Exploring the Hagakure: Quotes from the Way of the Samurai
It really gives new meaning to the phrase:
"Don't judge a book by its cover"
Mostly, because it has no cover.
It's worn, stained, faded and the spine sports several layers of scotch tape.
Nevertheless, it's still one of my prized possessions.
Mainly, it's filled with Japanese aphorisms and proverbs.
The Hagakure
The Hagakure meaning Hidden by the Leaves is a collection of orations of Yamamoto Tsunetomo as a practical and spiritual guide for warriors.
Yamamoto himself was a former retainer of his master Nabeshima Mitsushige, and from 1709 to 1716 the teachings, stories, aphorisms and philosophies described by Yamamoto Tsunetomo were recorded by Tashiro Tsuramoto.
In essence, the orations rendered by Yamamoto detail the way of the Samurai which by that time was already beginning to disappear from Japanese culture.
This book has kept me company on my travels and through several relocations.
It's been quite a long time since I've taken it off the shelf and meditated on it's philosophical wisdom.
Taking it in my hands and flipping through the disintegrating pages I came across a feather I'd used as a makeshift bookmark many moons ago.
A small greyish feather, probably something I'd found amongst the driftwood in the Pacific Northwest, fit perfectly between the pages of this old relic.
It most likely belonged to a seagull rather than more majestic creature like an eagle.
I had a closer look at the page which read:
People will become your enemies if you become eminent too quickly in life, and you will be ineffectual. Rising slowly in the world, people will be your allies and your happiness will be assured.
In the long run, whether you are fast or slow, as long as you have people's understanding there will be no danger. It is said that fortune that is urged upon you from others is the most effective.
If you've ever seen the documentary
Jiru Dreams of Sushi
you'll remember that the sous-chef toiled in the kitchen for decades before being promoted or before even receiving a simple compliment from the master.
I admire this total devotion to craft present in the Japanese character, psyche and history.
Most people today who need instant gratification on a minute-to-minute basis, could never achieve this level of unwavering dedication.
I like to think that this is true of the Steem community as well.
By rising slowly up the ranks, accumulating Steem-Power and accumulating allies along the way, we can achieve our goals on the platform.
Ancient Wisdom
I'm hoping to bring you more from the Hagakure in upcoming posts. Maybe just a few lines here and there to meditate on, or perhaps applying the teachings to the present day.
However it materializes, I hope you join me here and I look forward to any comments or feedback you might have for me.
Peace
Wow, that book looks so old and cool! I'm a person who really interested in Japanee culture but I've never heard of this book. I should check it! Thanks for the information :)
Your welcome!
It's my favorite book of proverbs and it gives you a window into Samurai culture. I also love reading books from waayyy back :)
Back when I was a teenager I would practice martial arts everyday and sleep on the floor with no blanket and read myself to sleep with the Hagakure.
Good times.
Just added this book to my read list. Fantastic! I trained in Japanese martial arts for eight years (primarily Shotokan). I always admired the philosophy and lifestyle behind the traditional training approaches, dating back to the time of the samurai.
Wow.. Really awesome post..