Download The Lone Samurai PDF

The Lone Samurai

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Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Release Date :
ISBN : 0834828510
Pages : 320 pages
Rating : 4.8/5 (828 Download)

Download and Read The Lone Samurai PDF by William Scott Wilson Full Book and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2013-03-12 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Miyamoto Musashi (1584?1645) was the legendary samurai known throughout the world as a master swordsman, spiritual seeker, and author of the classic book on strategy, the Book of Five Rings. Over 350 years after his death, Musashi and his legacy still fascinate us and continue to inspire artists, authors, and filmmakers. Here, respected translator and expert on samurai culture William Scott Wilson has created both a vivid account of a fascinating period in feudal Japan and a portrait of the courageous, iconoclastic samurai who wrestled with philosophical and spiritual ideas that are as relevant today as they were in his time. For Musashi, the way of the martial arts was about mastery of the mind rather than simply technical prowess—and it is this path to mastery that is the core teaching in his Book of Five Rings. This volume includes supplemental material on Musashi’s legacy as a martial arts icon, his impact on literature and film, and the influence of his Book of Five Rings.


Download The Swordsman's Handbook PDF

The Swordsman's Handbook

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Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Release Date :
ISBN : 1611800625
Pages : 273 pages
Rating : 4.8/5 (8 Download)

Download and Read The Swordsman's Handbook PDF by William Scott Wilson Full Book and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2014-04-29 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An anthology of the most influential writings on swordsmanship from the samurai era. There is perhaps no more potent symbol of the samurai era than the sword. By the seventeenth century in Japan, the art of swordsmanship had begun to take on an almost cult-like popularity. Swordsmanship was more than a mastery of technique; it was a path toward self-mastery. The Swordsman’s Handbook is the definitive collection of writings by men who saw the study of swordsmanship not only as essential to life and death, but as something that transcended life and death as well. Their teaching, that dealing with conflict is an art that requires grace and courage, speaks to us today with surprising immediacy and relevance. Included in this collection are writings by Kotada Yahei Toshitada, Takuan Soho, Yagyu Munenori, Miyamoto Musashi, Matsura Seizan, Issai Chozanshi, and Yamaoka Tesshu.


Download Budoshoshinshu PDF

Budoshoshinshu

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Publisher : Black Belt Communications
Release Date :
ISBN : 9780897500968
Pages : 132 pages
Rating : 4.9/5 (962 Download)

Download and Read Budoshoshinshu PDF by Yūzan Daidōji Full Book and published by Black Belt Communications. This book was released on 1984 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This 17th-century text written for the education and guidance of Japanese warriors delineates the ethics, morality and daily duties of a class of people dedicated to honor and courage. William Scott Wilson holds a master's degree in Japanese language and literature.


Download The Pocket Samurai PDF

The Pocket Samurai

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Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Release Date :
ISBN : 1611802164
Pages : 354 pages
Rating : 4.8/5 (82 Download)

Download and Read The Pocket Samurai PDF by Full Book and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2015-07-21 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Selected writings from the most influential texts of the samurai era—in a pocket-size edition. The samurai of Japan, who were the country's military elite from medieval times to the end of the nineteenth century, were synonmous with valor, honor, and martial arts prowess. Their strict adherence to the code of bushido ("the way of the warrior"), chivalry, and honor in fighting to the death continues to capture the imagination of people today, inspiring authors, filmmakers, and artists. The Pocket Samurai contains the essential writings of the era by the most esteemed samurai and philosophers of the age, including the iconic Miyamoto Musashi, author of The Book of Five Rings; Yamamoto Tsunetomo, author of Hagakure, the best-known explication of the samurai code; Takuan Soho, the Zen priest and adviser to samurai; Yagyu Munenori, whose The Life-Giving Sword describes a deeply spiritual approach to sword fighting; and others.


Download Kyudo PDF

Kyudo

Author :
Publisher : Kodansha International
Release Date :
ISBN : 9784770017345
Pages : 188 pages
Rating : 4.3/5 (34 Download)

Download and Read Kyudo PDF by Hideharu Onuma Full Book and published by Kodansha International. This book was released on 1993 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This guide to the spiritual and technical practice of this graceful martial art, by 15th-generation master Hideharu Onuma, includes illustrations and rare photographs. Kyudo-the Way of the Bow-is the oldest of Japan's traditional martial arts and the one most closely associated with bushido, the Way of the Warrior. After the Second World War Eugen Herrigel introduced the concept of kyudo to the West in his classic Zen in the Art of Japanese Archery. But until now, no Japanese kyudo master has published a book on his art in English. In Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese


Download The Book of Five Rings PDF

The Book of Five Rings

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Publisher :
Release Date :
ISBN : 9781611800746
Pages : 0 pages
Rating : 4.7/5 (749 Download)

