Hagakure audiobook cover - The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai

Hagakure

The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai

Yamamoto Tsunetomo & Alexander Bennett

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Mindfulness & HappinessPhilosophyPersonal DevelopmentHistory

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Hagakure
Introduction to Bushido+
Book One: Mortality, Loyalty & Preparedness+
Book Two: Virtues & Self-Cultivation+
Books 3-11: Service, Education & Mastery+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
Why does the bushido ethos advise samurai to 'rehearse' their own demise daily?
  • A. To prepare their families for the inevitable financial burden of their passing.
  • B. To instill a sense of freedom and focus, unencumbered by the fear of mortality.
  • C. To foster a sense of nihilism and detachment from worldly possessions.
  • D. To intimidate their enemies by demonstrating a lack of fear on the battlefield.
Question 2 of 7
How should a samurai view their lord's possessions, according to the text?
  • A. As items to be borrowed and utilized for personal advancement.
  • B. As symbols of the lord's wealth that should be publicly displayed.
  • C. As sacred objects imbued with the lord's spirit, not for personal use.
  • D. As temporary tools that hold no inherent value beyond their practical function.
Question 3 of 7
What are the three cornerstone virtues of a well-lived life in the bushido ethos, and when are they deemed particularly pivotal?
  • A. Strength, agility, and cunning; particularly during times of war.
  • B. Patience, frugality, and obedience; particularly during times of famine.
  • C. Intellect, charisma, and ambition; particularly during political negotiations.
  • D. Wisdom, compassion, and courage; particularly during periods of prosperity.
Question 4 of 7
What is the primary purpose of a samurai's meticulous attention to their external presentation, such as appearance, speech, and handwriting?
  • A. To intimidate opponents before a physical altercation begins.
  • B. To convey the discipline and refinement of their inner world.
  • C. To attract wealthy patrons and secure a higher social standing.
  • D. To mask their true emotions and intentions from their enemies.
Question 5 of 7
According to the categorization of warriors based on responsiveness and execution, which type is considered the ideal and rare standard?
  • A. The 'sluggish-swift' who takes time to understand but acts immediately.
  • B. The 'swift-sluggish' who grasps concepts quickly but acts with careful deliberation.
  • C. The 'sluggish-sluggish' who operates with extreme caution in both thought and action.
  • D. The 'swift-swift' who both comprehends and acts quickly.
Question 6 of 7
How does the text view the act of a samurai correcting their lord's mindset?
  • A. As an act of treason that should be punished with immediate exile.
  • B. As a momentous act of genuine loyalty requiring deep, sustained commitment.
  • C. As a trivial matter that should only be handled by the lord's family members.
  • D. As a fleeting display of battlefield bravery intended to gain personal glory.
Question 7 of 7
Why does the text suggest that samurai and Buddhist monks pursue companionship with one another?
  • A. So they can pool their financial resources to build stronger local communities.
  • B. Because samurai can teach monks courage, while monks can teach samurai compassion.
  • C. So monks can learn martial arts to defend their temples from invading forces.
  • D. Because both groups share a mutual disdain for the political elite of feudal Japan.

Hagakure — Full Chapter Overview

Hagakure Summary & Overview

Hagakure (1716) is a collection of insights and wisdom that serves as a guide to the way of the samurai, emphasizing honor, loyalty, and the acceptance of death. Its eleven books reflect on the virtues and ethics that governed the samurai’s life, offering advice and philosophical musings on living with integrity and courage.

Who Should Listen to Hagakure?

  • Enthusiasts of samurai lore and literature 
  • Students of Japanese history and culture 
  • Practitioners of martial arts

About the Author: Yamamoto Tsunetomo & Alexander Bennett

Yamamoto Tsunetomo was a Japanese samurai of the early 18th century, best known for his insights into bushido, the samurai code of conduct. After his lord passed away in 1700, Tsunetomo became a monk, retiring to a hermitage in Kurotsuchibaru. Tsunetomo’s contributions have left a lasting legacy on Japanese culture and the broader philosophical discourse on ethics and morality. 

Dr. Alexander Bennett is a professor of Japanese history and culture at Kansai University and current Director of the International Budo University’s Budo and Sports Research Institute. A prominent scholar with two doctoral degrees, Bennett previously worked at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies and Teikyo University.

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