A fascinating, eclectic collection of writings--spanning four hundred
years--on samurai ethos, training, and education, from premier
translator Thomas Cleary
Through the ages, the samurai have been associated with honor,
fearlessness, calm, decisive action, strategic thinking, and martial
prowess. Their ethos is known as bushido, the Way of the
Warrior-Knight.
Here, premier translator Thomas Cleary presents a rich collection of
writings on bushido by warriors, scholars, political advisors, and
educators from the fifteenth century through the nineteenth century that
provide a comprehensive, historically rich view of samurai life and
philosophy. Training the Samurai Mind gives an insider's view of the
samurai world: the moral and psychological development of the warrior,
the ethical standards they were meant to uphold, their training in both
martial arts and strategy, and the enormous role that the traditions of
Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism had in influencing samurai
ideals.
The writings deal with a broad range of subjects--from military strategy
and political science, to personal discipline and character development.
Cleary introduces each piece, putting it into historical context, and
presents biographical information about the authors. This is an
essential read for anyone interested in military history and samurai
history, and for martial artists who want to understand strategy.
