Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke

I have read this book multiple times over my life. Great code to live by. If you like ethics you will love this.

I am somewhat at a loss as to why this book, Code of the Samurai, fascinates me. I liked it enough that I bought a copy for my husband and would consider giving it as a gift to several friends who have interests in "courtly behavior," "chivalry," and "medieval" Japanese history in general (all are members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, like I am).I have never made it through an entire reading of The Art of War and quite frankly The Book of Five Rings was no better as a shortened form thereof. Code of the Samurai is really neither of these books and shares little more than a common Asian ancestry. Instead, it reads rather like one of the pre-1600s Western culture books of proper behavior (for members of recreation organizations, think books like The Babees Book and the Book of Courtesey). Instead of Western Europe, however, this one is set in Tokugawa-era Japan (if I am remembering my history correctly).The book very clearly addresses the actual life of a samurai. Thankfully, the book does not heavily focus on the martial aspects of the samurai's life (though these are touched upon) nor the esoteric, philosophical ideals that might be expected of a book on "Bushido." Instead, the examples of this book simply show you the proper and improper behavior of samurai in a variety of situations as they were viewed in classical Japan.Unfortunately, I cannot speak for the accuracy of the translation because this book includes only the modern English (and I don't read classical or modern Japanese). The text as a whole, despite the lack of original manuscript versions, is rendered in an easy-to-follow style that you can read straight through or only a chapter at a time, at your leisure.

Given the many Amazon reviews of this book, I limit myself to an iconoclastic thought. The Japanese classical code of the Samurai, as adjusted to periods of peace, demonstrates in my view the need for a strict code for politicians. Doing so can be combined with democratic elections, by periodic evaluation of acting politicians by an independent board of Censors, which will publish its assessments and, in extreme cases, recommend to voters not to elect an candidate lacking essemtial moral, emotional and cognitive virtues. Thus, picking some ideas from the code presented in this book, politicians should be frugal, avoids personal luxury; moderating diet and avoiding drink; being warily aloof from sexual feelings, the foremost confusion of humankind; and study and gain an extensive understanding of the principles of things. Looking around at contemporary political leaders, together with awareness of the unprecedented opportunities and fateful dangers posed by emerging technoscience, cannot but lead to some such innovations in democracy, hopefully before the hegemonic type of unqualified senior politicians causes avoidable catastrophesProfessor Yehezkel DrorThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem

This translation is easy to read, and straightforward. It is mainly concerned with how a good samurai shouldface life, death, and how one should conduct themselves in general. Unfortunately, it is not as applicable to modern lifeas I believed it would be, but that is a not a criticism of the book itself. The introduction/preface providesthe necessary historical context that helps to explain why this code was written in the first place. Overall, the bookis also helpful in understanding what has influenced the modern Japanese culture and mindset.

The Warrior Soul... It's a collection of personality traits. It makes us alone. Misunderstood. feared, vilified.. There are many different kinds of warriors from different walks of life, cultures and ethical perspectives. However one thing is common to all of us: a system of ethics is needed to help us know what to do and not do with our power, skill, training, strength etc. "With great power comes great responsibility" The Way of The Warrior is a system of ethics that came from a culture that, for all it's flaws, was one that placed an immense value on martial valor and the warrior figured in prominently in society. This book along with Hagakure, The Book of Five Rings, and Bushido: The Soul of Japan, forms the tiny body of literature comprising what I call the "Bushido Classics". These are source books for anyone wishing to gain an understanding of the nature and mantle of warriorship, and natural warrior ethics.

I keep this book on me wherever I go now I’ve read a decent portion of it and it’s exactly what I was hoping my music teacher from high school recommended the book to me after I mentioned to him that I was struggling in motivation and self health and I will personally be using this as a recommendation for anyone else needing help with self discipline and better health

I would have liked if this book got a little more into the reasons and practice of the codes in a more modern way. It is just an English translation of the codes they way they were originally written with very brief explanations. Still a good basic time held way to live with honor in a deeper sense.

Awesome book for martial artists. You really get a sense of life back in the day for the samurai.

Um livro legal, com textos curtos sobre etiqueta, comportamento e responsabilidades de um bushi na sociedade. Bom para interessados no assunto.

I loved it. Very much what I expected

Me ha gustado mucho

This book could arguably be used day to day as a guide. It is informative, eye-opening and a shame that much of the basics inside are forgotten manners today in the West. Highly recommended whether for history, work or just an honest, honourable way to live.

Very interesting little book.