Author Topic: Code of the Warrior  (Read 223 times)

Offline Michael

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Code of the Warrior
« on: July 19, 2006, 10:28:46 PM »
Hagakure

For inspiration and stimulation on practicing the warrior's way I can recommend a Japanese text called the Hagakure.  Written by Jocho Yamamoto around 1700, an originally secret code on the Way of the Samurai.  Permit me to quote a few lines:

"I discovered that the Way of the Samurai is death"

"In the last analysis the only thing that matters is the resolution of the moment.  A samurai makes one resolution after another, until they add up to his whole life.  Once he realizes this, he need never feel impatient, he need seek nothing beyond the moment."

"Human life lasts but an instant. One should spend it doing what one pleases.  In this world fleeting as a dream, to live in misery doing what one dislikes is foolishness.  Since this may prove harmful if misinterpreted, it is a trade secret I have decided not to pass on to young people.  I like to sleep.  In response to conditions in the present world, I think I shall stay at home and sleep."

I hope his secret is in safe hands…………Michael

erik

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Re: Code of the Warrior
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2006, 03:48:30 AM »
Have you read this one?:
Miyamoto Musashi, 'Book of Five Rings'

http://www.leader-values.com/content/detail.asp?ContentDetailID=207
http://artofwar.thetao.info/japan/


I have been told about it, but I have not got my hands on it.
« Last Edit: July 20, 2006, 01:20:27 PM by gangster »

Offline Michael

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Re: Code of the Warrior
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2006, 07:47:59 AM »
no i haven't, but it is very famous, esp among big business executives

niamhspark

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Re: Code of the Warrior
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2006, 03:21:52 PM »
Have you read this one?:
Miyamoto Musashi, 'Book of Five Rings'

http://www.leader-values.com/content/detail.asp?ContentDetailID=207
http://artofwar.thetao.info/japan/


I have been told about it, but I have not got my hands on it.


You can read the translation here: http://www.samurai.com/5rings/

erik

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Re: Code of the Warrior
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2006, 04:08:02 AM »
Cheers!

niamhspark

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Re: Code of the Warrior
« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2006, 02:26:03 PM »
What is called the spirit of the void is where there is nothing. It is not included in man's knowledge. Of course the void is nothingness. By knowing things that exist, you can know that which does not exist. That is the void.

People in this world look at things mistakenly, and think that what they do not understand must be the void. This is not the true void. It is bewilderment.

In the Way of strategy, also, those who study as warriors think that whatever they cannot understand in their craft is the void. This is not the true void.

To attain the Way of strategy as a warrior you must study fully other martial arts and not deviate even a little from the Way of the warrior. With your spirit settled, accumulate practice day by day, and hour by hour. Polish the twofold spirit heart and mind, and sharpen the twofold gaze perception and sight. When your spirit is not in the least clouded, when the clouds of bewilderment clear away, there is the true void.

Until you realise the true Way, whether in Buddhism or in common sense, you may think that things are correct and in order. However, if we look at things objectively, from the viewpoint of laws of the world, we see various doctrines departing from the true Way. Know well this spirit, and with forthrightness as the foundation and the true spirit as the Way. Enact strategy broadly, correctly and openly.

Then you will come to think of things in a wide sense and, taking the void as the Way, you will see the Way as void.

In the void is virtue, and no evil. Wisdom has existence, principle has existence, the Way has existence, spirit is nothingness.

Offline Michael

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Re: Code of the Warrior
« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2006, 09:11:51 PM »
what a stirring post nimbles!

Springs to mind another book:

Zen and the Art of Archery

Long time since I read this one, but it is a classic book, and an excellent example of how a 'westerner' tries to enter the world of the 'oriental' fine warriors mind. I recall him hearing later that his teacher, in an attempt to find a way through to his pupil's mind, studied European philosophy, only to decide it was all a bunch of crap.

this book is also the source of that great advise - think you are skilled eh? now go and do the same standing right on the edge of a precipice.

erik

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Re: Code of the Warrior
« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2006, 10:21:12 PM »
Quote
...In the same way that Musashi seems to have been a horribly cruel man, yet was following logically an honest ideal, so successful business seems to most people to be without conscience.

http://www.samurai.com/5rings/transintro/life.html

How much depth and indulgence in one sentence!
« Last Edit: July 21, 2006, 11:20:21 PM by gangster »

erik

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Re: Code of the Warrior
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2006, 11:12:13 PM »
How much more familiar can it possibly get?

Quote
By the Way of the warrior is meant death. The Way of the warrior is death. This means choosing death whenever there is a choice between life and death.
« Last Edit: July 21, 2006, 11:14:45 PM by gangster »

niamhspark

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Re: Code of the Warrior
« Reply #9 on: July 22, 2006, 05:02:33 PM »
Does seem to blend well with Toltec, doesn't it? Death was Advisor to the Samurai, too.

 

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