Soul of the Samurai: Modern Translations of Three Classic Works of Zen & Bushido

Thomas Cleary's translation of "Code of the Samurai" introduced the social, political, and organizational principles of samurai culture, including loyalty to family, a sense of service and duty, and the rules for dealing with allies and enemies. In "Soul of the Samurai," Cleary delves into the key influence of Zen on the samurai's combat style, from its emphasis on detachment-meaning a willingness to sacrifice life (including one's own)-to the attempt to clear the mind and "be in the moment," which freed the swordsman's mind from distractions and allowed him to act in an instant. Including translations of Yagyu Munenori's "Book of the Sword," and Takuan Soho's "Inscrutable Subtlety of Immovable Wisdom" and "The Peerless Sword," the teachings in "Soul of the Samurai" represent the recording and codification of these beliefs in the seventeenth century.

“"These books provide a fascinating glimpse into the psyche of Edo period samurai and their struggles to retain the skills of war while remaining relevant in a time of peace, and they're also very affordable." -- TheShogunsHouse.com blog”

"...includes translations of The Book of the Sword, The Inscrutable Subtlety of Immovable Wisdom and The Peerless Sword" --Black Belt magazine "These books provide a fascinating glimpse into the psyche of Edo period samurai and their struggles to retain the skills of war while remaining relevant in a time of peace, and they're also very affordable." --TheShogunsHouse.com blog

Thomas Cleary is one of the best known and most accomplished translators of the ancient wisdom of Asia. His work includes The Art of War, The Book of Five Rings, Code of the Samurai, Samurai Wisdom and Secrets of the Japanese Art of Warfare, as well as over 70 other books on Asian martial history and philosophy, Buddhism and Taoism.

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