Samurai Wisdom - by Thomas Cleary (Paperback)

About the Book

Five Classic Texts on Bushido

Book Synopsis

The ancient warrior culture of Japan produced a sophisticated martial philosophy that we know today as Bushido--the Way of the Warrior. In Samurai Wisdom, author Thomas Cleary provides five critical new translations of major Japanese works on Bushido.

The writings of the scholar Yamaga Soko and his disciples are among the most lucid expositions we have of the core ideas and philosophy underlying the Samurai's disciplined way of life and outlook. Together they provide an in-depth, practical guide to character building and conduct according to the precepts of Bushido--a code for professional warriors that retains as much relevance in today's world as it had when these works were written 400 years ago.

Yamaga's writings inspired the transformation of the Samurai from a feudal class of warriors under the command of the Shogun to a group of prominent individuals with significant intellectual, political and moral leadership and influence. The works translated in Samurai Wisdom for the very first time are as timeless and essential today as the works of Sun Tzu, Musashi and Clausewitz.

The five Japanese works on Bushido translated in Samurai Wisdom are:

• The Way of the Knight by Yamaga Soko
• The Warrior's Rule by Tsugaru Kodo-shi
• Essentials of Military Matters compiled by Yamaga Takatsune
• The Education of Warriors by Yamaga Soko
• Primer of Martial Education by Yamaga Soko

Review Quotes

"...presents modern versions of five texts on the traditional Japanese martial ways." --Black Belt magazine

"Samurai Wisdom is absolutely excellent. Not only does this book provide the reader with a deep understanding of the samurai mind and their values, but if studied and applied, it also provides the reader with many valuable principles to live by in today's world. This is one of Thomas Cleary's best books." --Bodhi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior's Path

"[A] refreshing look at the life of the samurai, his history, his way of thinking, the reason & benefits for living the way they did & a deep insight into their minds." --Terry Tozer, Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate Academy (TJSKA)

"A collection of five classic books on 'bushido, ' or Japanese warrior culture. Whereas stoicism influenced Western ideas about what it means to be a man, in Japan, Confucian elements shaped the ideal of a warrior. Were this guide rewritten as a modern book, it would be an excellent guide on what it means to be an upright man." -- The Epoch Times

"These books provide a fascinating glimpse into the psyche of Edo period samurai and their struggles to retain the skills of war while remaining relevant in a time of peace, and they're also very affordable." --TheShogunsHouse.com blog

About the Author

Thomas Cleary is one of the best known and most accomplished translators of the ancient wisdom of Asia. His work includes The Art of War, The Book of Five Rings, Code of the Samurai, Soul of the Samurai and Secrets of the Japanese Art of Warfare, as well as over 70 other books on Asian military history and philosophy, Buddhism and Taoism.