Hagakure

1. Embrace death to live fully as a samurai

The Way of the warrior (bushido) is to be found in dying.

Death as liberation. By accepting death as an ever-present reality, the samurai frees himself from fear and hesitation. This mindset allows for decisive action and full commitment to one's duties. The concept of "living as though already dead" (jōjū shinimi) enables warriors to fulfill their responsibilities without fault throughout their lives.

Practical applications. This philosophy manifests in various ways:

• Meditating on death scenarios each morning
• Maintaining impeccable grooming and equipment, ready to die at any moment
• Willingness to sacrifice oneself for one's lord or clan
• Embracing a "mad death frenzy" (shini-gurui) in battle or crisis

The acceptance of death paradoxically leads to a more vivid and purposeful life, as the samurai lives each moment to its fullest potential.

2. Loyalty is the cornerstone of bushido

There is nothing like illness to discern the hearts of others.

Unwavering fidelity. True loyalty transcends mere obedience and extends to every aspect of a samurai's life. It is tested not only in times of crisis but in daily service and personal conduct. The depth of one's loyalty is revealed in how they behave when their lord or clan is in difficulty.

Loyalty manifests in various forms:

• Willingness to remonstrate with one's lord for the good of the clan
• Maintaining clan secrets and traditions
• Supporting fellow retainers and subordinates
• Upholding the clan's reputation through personal conduct
• Sacrificing personal desires for the greater good of the clan

The concept of "secret love" (shinobu-koi) illustrates the ideal of loyalty - a deep, unspoken devotion that persists even without recognition or reward.

3. Cultivate unwavering resolve in service

If you make a mistake and die in the process, you may be thought of as mad (kichigai), but it will not bring shame.

Single-minded purpose. The ideal samurai cultivates ichinen - a state of unwavering resolve and single-minded purpose. This mental state allows for decisive action without hesitation or doubt. It is the foundation for both effective service in peacetime and valor in battle.

Key aspects of cultivating resolve:

• Constant self-improvement and training
• Meticulous attention to duty, even in mundane tasks
• Willingness to act decisively, even at personal cost
• Maintaining composure in all situations
• Striving to surpass others in dedication and skill

The concept of the kusemono - the exceptional warrior who can be relied upon in any situation - embodies this ideal of unwavering resolve in service.

4. Balance wisdom, compassion, and courage

To nurture wisdom simply requires listening to others. Immeasurable knowledge comes from this. Compassion is for the sake of others. It is opting to do good things for other people rather than through selfish motives. Courage is found through "gritting one's teeth."

Holistic development. The ideal samurai cultivates a balance of wisdom (chi), compassion (jin), and courage (yū). This triad forms the foundation of effective service and leadership. While each quality is valuable on its own, their true power emerges when they are developed in harmony.

Practical applications:

• Wisdom: Seek counsel, study history and strategy, remain open to learning
• Compassion: Consider the welfare of others, act for the greater good, show mercy when appropriate
• Courage: Face challenges head-on, speak truth to power, act decisively in crisis

By cultivating these qualities, a samurai becomes not just a skilled warrior, but a well-rounded and effective servant of his lord and clan.

5. Maintain vigilance in peace and war

When you encounter another fellow, quickly fathom his character and greet him accordingly.

Constant readiness. The samurai must maintain a state of alertness and preparedness at all times, whether in peace or war. This vigilance extends to both physical readiness and mental acuity. The concept of zanshin - a state of relaxed awareness - embodies this ideal.

Key aspects of vigilance:

• Regular training in martial arts and military skills
• Attention to detail in appearance and equipment
• Careful observation of people and situations
• Mental preparation for various scenarios
• Quick decision-making and action when needed

By maintaining this state of readiness, the samurai is prepared to face any challenge or opportunity that may arise, serving his lord and clan effectively in all circumstances.

6. Honor is earned through selfless dedication

A calculating man is a coward. This is because he considers everything from the perspective of loss and gain, and his mind never deviates from this track.

Beyond self-interest. True honor for a samurai comes not from personal gain or recognition, but from selfless dedication to one's lord, clan, and duties. This requires moving beyond calculations of personal benefit and embracing a mindset of total commitment.

Manifestations of selfless dedication:

• Willingness to take on difficult or thankless tasks
• Putting the needs of the clan before personal desires
• Accepting punishment or demotion with grace
• Striving for excellence even in unseen tasks
• Supporting and nurturing fellow retainers and subordinates

The ideal of "secret love" (shinobu-koi) again applies here - the deepest honor comes from dedication that seeks no recognition or reward.

7. The Way of the warrior transcends mere skill

There is nothing more disagreeable than canniness or wit. People keep him at arm's length, and avoid becoming intimate.

Beyond technique. While martial skill is important, the true Way of the warrior (bushido) goes far beyond mere technical proficiency. It encompasses a holistic approach to life, service, and personal conduct. The ideal samurai cultivates not just fighting ability, but wisdom, moral character, and a deep understanding of his role in society.

Key aspects of the Way:

• Ethical conduct and moral reasoning
• Understanding of history, strategy, and governance
• Cultivation of aesthetic sensibilities (poetry, calligraphy, etc.)
• Mastery of etiquette and proper behavior
• Development of intuition and judgment

The goal is to become not just a skilled fighter, but a well-rounded and trustworthy servant of one's lord and clan.

8. Uphold clan traditions and history

All retainers of the Nabeshima clan must be familiar with the lore and customs (kokugaku) of the domain.

Preserving legacy. A deep understanding and respect for clan history, traditions, and customs is essential for effective service. This knowledge provides context for current actions, guidance for decision-making, and a sense of continuity and purpose.

Important aspects of clan knowledge:

• Genealogy and key historical figures
• Significant battles and political events
• Unique customs and protocols
• Relationships with other clans and the shogunate
• Secret teachings and strategies passed down through generations

By preserving and embodying these traditions, samurai maintain the strength and identity of their clan, even as times change.

9. Women play crucial roles in samurai society

Throwing one's arms up in exhilaration shows a lack of vigilance and respect.

Beyond stereotypes. While often overlooked in popular depictions, women played vital roles in samurai society. They were not mere passive figures but active participants in maintaining clan strength, honor, and traditions.

Key roles and expectations for women:

• Upholding family honor through virtuous conduct
• Managing household affairs and finances
• Educating children in clan traditions and values
• Demonstrating courage and resourcefulness in times of crisis
• Supporting their husbands in their duties to the clan

Notable examples in the text show women taking decisive action in battles, managing castle defenses, and even rebuking their husbands for failing to live up to samurai ideals.

10. Master the art of counsel and remonstration

Remonstrating with, or giving advice to one's lord after something untoward has already happened will be meaningless, and likely lead to harmful rumor-mongering.

Skillful guidance. The ability to offer wise counsel and, when necessary, remonstrate with one's lord is a crucial skill for high-ranking samurai. This requires not just wisdom and courage, but also tact, timing, and a deep understanding of human nature.

Key principles of effective counsel:

• Timing: Address issues proactively, before they become crises
• Discretion: Offer advice privately to avoid public embarrassment
• Empathy: Consider the lord's perspective and concerns
• Persistence: Be willing to repeat important advice if necessary
• Selflessness: Focus on the good of the clan, not personal gain

The goal is to guide the lord towards wise decisions while maintaining harmony and respect within the clan hierarchy.

11. Adapt to changing times while preserving core values

Current trends cannot be stopped in the flow of time. The world continues to degenerate because we are nearing the end of times.

Flexible tradition. While upholding tradition is crucial, the samurai must also be able to adapt to changing circumstances. This requires discerning which core values must be preserved and which practices can be modified to meet new challenges.

Balancing tradition and adaptation:

• Maintain core ethical principles and loyalty
• Adapt military tactics and strategies to new technologies and situations
• Cultivate new skills relevant to peacetime governance
• Engage with new ideas while critically evaluating their merit
• Preserve the essence of bushido while adjusting its outward forms

By striking this balance, the samurai class can maintain its relevance and effectiveness even as society evolves around it.

Last updated: October 28, 2024