The Book of Samurai

The hardcover book in its looks, looks good and expensive with its gold lettering. The content seemed authentic and true and this book is a must to have for any Samurai lover

Fanatico di giappone e di arti marziali, è il libro giusto per aumentare la mia conoscenza.

Since I am a huge fan of samurai movies, this review cannot hope to be impartial. This book however really fills an important void. Translations of day to day life of samurai are few and far between, and this book is an English translation of an original manuscript from the Natori-Ryo school of samurai. This book is a veritable how-to manual, a text book, on what it means to be a samurai and how the samurai are supposed to handle themselves. It is a code of conduct, invaluable. It is not simply because it describes the various protocols of what the samurai should do in specific situations and conduct themselves as a samurai. This text delves deep into what it means to be a samurai. Some of these qualities are easy. Loyalty and Honor top the list. But the text lists other qualitites that must be possessed by any samurai: Trustworthy Reliable A sense of Self-Sacrifice Devotion A sense of Justice, usually employed in situations where revenge is justified. Does not give into lust of greed. Is Discrete Is cautious Avoids being arrogant. Speaks the Truth Doesn’t spread rumors Keeps promises. The text dives deeper in what it means to be a samurai. The way of the samurai was the warrior’s code. The text goes into great detail on when to confront the enemy, how the enemy is to be killed, when, under what circumstances, the weapons used, even to the point where the text explains when certain garments are put on, in what order, and who is to assist the samurai warrior. A good part of the text deals with war strategies. Who dies, when the enemy should be taken prisoner, and other topics. The text begins in the very beginning of the Daoist Way. Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita despairs because he cannot go into battle and has Krishna convince him that as a warrior this is dharma in which Arjuna must follow. The samurai is a warrior. The Samurai must always be conscious of his chi, the vital force inherent in all things and objects in the universe. Even though the way of life is incredibly bloody, the samurai’s chi is being a Warrior. That is his calling, that is his chi. An incredible text by any measure, it is highly recommended for any reader.

Excellent book for the samurai enthusiast or history buff, or anyone interested in martial arts who wants to know how a samurai was trained in an authentic military school.

Muy interesante. Muestra muchos detalles, costumbres, conocimientos y creencias de la época. Da consejos sobre supervivencia, etiqueta, tratamiento de los sirvientes, etc. Merece la pena como documento histórico.

For me is one of the most interesting books about Samurai life style .Less obscure than other historical books. Is a real handbook. For me esa a discovery.