (1639-1730), a Confucian scholoar who descended from a long line of prominent warriors, Budōshoshinshū comprises 56 pithy instructive essays for young samurai on how to live (...) morally, with professional integrity and a higher purpose; to carry on the true chivalrous tradition of bushido. Budōshoshinshū is imbued with classic Confucian philosophy, centered on living one's life with sincerity and loyalty. (shrink)

The 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.

Immerse yourself in the world of the Samurai with this classic text. Code of the Samurai is the 350-year-old summary of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido-the ancient Japanese "Way of the Warrior." Written by Taira Shigesuke, a Samurai and prominent teacher of military techniques, it was published posthumously in 1834. This influential book was intended as a training manual for young Samurai, outlining personal and professional standards. This accessible and enjoyable translation is by Thomas Cleary, the foremost translator (...) of Asian martial classics, accompanied by the powerful line drawings of master illustrator Oscar Ratti. A new foreword by Alexander Bennett, a leading expert on Samurai history, explains the lasting importance of this classic work and its place within the canon of Japanese literature. (shrink)

For almost 700 years shoguns ruled Japan. These "gentleman warriors" developed a dedicated system of honor and strict guidlelines of behavior that Taira Shigesuke first brought together in his 16th century book—Bushido Shoshinshu. Present to a modern audience in clear, easy-to-read English, this new translation captures the majesty of the higher principles as well as the usefulness of the daily advice. From principles such as "a samurai should keep foremost in his mind the fact that he must die" to rules (...) regarding duty, personal obligation and even money management, this book sets out the guidelines that defined Japan's "way of the warrior." Honor and obligation are emphasised above all to the reader, who is taught that a samurai is expected to be indifferenet to pain, unquestioningly loyal, and an expert in his training. (shrink)

One who is a Samurai must before all things keep constantly in mind, by day and by night ... the fact that he is going to die.