Way of the Warrior
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.
Know the Meaning of Bushido
Bushido [the samurai code of conduct], I have found
out, lies in dying. When confronted with two alternatives,
life and death, one is to choose death without hesitation.
There is nothing particularly difficult; one has only to be
resolved and push forward. … If one, through being
prepared for death every morning and evening, expects death
any moment, bushido will become his own, whereby he
shall be able to serve the lord all his life through and
through with not a blunder.
Think Not Yourself as Established
A man who thinks he is already established is unwise; a man
content with fixed views won through considerable effort has
already fallen into a trap. … Without a moment of
self-content with what little one has found out, one should
keep thinking his accomplished results as being still
unsatisfactory and not good enough, exploring the right way to
the attainment through one's whole life. Truth lies in no
place but in this course of pursuit itself.
Appearances
One's appearance bespeaks dignity corresponding to the depth
of his character. One's concentrated effort, serene attitude,
taciturn air, courteous disposition, thoroughly polite
bearing, gritted teeth with a piercing look—each of
these reveals dignity. Such outward appearance, in short,
comes from constant attentiveness and seriousness.
Move Heaven and Earth
Nothing is impossible in this world. Firm determination, it is
said, can move heaven and earth. Things appear far beyond
one's power, because one cannot set his heart on any arduous
project due to want of strong will. It is all up to one's
mental attitude to be able to "move even heaven and earth
without exerting one's strength."
Stifle a Yawn
Yawning in others' presence is not a proper thing to do. For
an unexpected yawn, rub your forehead with an upward stroke of
your hand, which is usually enough to stifle a yawn. When that
does not work, keep the yawn from being noticed by others by
licking tight-shut lips with your tongue tip, hiding the yawn
with your sleeve, your hand, etc. … Yawns and sneezes,
more often than not, make you look foolish.
Fear not the Rain
One must know the so-called "lesson of a downpour." A man,
caught in a sudden rain en route, dashes along the road not to
get wet or drenched. Once one takes it for granted that in
rain he naturally gets wet, he can be in a tranquil frame of
mind even when soaked to the skin. This lesson applies to
everything.
