Average customer rating:
- Best Version on this Subject
- Easy to Read - Difficult to Apply
- A Great Introduction to Bushido
- idealized self aggrandisement that covers over ugly realities
- Very Cool Stuff
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Bushido: The Way of the Samurai (Square One Classics)
Tsunetomo Yamamoto
Manufacturer: Square One Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0757000266 |
Book Description
In eighteenth-century Japan, Tsunetomo Yamamoto created the Hagakure, a document that served as the basis for samurai warrior behavior. Its guiding principles greatly influenced the Japanese ruling class and shaped the underlying character of the Japanese psyche, from businessmen to soldiers.
Bushido is the first English translation of the Hagakure. This work provides a powerful message aimed at the mind and spirit of the samurai warrior. It offers beliefs that are difficult for the Western mind to embrace, yet fascinating in their pursuit of absolute service. With Bushido, one can better put into perspective Japan's historical path and gain greater insight into the Japan of today.
Customer Reviews:
Best Version on this Subject.......2007-07-22
I can't better the other review below except to say that this translation of the Bushido is far easier to read, understand, digest and put into daily practice than the hoards of other versions of "Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai by Tsunetomo Yamamoto" which this book is based upon.
Despite a totally different translation, nothing is lost when you put the two books side by side and compare them to each other.
By the way, the title "Bushi-do" does not mean "Hidden behind the Leaves", that is the translation of the "Hagakure". Any martial artist worth his salt will easily recognise the two parts of the word: Bushi (Warrior) & do (the way) - The Way of the Warrior (or Samurai).
Easy to Read - Difficult to Apply.......2007-07-19
Bushido: The Way of the Samurai (Square One Classics) is a superb little book that makes some important points. However, it is all too easy to take what it has to say out of context. The time and place to which it was literally relevant has long since passed. What it has to say about the values one should live by and how one should carry out their mission in life are, on the other hand, timeless.
The same can be said of another important Japanese classic: The Book of Five Rings. Both of these books are important from a philosophical point of view, but difficult to really understand for those who are not immersed in Japanese culture. Both spring from the philosophy of Zen and both do a good job of showing its application is a time of constant warfare and personal danger.
A good choice to put the advice of the Zen warriors into perspective is the book Bushido, the Soul of Japan which gives a broader look at the philosophy and its roots. What Zen is all about and how it may be applied in everyday life - how compatible it is with other philosophies and religions - is well presented.
All three of these books have been bound together into one book: The Samurai Series: The Book of Five Rings, Hagakure -The Way of the Samurai & Bushido - The Soul of Japan, which I can recommend without reservation. Together, these three books add up to much more than the sum of the parts. They are truly synergistic.
A Great Introduction to Bushido.......2007-03-14
If you want an easy to read book that gives you the basic precepts of Bushido, this will be the book for you.
idealized self aggrandisement that covers over ugly realities.......2007-03-13
This is one of those basic tracts that is given to those who move to Japan, as a view into how things are supposed to work. While it sounds very good when you read it - there are indeed wonderful codes to live by that are elegantly expressed - once you have lived there for a few months you see that it has less (and more) to do with everyday life than meets the eye.
Afterall, there are two levels when dealing with Japan: Tatemae, the syrupy feel-good version of things that saves everyone's "face", and Honne, which is the way people really feel about things; the former gets pounded into your head at the office, the latter you elicit slowly when you go to the bars after work and get drunk. However, Tatemae is a useful tool for bureaucracies, as it is the official way things are supposed to appear to function, complete with a code for the behavior that one should simulate, no matter how differently (or alienated) one feels underneath. The "Bushido" is the purest Tatemae, an instrument of control that is wielded but has little personal meaning beyond that. In my opinion - and I witnessed this often while living in Japan - all the talk of honor and value and loyalty is just that: mere words to mask brutal authoritarianism and mindless obedience to one's place in the hierarchy. As such, there are very interesting things to learn here about how people choose (or submit to a compulsion from without) to behave, but it will not teach the reader about how they feel inside.
