Tag: Samurai

Humility In Action

Achieving Goals, Happiness, Success, The Pathway To Fulfilment

There is a story about a samurai and a wise man that goes something like this. A samurai once stopped a village elder on the roadside and asked him to define heaven and hell. The wise man responded by saying, “you are too stupid to understand something like that.” The samurai flew into a rage, took out their sword and raised it above their head to bring down onto the wise man. The wise man then said calmly “that is hell.” The samurai stopped, lowered his sword and reflected on the wise man’s words. The wise man then said, “and that is heaven.” The samurai bowed in respect and continued with their journey.

It is said that for a samurai to use their sword they must make the decision to use it before they take it out, as they must draw blood once it has been taken out. The decision, therefore, is not changed once decided. I would like to argue that we should be humble enough to change our decision once it has been made, when there is new information that requires a better course of action. This takes humility, which is a skill we all need to practice. Sometimes someone wiser than us will show us a better way and we should listen, acknowledge them and act in accordance with this new found wisdom.

Recommended Book: Bushido, the Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobé

Book Recommendation

“Kumazawa:—”When others blame thee, blame them not; when others are angry at thee, return not anger. Joy cometh only as Passion and Desire part.”
― Inazo Nitobe, Bushido, The Soul Of Japan

Image Source: Amazon UK

Buy the book here

Why Read This Book

This book gives you an in-depth understanding of the Samurai, as well as Japanese culture. Some of the principles explained in the book are principles we could live by, others such as redress not so much. Bushido, as a way of living is very profound and can enhance your life exponentially.

Contents

  • Bushido as an Ethical System
  • Sources of Bushido
  • Rectitude or Justice
  • Courage, the Spirit of Daring and Bearing
  • Benevolence, the Feeling of Distress
  • Politeness
  • Veracity or Truthfulness
  • Honor
  • The Duty of Loyalty
  • Education and Training of a Samurai
  • Self-Control
  • The Institutions of Suicide and Redress
  • The Sword, the Soul of the Samurai
  • The Training and Position of Woman
  • The Influence of Bushido
  • Is Bushido Still Alive?
  • The Future of Bushido

Summary

The book begins by looking at Bushido as an ethical system and the history of it, to give you a grounded understanding of Bushido. The main content of the book are chapters on the different principle of Bushido that all Samurai wee expected to follow. Many of these principles are universal, but the way they are established and used are intertwined with the Japanese culture and the book ends with a look at the future of Bushido. If you are interested in Japanese or Samurai culture, or you are looking for a better way to live, I recommend you read this book.