Download and Read The Book of Five Rings PDF by Miyamoto Musashi Full Book and published by . This book was released on 2013-12-12 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A delightfully readable translation of the classic manifesto on swordsmanship, strategy, and winning by the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Along with Sun Tzu's "The Art of War, The Book of Five Rings" is considered to be one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asia. Composed in 1643 by the famed duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi, "The Book of Five Rings" analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. For Musashi, the way of the martial arts was a mastery of the mind rather than simply technical prowess--and it is this path to mastery that is the core teaching in "The Book of Five Rings." This brilliant manifesto is written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life. William Scott Wilson's translation of "The Book of Five Rings" is faithful to the original seventeenth-century Japanese text while also being wonderfully clear and readable. His scholarship and insight into the deep meaning of this classic are evident in his fine introduction and illuminating notes to the text.


Download Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945 PDF

Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945

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Publisher : Scarecrow Press
Release Date :
ISBN : 0810878720
Pages : 630 pages
Rating : 4.8/5 (878 Download)

Download and Read Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945 PDF by Kenneth Henshall Full Book and published by Scarecrow Press. This book was released on 2013-11-07 with total page 630 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945 spans the entire period from the earliest evidence of human habitation in Japan through to the end of the Pacific War. It includes substantial topics such as cultural and literary history, with entries ranging from aesthetics to various genres of writing. Other branches of history also feature, such as economic history, industrial history, political history, and so forth. And of course there are the makers of Japanese history, ranging from emperors and shoguns to politicians and extremists – as well as foreign arrivals. The early history of Japan is told through a detailed chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, an extensive bibliography, and over 800 cross-referenced dictionary entries on important people, organizations, activities, and events. The Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945 will appeal to both academics and the general public who have an interest in Japan, particularly those who want reliable information quickly and easily.


Download The Bushido Code PDF

The Bushido Code

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Publisher :
Release Date :
ISBN : 9784805317419
Pages : 0 pages
Rating : 4.4/5 (418 Download)

Download and Read The Bushido Code PDF by Tadashi Kamiko Full Book and published by . This book was released on 2023-05-23 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Words of wisdom from great samurai leaders: A collection of inspiring essays and aphorisms from Japan's leading warriors Samurai warrior leaders had to deal with grim conditions of life, death and survival. But such men were not simply rough uneducated fighters: they often personified the Far Eastern ideal of balancing cultural awareness and artistic expertise with high martial abilities. Their sayings, precepts and the anecdotes about them are informed by a broad spectrum of interests, many of which are still relevant today. Advice in this book includes: You should not envy the swords and clothing of others. It goes without saying that you should arrange your hair early in the morning if you are going out to your work, but this should be done even if you are thinking of staying at home. When you think too much, it is difficult to achieve your objectives. If you are too clever and look too far ahead, you will accomplish nothing. If you have some pressing or urgent affair, write it down with a calm state of mind. Your regular meals should be light, and you should not take a trivial liking for elegant cuisine. If someone promotes only those things the lord finds acceptable, and never remonstrates with him at all, you should watch that man carefully. No matter how wise a person may be, you should never depend fully on him but rather, understand that you are always on your own. Covering universal themes ranging from the courage and ambition to face daily affairs, the insights and strategies necessary to deal with allies and opponents, the value of art and literature, and even why and how to save money-- this is a book whose ancient wisdom is still highly relevant and of great value to readers today.


Download The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works PDF

The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works

Author :
Publisher : Tuttle Publishing
Release Date :
ISBN : 1462920276
Pages : 240 pages
Rating : 4.9/5 (92 Download)

Download and Read The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works PDF by Miyamoto Musashi Full Book and published by Tuttle Publishing. This book was released on 2018-11-20 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645) is the most famous Samurai who ever lived. His magnum opus, the Go-Rin-Sho or Book of Five Rings is a classic that is still read by tens of thousands of people each year—Japanese and foreigners alike. Alex Bennett's groundbreaking new translation of The Book of Five Rings reveals the true meaning of this text for the first time. Like Sun Tzu's The Art of War, Musashi's book offers unique insights, not just for warriors, but for anyone wanting to apply the Zen Buddhist principle of awareness to achieve success in their endeavors. This book sheds new light on Japanese history and on the philosophical meaning of Bushido—the ancient "code of the Japanese warrior." Unlike other translations that are based on incomplete and inaccurate versions of Musashi's work, Bennett's is the first to be based on a careful reconstruction of the long-lost original manuscript. Capturing the subtle nuances of the original Japanese classic, the result is a far more accurate and meaningful English version of The Book of Five Rings text. Richly annotated and with an extensive introduction to Musashi's life, this version includes a collection of his other writings—translated into English for the first time. A respected scholar, as well as a skilled martial artist, Bennett's understanding of Musashi's life and work is unparalleled. This book will be widely read by students of Japanese culture, history, military strategy, and martial arts. It sets a new standard against which all other translations will be measured.