Recommended, but don't take it at face value. I wish I could sound more inspired and interested about Japan, but having lived there, I know the ugliness underneath from experience.
Very Cool Stuff .......2007-01-14
The book is full of a collection of thoughs/ideas in the length of one to two paragraphs each. These ideas are passed on to us from some of the great Samurai containing their philosophy on life, death, honor etc.
Amazon.com
Dr. Richard McCall, a psychologist who teaches martial arts principles to professionals, turns his attention exclusively to the fiscal battlefield in The Way of the Warrior-Trader: The Financial Risk- Taker's Guide to Samurai Courage, Confidence and Discipline. Likening today's high-performance traders to Japan's legendary samurai, he combines personal anecdotes with success stories to show why the mind is the most important weapon in both arsenals--and how it can best be used in battle.
Book Description
Trading is war, an ongoing battle against other traders to get to profitable positions first, seize profits and move on to the next battle. The Way of the Warrior Trader applies time-honored precepts of the samurai discipline to modern trading, showing the reader ways to use centuries-old methods for victory in today's trading markets. The Way of the Warrior Trader: Provides a six step action plan for trading; Explains how to recover psychologically from a loss; Describes how to overcome the deep-seated psychological barriers to effective trading.
Customer Reviews:
Waste of money and time.......2007-09-18
Dont get trapped by the title.Its total waste of time and money.I agree with the ideas which author was trying to convey which i interpreted based on my own trading experience.Unfortunately very poor in presenting his ideas.May be author should stick to martial art which he is good at and leave the trading warriors to decide and do what is good for them.
Review of the Way of the Warrior Trader.......2007-03-09
This is a good book. Its a little out there, but if you keep an open mind, it can open up many new possibilities for you. It is easy to read and his stories are quite entertaining and poignant. If you are one on the lucky people to purchase this, you are in for quite a treat.
It's about the way you think.......2007-01-27
Dr. McCall's book is about developing a warrior mindset. The Way of the Warrior Trader is mostly written for "professional risk takers". However, you don't have to be trading options or stocks to gain from this book.
Warrior trader or warrior homemaker, it doesn't matter. The main takeaway from this book that you can develop the courage, confidence and discipline to master any area of your life or goals that you may have set.
Also, to answer one of the harsh critics below--Dr. McCall does not try to dupe anyone or take their money with nefarious intent.
I attended a several day workshop that Dr. McCall gave on Warrior Trading. We simulated trading and quick decision making at the craps tables in Tunica, Mississippi. My wife and I gained much insight into our personalities and money styles. When the workshop was completed I had not spent a dime on food and lodging. Dr. McCall did not ask for any money from us or hit us up for any additional money for ongoing training.
Straight up guy and straight up advice in the book.
I Live by the precepts within this book.......2006-09-26
These lessons, presented by Dr McCall, in his perennial best seller The "Way of the Warrior Trader" have been marketed to, widely accepted and utilized successfully by market players trading a wide variety of financial instruments. Also by championship level marshal artists, casino gamblers as well as poker players like me. Simply stated these ancient Marshall lessons hold the keys to unlocking the untold potential held within us all and will guide us toward developing, will power, a fighting spirit that is designed to win, and a unbelievably strong yet calm inner being.
This spirit, known as "Heijoshin kore michi" or "a calm every day spirit" is one every successful player knows he must attain to win consistently in any arena of financial risk taking. One who has attained such a spirit is briefly described as such. "Even if he looks to death in the eye, he must remain the same and act directly: confidently, calmly and imperturbably outward, wide awake and attentively inward."
Following these lessons and doing the exercises therein will increase your ability to choose and correctly use the skills you have already developed with confidence and clarity. It will also be helpful in increasing your ability to use these skills optimally. Especially while dealing with contingencies and the stress that results as they come into play ... These lessons and exercises will also drastically reduce the learning curve normally associated with developing new skills.
