Hagakure - The Book of the Samurai

Hagakure - The Book of the Samurai

The Way of the Samurai is found in death. When it comes to either/or, there is only the quick choice of
death. It is not particularly difficult. Be determined 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 large part we make our logic according to what we like. But not having
attained our aim and continuing to live is cowardice. This is a thin dangerous line. To die without gaming
one's aim is a dog's death and fanaticism. But there is no shame in this. This is the substance of the Way
of the Samurai. If by setting one's heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though
his body were already dead, he pains freedom in the Way. His whole life will be without blame, and he
will succeed in his calling.

A man is a good retainer to the extent that he earnestly places importance in his master. This is the
highest sort of retainer. If one is born into a prominent family that goes back for generations, it is
sufficient to deeply consider the matter of obligation to one's ancestors, to lay down one's body and
mind, and to 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 and talent is the lowest tier of usefulness.

According to their nature, there are both people who have quick intelligence, and those who must
withdraw and take time to think things over. Looking into this thoroughly, if one thinks selflessly and
adheres to the four vows of the Nabeshima samurai, surprising wisdom will occur regardless of the high
or low points of one's nature.'

People think that they can clear up profound matters if they consider them deeply, but they exercise
perverse thoughts and come to no good because they do their reflecting with only self-interest at the
center.

It is difficult for a fool's habits to change to selflessness. In confronting a matter, however, if at first you
leave it alone, fix the four vows in your heart, exclude self-interest, and make an effort, you will not go
far from your mark.

Because we do most things relying only on our own sagacity we become self-interested, turn our backs
on reason, and things do not turn out well. As seen by other people this is sordid, weak, narrow and
inefficient. When one is not capable of true intelligence, it is good to consult with someone of good sense.
An advisor will fulfill the Way when he makes a decision by selfless and frank intelligence because he is
not personally involved. This way of doing things will certainly be seen by others as being strongly
rooted. It is, for example, like a large tree with many roots. One man's intelligence is like a tree that has
been simply stuck in the ground.

We learn about the sayings and deeds of the men of old in order to entrust ourselves to their wisdom and
prevent selfishness. When we throw off our own bias, follow the sayings of the ancients, and confer with
other people, matters should go well and without mishap. Lord Katsushige borrowed from the wisdom of
Lord Naoshige. This is mentioned in the Ohanashikikigaki. We should be grateful for his concern.

"In the Saint's mausoleum there is a poem that goes :
If in one's heart
He follows the path of sincerity,
Though he does not pray
Will not the gods protect him?
What is this path of sincerity?"
A man answered him by saying,
"You seem to like poetry. I will answer you with a poem.
As everything in this world is but a shame,
Death is the only sincerity.
It is said that becoming as a dead man in one's daily living is the following of the path of sincerity."

Review

"A Classic of Japanese thought….Poetic, robust…a feast of aphorisms and martial anecdotes." -- New York Review of Books

"A fascinating glimpse into another place and time." -- Library Journal

"A guidebook and inspiration for ... anyone interested in achieving a courageous and transcendent understanding of life." -- East West Journal

"HAGAKURE became a kind of magical discovery for me, and ‘hidden under its leaves’ were some important gifts." -- Jim Jarmusch

"The most influential of all samurai treatises ever written. " -- Prof. Ivan Morris

"Yamamoto brought together three temperaments: loyalty to his master, a literary sensibility, and the enlightenment of Zen." -- Choice

:wave: