Hagakure ("In the Shadow of Leaves"') is a manual for the samurai class, consisting of a series of short anecdotes and reflections that give both insight and instruction in the philosophy and code of behaviour that foster the true spirit of Bushido - the Way of the Warrior. The work represents an attitude far removed from our modern pragmatism and materialism, and possesses 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 die at 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 recognized as a classic exposition of samurai thought and came to influence many subsequent generations, including Yukio Mishima. This translation offers 300 selections that constitute the core texts of the 1,300 present in the original. Hagakure was featured prominently in the film Ghost Dog by Jim Jarmusch.
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"Hagakure became a kind of magical discovery for me, and 'hidden under its leaves' were some important gifts." --Jim Jarmusch, Director of Ghost Dog
"A classic of Japanese thought Poetic, robust a feast of aphorisms and martial anecdotes." --New York Review of Books
"The most influential of all samurai treatises ever written." --Ivan Morris, author and teacher in the field of Japanese Studies
"A classic of Japanese thought Poetic, robust a feast of aphorisms and martial anecdotes." --New York Review of Books
"The most influential of all samurai treatises ever written." --Ivan Morris, author and teacher in the field of Japanese Studies
From the Publisher
An invaluable guide to the discipline of thought and action required of those seeking to realise a focused and uncompromising life.
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First Sentence
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. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Hagakure may be familiar to anyone who has seen the film 'Ghost Dog'. It contains anecdotes relating to the way of the samurai, but can be (unfairly) summarised as follows: the way of the samurai lies in death, death must be contemplated on a daily basis, even the slightest example of disrespect should be met by immediate and fatal remedy. In particular, seppuku (hiri kiri) is the noble and glorious end to virtually all anecdotes.
It is a remarkable book, and probably the most interesting of the Samurai guides (eg Book of Five Rings). However, it should be remembered that Hagakure was considered exceptionally fundamentalist when it was written (17th century) and was disapproved of due to its overemphasis on death.
It was also a favourite text of Yukio Mishima, which if you know about Mishima, tells its own story.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
As an Iaido practitioner I was first interested in this book for it's relation to the Samurai. However, the further I got into it the more I realised it can be of interest for anyone. Although the text is obviously rooted in the world of medieval Japan, it is easy to read between the lines and see the relevance it offers people today. That is not to say it is a philosophy as such, but that it offers a fascinating insight into a truly insightful and original mind.
36 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Despite being written 300 years ago in Japan, this book contains so much wisdom and insight that can be successfully applied to modern life. It is very easy to read because it is made up of short passages usually only a paragraph long, so it is excellent to read a few pages at a time for a little inspiration. The stories are sometimes funny, and frequently confusing and illogical to the western mind which makes it a great read. This book is a great insight into the philosophy and mindset of the samurai. I would recommend it to anyone, and it makes a great gift.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
An ok book
It was ok, especially at a cheap price. Not really a 'novel' to get into. . . . . .
Published 1 month ago by John
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hagakure
An inspiring book filled with many inciteful anecdotes which are relevant to both the ancient Japanese times and also today. Read more
Published 3 months ago by The Cleaner
3.0 out of 5 stars
Read it, but be true to yourself
It seems to me that people are always looking for meaning and paths to follow, or the latest business fad and linkage to this culture or that civilization. Read more
Published 7 months ago by S. LEECH
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good
Very good book and easy to read. A must have aikido book for those who like the Art...
Ii is one of the best aikido books, togeter with Marios Gunter book -In between- are my... Read more
Ii is one of the best aikido books, togeter with Marios Gunter book -In between- are my... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Konstantinos
5.0 out of 5 stars
hagakure
Brought as a Christmas prsesent, but very prompt delievery, hopefully will be liked on Christmas day! I'm sure it will be
Published 17 months ago by anon
4.0 out of 5 stars
Death as the Meaning of Life
What we have here is a collection of three hundred of the original thirteen hundred aphorisms and short anecdotes related by a retired samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo, to a young... Read more
Published 17 months ago by A.G.
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Book of the Samurai
Very surprising read considering its going back to the 1716. A good addition to the book shelf that spends more time off than on.
Published 18 months ago by merry-terry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hagakure
I found this book to have some very interesting and useful information in it. Very good read and highly reccommended.
Published 21 months ago by Paul Alan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hagakure
`Hagakure' aka `The Book of the Samurai' is an old Japanese text with many anecdotes and passages formed into short paragraphs that impart the wisdom of the Samurai's way of life. Read more
Published on 1 Dec 2010 by Spider Monkey
4.0 out of 5 stars
A WARRIORS WISDOM
The Knowledge in this book is very specific to the time and culture from whence it came.For example a lot of the paragraphs talk of never allowing yourself to be disgraced,... Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2010 by PROCTOR 1
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