In as much this program will work for any task whether it is transitioning from poker proficiency to greatness or trading profitably and constantly in the markets. In fact it will work for any challenging endeavor whatsoever. It does so through a method for defining, maintaining and focusing clearly on the goals and sub goals that exist on your road to success.
If you find yourself switching from failed system to failing system isnt it about time you quit working to find a new system and start working on finding a new real core that lies at the heart of every trading system, That is the individual executing it?
This Book directs you on how to start doing exactly that.
Beware of superbookdeals seller.......2006-06-19
If you want to buy the book, go ahead, just be careful of superbookdeals, they take your money but don't deliver and don't answer emails. Caveat Emptor.
Book Description
The Samurai Series brings together three of the most important books that deal with the Samurai path and philosophy into one volume. It contains:
The Book of Five Rings which was written by Miyamoto Musashi, a Samurai of legendary renown, about 1645 AD. It is a masterpiece of simple exposition written by a master swordsman, who, near the end of his spectacular life, tried earnestly to explain the essentials of individual combat and the essence of being a Samurai. His book is widely considered to a cornerstone of the philosophy of Bushido.
Hagakure - The Way of the Samurai, which means: "Hidden by Leaves", that was composed from dialogs by the famous Samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo, by a scribe, Tashiro Tsuramoto, about 1716 AD. It explains the major ideas and philosophy that are essential to the "way of the Samurai", by which is meant the "way of dying". It contains numerous tales of various Samurai and their deeds which illustrate their philosophy and practice.
Bushido - The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe which was first published 1899. It is an extremely literate presentation by a Japanese intellectual who wished to present Japan and its fundamental philosophy in a way that could be understood by Westerners. It describes how the Shinto Religion and Buddhism are the underpinnings of the essentially militaristic view of honor and life that are inherent in Bushido, the Samurai code.
Customer Reviews:
A Real Bargain!.......2007-07-11
Here you have 3 really good books in one cover:
"The Book of Five Rings"
"Hagakure - The Way of the Samurai"
and
"Bushido - The Soul of Japan"
The Japanese view of warfare, honor and beauty are intertwined with Zen Buddhism and forms the unique philosophy of Bushido. This assembly of three famous books does a great job of presenting the philosophy of Bushido in a much more complete manner that any one of them by itself. Each of these books is a classic, in and of itself, and is worth the price all by itself, but to get 3 for 1 - What a deal!
Great Combination! - 3 Books in 1.......2007-01-02
All three of the books contained in this one volume really should be in the collection of anyone interested in Japanese philosophy, religion or martial arts. It is not often that three really good books get bundled together into one volume but to have three classics together is really extraordinary.
The reflections of a master swordsman, the advice of a proper old Samurai and the explanations of a well-traveled scholar fit together synergistically; they add up to much more than the sum of the parts. Although the writers were separated from each other in time, they are united in a coherent view of what constitutes proper conduct and honor. There is enough difference in their styles of expression to illuminate points that might otherwise be obscure and at the same time provide some interesting juxtapositions.
Those who are already familiar with one or more of the books contained in this volume will find that having all three of them together is a real plus. Each, on its own, is an important little book; the three of them together form an important big book.
This is my new favorite book!.......2006-12-08
I was so happy for Amazon's fast shipping. I have been eye-balling The Book of Five Rings for quite some time. I've been on a personal quest to understand the history and philosophy of the Samurai, but I confess to not having a lot of time to read any more. Most of my reading ends up being in an airport waiting for a flight. Needless to say, the last thing I need is a bunch of hardcover books to haul around.
I saw this volume and had to do a little Snoopy Dance. Not only did I finally get to read "The Book of Five Rings", but I went on and read "Hagakure" and "Bushido". I feel like I have a real understanding, or at least as much as someone from the West can have about the Samurai's philosophy and way of life. Kudos to Amazon for finding this gem.
