If there is a single factor for why the samurai were such incredible warriors, it is probably the fact that they viewed themselves as already dead. As it is written in the Hagakure, Book 1: "The way of the Samurai is found in death…This is the substance of the Way of the Samurai. If by... Continue Reading →
Seven Times Down, Eight Times Up
There is a Japanese proverb that simply states "Seven times down, eight times up." The source, as far as I can tell, is in the ancient book of samurai wisdom, the Hagakure: If one has not been a ronin at least seven times, he will not be a true retainer. Seven times down, eight... Continue Reading →