A man is a good retainer to the extent that he earnestly places importance in his master. This is th highest sort of retainer.
If one is born into a prominent family that goes back for generations, it is sufficient to deply consider the matter of obligation to one's ancestors, to lay down one's body and mind, and earnestly esteem one's master.
It is further good fortune if, more than this, one has wisdom and talent and can use them appropriately.
But even a person who is good for nothing and exceedingly clumsy will be a reliable retainer if only he has the determination to think earnestly of his master.
Having only wisdom is the lowest tier of usefulness.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Second Quote fron The Hagakure (Book of the Samurai)
The Way of the Samurais is found int death. When it comes to it either / or, there is only the quick choice of death.
It is not particularly difficult. Be detemined and advance.
To say that dying without reaching one's aim is to die a dog's death is the frivolous way of sophisticates.
When pressed with the choice of life or death, it is not necessary to gain one's aim.
We all want to live. And in a large part we make our logic according to what we like. But having not attained our aim and continuing to live is cowardice.
This is a thin dangerous line. To die without acheiving ones aim is a dog's death and fanatacism. But there is no shame in this.
This is a substance of the Way of the Samrai.
If by setting one's heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though his body were already dead, he gains freedom in the Way. His whole life will be without blame, and he will succeed in his calling.
It is not particularly difficult. Be detemined and advance.
To say that dying without reaching one's aim is to die a dog's death is the frivolous way of sophisticates.
When pressed with the choice of life or death, it is not necessary to gain one's aim.
We all want to live. And in a large part we make our logic according to what we like. But having not attained our aim and continuing to live is cowardice.
This is a thin dangerous line. To die without acheiving ones aim is a dog's death and fanatacism. But there is no shame in this.
This is a substance of the Way of the Samrai.
If by setting one's heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though his body were already dead, he gains freedom in the Way. His whole life will be without blame, and he will succeed in his calling.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
First Quote from the Hagakure (Book of the Samurai)
Although it stands to reason that a samurai should be mindful of the Way of the Samurai, it would seem that we are all negligent.
consequently, if someone were to ask, "What is the true meaning of the Way of the Samurai?" the person who would be able to answer proptly is rare.
This is because it has not been established in one's mind beforehand. From this one's unmindfulness of the way can be known.
Negligence is an extreme thing.
consequently, if someone were to ask, "What is the true meaning of the Way of the Samurai?" the person who would be able to answer proptly is rare.
This is because it has not been established in one's mind beforehand. From this one's unmindfulness of the way can be known.
Negligence is an extreme thing.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
A Background to the The Hagakure
Hagakure ("In the Shadow of Leaves") is a manual for the Samurai classes consisting of a series of short anecdotes and reflections that give bath insight in te philosophy and code of behaviour that foster the true spirit of Bushido - the way of the warrior. 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 order.
The work represents an attitude far removed from our modern pragmatism and materialism, and posesses 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 dieat 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 recognised as a classic exposition of samurai thought and came to influence many subsequent generations, including Yukio Mishima.
The author Yamamoto Tsunetomo (1659-1719) was a samurai retainer of the Nabeshima Clan, Lords of Hizen province, who became a Buddist monk in 1700 after the death of his lord. The book was dedicated to a younger samurai during the author's seclusion over a seven year period.
The work represents an attitude far removed from our modern pragmatism and materialism, and posesses 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 dieat 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 recognised as a classic exposition of samurai thought and came to influence many subsequent generations, including Yukio Mishima.
The author Yamamoto Tsunetomo (1659-1719) was a samurai retainer of the Nabeshima Clan, Lords of Hizen province, who became a Buddist monk in 1700 after the death of his lord. The book was dedicated to a younger samurai during the author's seclusion over a seven year period.
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