Book Description
Directly from the creator of The Washington Post's Samurai Sudoku puzzles, this book brings you 80 Samurai Sudoku puzzles and 20 Samurai X Sudoku puzzles in 4 levels of difficulty, plus one bonus Killer Samurai Sudoku puzzle. Samurai puzzles provide five times the challenge, fun and satisfaction!
Customer Reviews:
Some good insights not obvious to martial arts beginners.......2006-06-21
Deshimaru Roshi (Master Deshimaru) teaches a few lessons on Zen, and its connection to the tradition of martial arts in Japan. He explains that without cultivating the spirit, any martial arts is just a sport which could eventually deplete the body of energy. Instead, the samurai in medieval Japan were taught martial skill and civil education (caligraphy, history, music, etc.). Unfortunately, he says, the real spirit is going away even in Japan, let alone in the West. He shares some nice stories - he has a preference for cats, it seems :). Cultivating the mind through zazen practice is at least as important as practicing a martial art!
These being said, these book is not a practical manual - they are questions and answers from a public event in 1975 - probably Taisen Deshimaru has written better suited for that pupose. However, the martial arts beginners could use it to understand what every martial art grand master says: it's not at all about fighting!
Essential reading if you aspire true Bushido.......2005-01-02
Marial arts have for the most part sunk into mere sport. True, traditional martial arts training strengthens Ki, destroys egoism and fear, moves the student beyond dualism, and develops a consciousness that has forgotten the self. This slim book is a jewel for those willing to start this arduous life long journey.
Somewhat Good.......2004-05-08
I felt this book was pretty good. It is easy to read with its conversational tone. There was no new information that I found in the book. I think if someone has been involved in traditional martial arts for an extended period of time this book will not offer much new information. For people who have recently entered into martial arts I believe there is some useful insights.
Excellent.......2004-04-09
If you want to grasp the true essence of Zen and martial arts (traditional martial arts where the emphasis is on life and death and not the juvenile sport that it has become), then this book is an excellent start.
A good book to further martial arts understanding.......2001-10-11
Hi, my name is Grant Griffith you can email me at grifbox@hotmail.com,
This book by Taisen Deshimaru gives the reader a framework to begin zen meditation and ultimately produce spontaneous 'non-thinking' actions in the martial arts. True to the title, the book shows the link between zen and the martial arts. This is done with an interesting mix of interviews, short stories and anecdotes.
Book Description
Zen--serene, contemplative, a discipline of meditation associated with painting, rock gardens, and flower arranging--seems an odd ingredient in the martial psyche of the Japanese samurai. "One who is a samurai must before all things keep constantly in mind...the fact that he has to die," wrote a seventeenth-century warrior. "That is his chief business." But the demands of that "business," writes Winston King, found the perfect philosophical match in the teachings of Zen Buddhism. In Zen and the Way of the Sword, King offers a fascinating look into the mind of the samurai swordsman in a far-reaching account of the role of Zen in the thought, culture, and the martial arts of Japan's soldier elite. An esteemed scholar of Eastern religions, King deftly traces the development of Zen and discusses the personal nature of its practice, its emphasis on individual discovery and attainment. He then presents an accomplished capsule history of the samurai class, from its rise in the middle ages to formal abolition in the nineteenth century--an account filled with details of wars, political maneuvering, and cultural achievements. King also looks at the arms and vocation of the individual samurai, placing the details of armor and weapons in the context of the samurai conception of warfare. In particular, King focuses on the sword--the soul of the samurai, as it was called--describing how it was forged, the honor given famous swordsmiths, the rise of schools of swordsmanship, and breathtaking feats of the great swordsmen. Throughout, King shows how the samurai cultivated Zen, relating its teaching of a free and spontaneous mind to the experience of a warrior in individual combat, and finding philosophical strength in Zen as they prepared themselves for death. "What mind can penetrate his opponent's mind?" one authority has written. "It is a mind that has been trained and cultivated to the point of detachment with perfect freedom....His mind should reflect his opponent's mind like water reflecting the moon." In other words, a mind trained by Zen. King goes on to trace the role of Zen in samurai life through the peaceful eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, examining the absorption of Zen into World War II psychology and broader Japanese culture. Throughout, he provides a thoughtful perspective, both sympathetic and aware of the ethical problems inherent in a school of Buddhism turned to the needs of a military class. A scholarly, absorbing account, Zen and the Way of the Sword provides fascinating insight into the samurai ethos, and the culture of Japan today.
Customer Reviews:
swords, by jingo!.......2006-11-17
An excellent history of the role of Zen in japanese and some chinese martial arts. He traces the sword, and the Zen way through the various eras of Japanese history, including through the pacific war of the 1930s and 1940s. A very revealing expose into the Japanese spirit, and a timely one, viz a conversation I had regarding the lack of spirituality in the martial art I am presently studying (aka MMA). While some friends were horrified by this missing component, personally, I saw this as a strength. Bushido is a pretty weird way of looking at the world. Any spirituality that would inspire men to crash airplanes into battleships, or disembowel themselves to atone for making a mistake is not exactly something I can relate to. In any case, this book confirmed my prejudices. I like being a westerner.
This ones for the scholar, not the seeker..........2002-08-16
While an incredibly intelligent work, Zen and the way of the sword is a book of primarily scholarly merit. In that regard it is a masterpiece. For the seeker, however, it's a rather dry read with only a thin smattering of real spiritual value.
Get this one if you want to understand the development of Japan's collective consciousness. -Look elsewhere for spiritual importance.
As Always.......2000-07-23
Another wonderful book about the Japanese Buddhist mind from a one of a kind scholar and teacher. Winston King is, as always, honest, accurate, informative, balanced, engaging, and right on target - as he was in class. If you can't learn from him, you can't learn.
A Good Book on Zen, Samurai, and Japan.......2000-02-15
Though at times this book can be tough to read, it never stops being quite fascinating. The idea of getting into the mind of the Samurai was quite interesting. The book does a nice job explaining the ideas of Zen Buddhism and their influence on Japan. I really liked the chapters linking the Samurai mentality to WWII and the Japanese military. It can be a tough read, but worth it. Also, the illustrations are great.
Nice, but stale read.......1999-12-08
This is not a bad book, by any means. I do have to admit I lost interest a few times while trying to read it because the book reads much like a text book at times. As such, however, it does have quite an insight into samurai ideaology and history of the ancient Japanese military.
Book Description
iyamoto Musashi was renowned in his own time as an invincible warrior, a master artisan, an author, and philosopher. Today, his philosophy is still revered by the Japanese and used as a guide for daily decision-making-and business strategy. He wrote A Book of Five Rings not only as a thesis on doing battle, but also as a way to approach and live all aspects of life-'any situation where plans and tactics are used.'
Book Description
This book bridges the gap between mondern Kendo as a sport and the old Kendo of the Samurai.
Customer Reviews:
Impressive and insightful.......2005-01-29
This is a great book: enjoyable, entertaining, and enlightening. Craig's basic premise is that the way of kendo is something different to each and every student who picks up a Japanese sword. While traditional Kenjitsu had no rules per se, modern (sport) kendo does. He has fascinating insight into the differences and similarities between the two, asserting that to learn kendo properly practitioners must not think of it (or practice it) as a sport. If you don't already know, kendo uses bamboo shinai and padded armor for practice while kenjitsu uses live steel. To get the most out of these arts, Craig believes that you must think of them as a way of life, a perspective promulgated by most of the leading sword arts practitioners such as Dave Lowry as well.
Craig's writings will advance your sword skills imparting knowledge of equipment, exercises, applications, and kata (including the last three kata of the All Japan Kendo Federation, which use the wakizashi short sword). More specifically, topics include kendo clothing, equipment and care thereof, fundamental movements, advanced waza, and kodachi katas. There is also great information about samurai sword collecting, care, maintenance, and terminology. The illustrations enhance the text and facilitate the reader's ability to understand and internalize Craig's excellent points. I think that the target audience is experience practitioners so it might be a bit beyond some beginners though. Regardless, this is a great book, a worthy addition to any martial arts library.
Darrell Craig really knows his stuff. He holds a exceptionally impressive list of black belt ranks in several different martial arts, including kendo (renshi), karate (kyoshi), jujitsu (kyoshi); iaido (godan), kobudo (godan), judo (yodan), and aikido (yodan). He has worked as a martial arts choreographer on a number of feature films and is the author of several other martial arts books as well.
Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction
Excellent information .......2004-12-21
Reviewed by Bob Spears
Publisher and Chief Reviewer
Heartland Reviews
The author has written a definitive work on the subject. Kendo, using padded armor and split-bamboo swords, is a sport. He covers its essentials. Kenjitsu is the much older code of sword fighting, which has no rules and uses real, metal swords for practice.
The book is remarkably well illustrated and the text provides excellent information on the topic. The author provides not only the movements, descriptions, and customs, but what to look for in collectible swords and other equipment.
More helpful to the practitioner but beautiful.......2004-10-25
Samurai seem to be everywhere. From the Oscar-nominated films The Twilight Samurai and Tom Cruise's The Last Samurai to anime marital arts sagas and the hit Emmy-winning Cartoon Network series, Samurai Jack, the robed, inscrutable, unstoppable warriors conquer our hearts with their martial arts and their dignity. The illustration of a black-robed Japanese gentlemen seated in a meditation pose with a katana by his side, one in his lap, sets the tone for Kendo and Kenjitsu practitioner Darrell Max Craig. Although Craig, like so many martial arts devotees, is a gai-jin (foreigner), he displays a reverence and knowledge of Japanese culture, samurai in particular, that is to be respected and admired. Craig goes into great detail about the katas, combat, clothing, equipment, and most of all, the swords of his art. He writes of the details with the same intricate deftness of a skilled samurai dueling with an adversary, and his strokes of the keyboard baffle and enlighten us as much as the strokes of the katana, or the other sword Craig introduces us to, the shinai.
Those readers who, like this reviewer, have not read Craig's previous book, The Heart of Kendo, and are not familiar with Kendo and Kenjitsu, may find the details difficult to master. This is not a casual read, but if you truly desire to learn martial arts, or at least collect Japanese swords, a pastime to which Craig devotes the last two chapters (perhaps recognizing, wisely, that some of his audience for the book may be Japanophiles and collectors), The Way of Kendo and Kenjitsu is a worthy place to start.
Another Great Buy .......2004-08-02
Here's another informative, instructive, and inspiring book by Darrell Craig - a great addition to your library if interested in kendo, iaido, kenjitsu, or simply martial arts in general.
Thanks to the helpful reviews below, I've gratefully added this book to my collection. One reviewer complained that the author was arrogant, which I was unable to determine from reading the text. To the contrary, the stories reveal a kind and generous man. If the author is arrogant, so what? His book is a great buy!
And so is "The Heart of Kendo," which I rate at 5 stars for being not only educational but also exceptionally beautiful.
Enjoyable read.......2004-07-12
Mr. Craig has again written another fine book and I can recommend it as a enjoyable read. It maintains the traditional Craig writing style that integrates authentic personal stories, but written around completely new information and insight into one of the more mysterious of the martial arts - kendo. This book is as good as, and in many ways much better, than Mr. Craig's previous books. If you don't read it for the diagrams and technical depth, it certainly should be read for his historical reflections. I found it particularly interesting to understand that the martial experience Mr. Craig has gained - enough to write an authoritative book on the subject, comes from his long relationship with a family in Japan that has been practicing kendo in one form or another for almost 800 years.
