Hagakure: Book of the Samurai Yamamoto Tsunetomo 2nd version, revised January 2005 Contents About this ebook iii Preface iv 1 Although it stands 1 2 It is said that 52 3 Lord Naoshige once said 77 4 When Nabeshima Tadanao 79 5 No text 82 6 When Lord Takanobu 83 i 7 Narutomi Hyogo said 90 8 On the night of the thirteenth day 104 9 When Shimomura Shoun 124 10 There was a certain retainer 134 11 In the “Notes on Martial Laws” 151 12 Late night idle talk 166 About this ebook This is the first release of the book and Lapo would appre- ciate if you inform him of any spelling or typographic error via email at
[email protected]. Acknowledgement Lapo expresses his gratitude for spelling corrections to: Oliver Oppitz. iii Preface Hagakure is the essential book of the Samurai. Written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, who was a Samurai in the early 1700s, it is a book that combines the teachings of both Zen and Con- fucianism. These philosophies are centered on loyalty, devotion, purity and selflessness, and Yamamoto places a strong emphasis on the notion of living in the present moment with a strong and clear mind. The Samurai were knights who defended and fought for their lords at a time when useful farming land was scarce and in need of protection. They believed in duty, and gave themselves completely to their masters. The Samurai believed that only after transcending all fear could they obtain peace of mind and yield the power to serve their masters faithfully and loyally even iv in the face of death.