Way of the Samurai Warrior

  • Posted 10.09.07
  • NOVA

The samurai bible is an 18th-century book known as The Hagakure (Behind the Leaves). Scholars believe that a samurai-turned-Zen-monk named Yamamoto Tsunetomo dictated its contents to a disciple, who later compiled his teacher's sayings into 11 volumes. Here, savor words of wisdom from this honored tome, which enshrines the samurai's code of conduct—and has lessons for us today.

Launch Interactive Printable Version

Capture the essence of the Japanese samurai code of honor, from choosing life over death to stifling a yawn.

This feature originally appeared on the site for the NOVA program Secrets of the Samurai Sword.

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(samurai)
© Historical Picture Archive/CORBIS

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