I only will point out an observation that Craig gets slowly around to making. He describes that kendo has a very pragmatic modern application. In spite of the list of ranks, skills and titles that Mr. Craig has (l)earned, he writes that the marital samurai is not a person brute bristling with weapons and bravado, but rather a courteous, indifferent person who carries within himself, unseen except when called to action, a martial spirit and a courage to battle for a right.
Amazon.com
To learn a Japanese martial art is to learn Zen, and although you can't do so simply by reading a book, it sure does help--especially if that book is The Book of Five Rings. One of Japan's great samurai sword masters penned in decisive, unfaltering terms this certain path to victory, and like Sun Tzu's The Art of War it is applicable not only on the battlefield but also in all forms of competition. Always observant, creating confusion, striking at vulnerabilities--these are some of the basic principles. Going deeper, we find suki, the interval of vulnerability, of indecisiveness, of rest, the briefest but most vital moment to strike. In succinct detail, Miyamoto records ideal postures, blows, and psychological tactics to put the enemy off guard and open the way for attack. Most important of all is Miyamoto's concept of rhythm, how all things are in harmony, and that by working with the rhythm of a situation we can turn it to our advantage with little effort. But like Zen, this requires one task above all else, putting the book down and going out to practice. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
Miyamoto Musashi was renowned in his own time as an invincible warrior, a master artisan, an author and philosopher. Today, his philosophy is still revered by the Japanese and used as a guide for daily decision-making --- and business strategy. He wrote A Book of Five Rings not only as a thesis on doing battle, but also as a way to approach and live all aspects of life -- "any situation where plans and tactics are used."When A Book of Five Rings first appeared on North American bookshelves in 1974, its message took the business community by storm. It provided insight into the then-emerging Japanese influence and offered a new way to think about business. It instantly became a vital tool for assured success and has remained so ever since.The principles in this work are as true today as they were over 300 years ago, and are as valid for business negotiations as for hand-to-hand combat. Based in the principles of Zen and advocating a hands-on approach to mastering the skills for winning. A Book of Five Rings is very likely the most perceptive guide to strategy ever written.
Customer Reviews:
Classic........2007-06-18
This book is only a translation of the original. You may not find the extensive commentary you seek. While written centuries ago, Miyamoto Musashi, in my judgment, didn't write a book just about how to fight.
Reading this book with an open mind will surprise the reader. Deep thought and reflection will be needed. The areas to which the principles in this book may be applied (such as lessons in leadership and politics) and the success in said application are only limited to the amount of imagination and study put forth by the reader.
It offers a great deal of knowledge for every day life, and even if you never pick up a sword, or raise your fists, you will find his philosophy extends well beyond the realm of martial arts and battle strategy.
To some readers you will not be able to fully grasp all of the concepts and ideas presented after one reading. This book is invaluable and definitely invites repeated readings as new insight is to be found as your understanding deepens. I'm not sure if a single review could do this book justice because each time you re-read this book your thoughts are guaranteed to be provoked and you will definitely walk away each time with a new form of enlightenment and that is my reason for giving it Five stars *****.
Worthwhile Strategy.......2007-06-10
This is powerful book to read and UTILIZE in your life. While it can easily be taken for face value as a book on physical fighting strategy, it is more than that. One can take many of the thoughts and translate them to a more theoretical use on strategy. For example, a quote speaking of "the gaze" relating to seeing an enemy and their movements: "It is important in strategy to know the enemy's sword and not to be distracted by insignificant movements of his sword". This could easily be translated to business, sports, etc. Just substitute "sword" for the essence of the thought to apply to "business", "army", "team", etc.
The first 3rd of the book is a historical account of events of Musashi's life, and also includes many images of artwork created by Musashi. They are black and white however. The rest of the book is the actual "Book of Five Rings". It consists of 5 "books": ground, water, fire, wind and the void. It is to be noted Musashi after a time found he did not need to follow any particular "Way" and practiced many.
