Bushido: The Samurai Code of Japan: With an Extensive Introduction and Notes by Alexander Bennett

Description

Bushido: The Samurai Code of Japan is one of the most influential books ever written on "the way of the warrior." A classic study of Japanese culture, the book outlines the moral code of the Samurai way of living and the virtues every Samurai warrior holds dear. There are seven precepts of Bushido: justice, courage, benevolence, politeness, sincerity, honor, and loyalty. Together, these seven values create a system of beliefs that is unique to Japanese philosophy and culture, and is still alive today. Inazo Nitobe, one of Japan's foremost scholars, thoroughly explores each of these values and explains how they differ from their Western counterparts. Until you understand the philosophy behind the ethics, you will never fully grasp what it meant to be a Samurai-what it meant to have Bushido. In Bushido, Nitobe points out similarities between Western and Japanese history and culture. He argues that "no matter how different any two cultures may appear to be on the surface, they are still created by human beings, and as such have deep similarities." Nitobe believed that connecting Bushido with greater teachings could make an importantcontribution to all humanity-that the way of the Samurai is not something peculiarly Japanese, but of value to the entire human race. Bushido: The Samurai Code of Japan is an essential guide to the very essence of Samurai and Japanese cultures.

Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933) was a prolific writer and respected Japanese statesman born into a warrior family at the end of the 750-year Samurai period. Desiring to serve as a "bridge" between his native Japan and the Western world Nitobe was educated in English and greatly influenced by his Western instructors. Through his many writings, particularly Bushido which became an international sensation, he became famous in the West and today is widely regarded as the leading authority on all things Japanese. Alexander Bennett is a professor in Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded and publishes Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial arts--Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan, Iaido 5-dan and Naginata 5-dan. His published works include Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide, Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai and The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works.

"A 'must' for an understanding of the soul of Japan." --Focus on Asian Studies "Bennett's careful research ensures modern readers can fully appreciate a still-fascinating text on the values of the samurai, and consider how they might still apply to the present day." --Publishers Weekly "In this 192-page book, noted Japanese scholar Inazo Nitobe examines the seven precepts of bushido and describes the role they played in the life of the samurai warrior." --Black Belt magazine