Download Cultivating Ch'i PDF

Cultivating Ch'i

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Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Release Date :
ISBN : 159030988X
Pages : 271 pages
Rating : 4.3/5 (39 Download)

Download and Read Cultivating Ch'i PDF by Kaibara Ekiken Full Book and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2013-04-09 with total page 271 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover a different side of Japanese swordsmanship through this fascinating treatise by a samurai doctor on how to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spiritual life Samurai are best known for taking life—but here is a samurai doctor’s prescription for how to preserve life, and to make yours a long and healthy one. Unlike other samurai of his time, the samurai Kaibara Ekiken (1630–1714) was concerned less with swordsmanship than with how to maintain and nurture the healthy mind and body upon which martial techniques and philosophy depended. While serving as the chief medical doctor and healer to the Kuroda clan, he came to a holistic view of how the physical, mental, and spiritual lives of his patients were connected. Drawing from his medical practice, the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, and his life experience, Ekiken created this text as a guide to sustaining health and stamina from youth to old age. Ekiken’s advice regarding moderation, food and drink, sleep, sexual activity, bathing, and therapeutic practices is still amazingly intuitive and appropriate nearly three hundred years after this book was written.


Download The Art of Budo PDF

The Art of Budo

Author :
Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Release Date :
ISBN : 1645470547
Pages : 281 pages
Rating : 4.4/5 (47 Download)

Download and Read The Art of Budo PDF by John Stevens Full Book and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2022-12-06 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Explore this stunning collection of spiritual calligraphy by Japan’s greatest martial arts masters—with commentary from Zen art authority and aikido master John Stevens. Beginning with the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi, nearly all of the great martial arts masters left a legacy of calligraphy and painting. Their artwork—Zenga and Zensho (“Zen pictures” and “Zen calligraphy”)—was not only an extension of their Zen practice but also reflected their deep spiritual commitment to the budo ethos, the perfection of self through martial arts training. This book presents a concise history of this tradition, with works from such samurai as Musashi, Takuan, Yagyu, Motusgai, Rengetsu, Tesshu Deishu, Kano, Morihei, and others. Aikido master John Stevens is an expert on Zen and budo art, and he provides a fascinating introduction to the tradition and biographical details on each of the warrior artists, and brief, illuminating commentary on each piece.


Download The Pocket Hagakure PDF

The Pocket Hagakure

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Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Release Date :
ISBN : 1611806992
Pages : 249 pages
Rating : 4.8/5 (86 Download)

Download and Read The Pocket Hagakure PDF by Yamamoto Tsunetomo Full Book and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2019-08-13 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The definitive translation of the seminal treatise on the code of the samurai. Living and dying with bravery and honor is at the heart of Hagakure, a series of over 1,300 short texts written by eighteenth-century samurai Yamamoto Tsunetomo. These texts illuminate the classic Japanese concept of bushido (the Way of the Warrior), which dictated how samurai were expected to behave, conduct themselves, live, and die. Acclaimed translator William Scott Wilson has selected and translated here three hundred of those texts to create an accessible distillation of this guide, making it one of the most thorough and astonishing windows into the captivating world of the samurai available. This edition includes an introduction that delves into the Zen concept of muga, or “death” of the ego, giving an in-depth historical and philosophical background for the more metaphorical reading of Hagakure that is based on Tsunetomo’s reference to bushido as “the Way of death.” Through this lens, which has held a morbid fascination for readers through the years, the classic takes on a fresh and nuanced appeal. This book was previously published under the title Hagakure. This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series. The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.


Download Budoshoshinshu PDF

Budoshoshinshu

Author :
Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Release Date :
ISBN : 0834841703
Pages : 224 pages
Rating : 4.8/5 (841 Download)

Download and Read Budoshoshinshu PDF by Daidoji Yuzan Full Book and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2018-11-13 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A definitive treatise on the code of the samurai--revised and with a new introduction Upholding the samurai code both on and off the battlefield is one of the essential tenets of bushidō, the Way of the Warrior—and Budōshoshinshu is a definitive treatise on living in accordance with the samurai code. When it comes to books on samurai philosophy, the Edo-period classic Hagakure is iconic to contemporary readers, but Budōshoshinshu, which was written during same period, was equally influential at the time. Many scholars consider Hagakure, which was influenced by Zen, to be the most radical and romantic of samurai texts, while Budōshoshinshu is more measured and practical, owing to its heavy Confucian influence. Taken in tandem, they provide a range of insights on the role of the individual within the samurai order—both addressing the warrior’s role in times of peace and emphasizing the importance of living selflessly. Written by Daidoji Yūzan, a Confucian scholar who descended from a long line of prominent warriors, Budōshoshinshu comprises 56 pithy instructive essays for young samurai on how to live morally, with professional integrity and a higher purpose, and to carry on the true chivalrous tradition of bushidō. Budōshoshinshu is imbued with classic Confucian philosophy, centered on living one’s life with sincerity and loyalty.