Regarding the layout of the book, I like the footnotes at the bottom of many of the pages which help describe words or thoughts you may not have easily or readily known otherwise.
---*** THE BOTTOM LINE ***---
A good book to have, with worthwhile strategy, although, regarding strategy I prefer Sun Tzu's "Art of War".
Good advice.......2007-01-09
The only good advice I ever got from a book came from this one: "Do nothing which is of no use" (p. 49). The Book of Five Rings has a lot of good advice, but that's the one that speaks most clearly to my condition. The Book of Five Rings must be read as metaphor, because life conditions today are so different from those of medieval Japan. But Mushashi was a wise and powerful thinker, and his ideas apply well beyond battle strategy. He lived integrity: unity and purity of thought, word, and deed, and his rare qualities are always worth studying and emulating.
A study of conflict.......2006-08-14
This book is great for anyone interested in personal development. It is a guide in focused self-discipline. It is also a guide to successful navigation of conflict.
This translation is the best I've read. It is free of superfluous footnotes and pedantic commentary. The commentary that is included before each chapter is brief and helpful.
GREAT 17th CENTURAY SAMURAI SWORDSMAN'S ADVICE ON STRATEGY.......2006-07-22
Based on my readings, Musashi's motive in writing his Book of Five Rings had been to correct misrepresentations of his views on swordsmanship by his contemporaries. Having become a legend in his own time, Musashi's reputation was being exploited by ambitious rivals claiming to have adopted the master's martial techniques and philosophies. Thus Book of Five Rings was intended by its author to establish his point of view for correcting misconceptions.
Those in America who've been advocating since 1974 to study Book of Five Rings to gain some business advantage over Japanese businessmen are barking up the wrong tree. Musashi's writings are poetic and thought provoking. Indeed, one can even learn something new and ancient about strategy from the master. It is, however, doubtful that Musashi's words can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. So then those in the 1970s who had originally marketed the book as "the alternative to the Harvard MBA" were barking up the wrong tree.
In addition to the charming and useful writings, the original (1974 English translation) Book of Five Rings includes photos of the master swordsman's quite beautiful art work, now residing in Japan in a museum dedicated to Musashi works.
Book Description
BradyGames' Way of the Samurai 2 Official Strategy Guide includes a comprehensive walkthrough for each possible story path in the game. Detailed area maps pinpoint enemy and item locations. Expert fighting techniques. Tips for collecting all swords and items in the game. Game secrets and more revealed!
This product is available for sale worldwide, excluding Japan and Asia.
Customer Reviews:
Mildly helpful.......2004-07-23
I would rate this one of the worst strategy guides ever. The guide says it details a walkthrough to each ending, full job descriptions, moves and attributes of every weapon, and a list of all items as well as area maps. First I want to say that my problem is not so much what is in this guide as what is not. Starting with the endings, yes it has detailed walkthroughs to 11 endings. However there are 14 endings, so not all endings in the game have walkthroughs in this guide. The "full job descriptions" are not full at all. There are at least 10 missions I have found that are not listed. Also, information that you would want about the missions, such as locations to look for items, are left out of the guide. It basically tells you to figure it out for yourself (I thought that is why I bought the guide). The moves and attributes of every weapon are listed mostly, however I have found at least one sword that is not listed in this list (and this belongs to a main character). Also one very key attribute is not listed, the stance of the sword. This guide gives very bad advice for fighting in this game as well as some information that is just plain wrong. It seemed to me that they started to try and make a good guide but just decided to do one of the most half a$$ed jobs I have ever seen. I could expound more about the flaws in this guide but I think you get the point. I get better info from gamefaqs.com. Oh yeah, there is an item list that has every item, however it has some information that is false about some of the items and the item headings are wrong for many Items (one of those things you notice after playing it a few times).
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