The Religion of the Samurai: Zen Philosophy and Discipline (1913)
Summary
The monk Kaiten Nukariya presents the history and ideas of Zen, its meditation and the discipline that drew the samurai.
Why it matters
It helps explain where the mokuso, calm and focus asked of students in kendo, kyudo and aikido come from.
Related books
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The Fighting Man of Japan: The Training and Exercises of the SamuraiF. J. Norman1905 · For everyoneJujutsu · Kendo · JudoAn Englishman who lived and trained in Japan describes samurai training: jujutsu, kenjutsu and the exercises of the schools.Book page →Bushido, the Soul of JapanInazo Nitobe1900 · For everyoneKarate · Judo · Kendo · Aikido · Jujutsu · Iaido · KyudoNitobe explains the samurai moral code to Western readers: rectitude, courage, benevolence, politeness, honour and loyalty.Book page →Old and New Japan: Samurais and Their DescendantsS. Sakurai1897 · For everyoneKendo · IaidoShort 1897 book on the samurai and their descendants in modern Japan.Book page →The Sentiment of the SwordSir Richard F. Burton (ed. A. Forbes Sieveking)1911 · Study & historyFencing · HEMAA country-house dialogue on the meaning of fencing by Richard Burton, published in 1911 with notes by A. Forbes Sieveking.Book page →太極拳經 · 太極拳論 (Taijiquan Jing / Taijiquan Lun)王宗岳 Wang Zongyue (atrib.)18th–19th c. · For everyoneTai ChiThe classic taijiquan texts attributed to Wang Zongyue: lightness, root, waist, yin and yang, and “four ounces move a thousand pounds”.Book page →Sources
- Project Gutenberg: eBook #5173
- Summary and notes: WABUKAN.