Download Martial Arts Biographies PDF

Martial Arts Biographies

Author :
Publisher : iUniverse
Release Date :
ISBN : 0595348610
Pages : 108 pages
Rating : 4.3/5 (348 Download)

Download and Read Martial Arts Biographies PDF by Rob Jacob Full Book and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2005 with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Martial Arts Biographies: An Annotated Bibliography lists hundreds of martial arts related biographies and autobiographies. Most of the entries are annotated, giving a synopsis of the relevant material in the book. Included are listings for martial artists of Karate, Kung Fu, Aikido, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Ninjutsu, Tai Chi, and many other styles. Appendices list productive sources for new and used books, and contact information for major publishers of martial arts books. Martial Arts Biographies: An Annotated Bibliography is a useful resource for martial arts researchers, readers, book collectors, and libraries.


Download Tao Te Ching PDF

Tao Te Ching

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Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Release Date :
ISBN : 1611800773
Pages : 257 pages
Rating : 4.8/5 (8 Download)

Download and Read Tao Te Ching PDF by Lao Tzu Full Book and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2013-07-30 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The classic Taoist text freshly translated using the original Chinese script from Lao Tzu's time, and beautifully illustrated with seventeenth-century artwork. Renowned translator William Scott Wilson has rendered Lao Tzu's classic in the most authentic way possible, using both the ancient text and the even older Great Seal script used during Lao Tzu's time. The result is a new and nuanced translation, accompanied by gorgeous Chinese ink paintings and fascinating ancillary material. Wilson includes an introduction that tells the story of Lao Tzu, the "old man" and the "keeper of the archives," and wonderful notes to illuminate the text. He also includes two short essays--one explains the relationship between Taoism and Zen, and the other explores the roots that link the spiritual aspects of the Tao with the practice of Chinese and Japanese martial arts. Wilson's version of this ancient classic is wonderfully fresh and readable.


Download The Spirit of Noh PDF

The Spirit of Noh

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Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Release Date :
ISBN : 1590309944
Pages : 193 pages
Rating : 4.3/5 (39 Download)

Download and Read The Spirit of Noh PDF by Zeami Full Book and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2013-05-14 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Japanese dramatic art of Noh has a rich six-hundred-year history and has had a huge influence on Japanese culture and such Western artists as Ezra Pound and William Butler Yeats. The actor and playwright Zeami (1363–1443) is the most celebrated figure in the history of Noh, with his numerous outstanding plays and his treatises outlining his theories on the art. These treatises were originally secret teachings that were later coveted by the highest ranks of the samurai class and first became available to the general public only in the twentieth century. William Scott Wilson, acclaimed translator of samurai and Asian classics, has translated the Fushikaden, the best known of these treatises, which provides practical instruction for actors, gives valuable teachings on the aesthetics and spiritual culture of Japan, and offers a philosophical outlook on life. Along with the Fushikaden, Wilson includes a comprehensive introduction describing the historical background and philosophy of Noh, as well as a new translation of one of Zeami's most moving plays, Atsumori.


Download The Invention of Martial Arts PDF

The Invention of Martial Arts

Author :
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Release Date :
ISBN : 0197540333
Pages : 281 pages
Rating : 4.5/5 (54 Download)

Download and Read The Invention of Martial Arts PDF by Paul Bowman Full Book and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2021 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The Invention of Martial Arts examines the media history of what we now call 'martial arts' and argues that martial arts is a cultural construction that was born in film, TV and other media. It argues that 'martial arts' exploded into popular consciousness entirely thanks to the work of media. Of course, the book does not deny the existence of real, material histories and non-media dimensions in martial arts practices. But it thoroughly recasts the status of such histories, combining recent myth-busting findings in historical martial arts research with important insights into the discontinuous character of history, the widespread 'invention of tradition', the orientalism and imagined geographies that animate many ideas about history, and the frequent manipulation of history for reasons of status, cultural capital, private or public power, politics, and/or financial gain. In doing so, The Invention of Martial Arts argues for the primacy of media representation as key player in the emergence and spread of martial arts. This argument overturns the dominant belief that 'real practices' are primary, while representations are secondary. The book makes its case via historical analysis of the British media history of such Eastern and Western martial arts as Bartitsu, jujutsu, judo, karate, tai chi and MMA across a range of media, from newspapers, comics and books to cartoon, film and TV series, as well as television adverts and music videos, focusing on key but often overlooked texts such as adverts for 'Hai Karate', the 1970s disco hit 'Kung Fu Fighting', and many other mainstream and marginal media texts"--