Book Description
Setting down his thoughts on swordplay, on winning, and on spirituality, legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi intended this modest work as a guide for his immediate disciples and future generations of samurai. He had little idea he was penning a masterpiece that would be eagerly devoured by
people in all walks of life centuries after his death.
Along with The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Book of Five Rings has long been regarded as an invaluable treatise on the strategy of winning. Musashi's timeless advice on defeating an adversary, throwing an opponent off-guard, creating confusion, and other techniques for overpowering an assailant was
addressed to the readers of earlier times on the battlefield, and now serves the modern reader in the battle of life.
In this new rendering by the translator of Hagakure and The Unfettered Mind, William Scott Wilson adheres rigorously to the seventeenth-century Japanese text and clarifies points of ambiguity in earlier translations. In addition, he offers an extensive introduction and a translation of Musashi's
rarely published The Way of Walking Alone. This gift-book edition also features original art by Musashi himself as well as new calligraphy by Japanese artist Shiro Tsujimura.
Customer Reviews:
A Classic of World Literature.......2007-10-05
It is astonishing to see some of the inane things said in negative reviews. A good part of the beauty and power of this book is that the student must determine for himself or herself the applicability of the information to any given situation. One of Miyamoto Musashi's main points is that there are not absolute formulas for success. Those looking for templates must look elsewhere. This is a book of how to see and approach action by one who ranks as one of the great warriors of any history.
Beyond this, though I am no Japanese scholar, my Japanese speaking friends say that Wilson's translation is truest to the original while being quite readable in English. It is a beautifully printed little book, and for me treasure to be cherished and studied again and again.
The student should investigate this thoroughly. :)
Loose but effective translation.......2007-09-10
I bought this book for my boss. Thomas Cleary's adaptation is much more accurate, but it's a dry read. Wilson opts for effectiveness rather than accuracy in some places, but it's a great option for those who don't have the attention span to really push through denser text.
Fantastic but careful about translation.......2007-08-23
this book is a must have to those who like japanese culture, specially samurai culture.
But, to those who want to go deeper, the translation from japanese to english has some flaws.
Easy to Read - Difficult to Apply.......2007-07-19
The Book of Five Rings is a superb little book that makes some important points. However, it is all too easy to take what it has to say out of context. The time and place to which it was literally relevant has long since passed. What it has to say about the values one should live by and how one should carry out their mission in life are, on the other hand, timeless.
The same can be said of another important Japanese classic: Hagakure: The Book of the Samauri. Both of these books are important from a philosophical point of view, but difficult to really understand for those who are not immersed in Japanese culture. Both spring from the philosophy of Zen and both do a good job of showing its application is a time of constant warfare and personal danger.
A good choice to put the advice of the Zen warriors into perspective is the book Bushido, the Soul of Japan which gives a broader look at the philosophy and its roots. What Zen is all about and how it may be applied in everyday life - how compatible it is with other philosophies and religions - is well presented.
All three of these books have been bound together into one book: The Samurai Series: The Book of Five Rings, Hagakure -The Way of the Samurai & Bushido - The Soul of Japan, which I can recommend without reservation. Together, these three books add up to much more than the sum of the parts. They are truly synergistic.
This guy knows Japanese.......2006-03-16
I've read several versions of this book and William Scott Wilson seems to have the best understanding of the Japanese language and desire to keep it as "word for word" as he can keep it without making the text obscure. I highly recommend this translation. Oh yeah, and this book is highly valuable for philosophers and martial artists alike. Musashi was a genius of both martial arts and life.
Average customer rating:
- Classic.
- Worthwhile Strategy
- Good advice
- A study of conflict
- GREAT 17th CENTURAY SAMURAI SWORDSMAN'S ADVICE ON STRATEGY
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Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy
Miyamoto Musashi
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The Unfettered Mind: Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master
ASIN: 0517415283
Release Date: 1988-05-28 |
Amazon.com
To learn a Japanese martial art is to learn Zen, and although you can't do so simply by reading a book, it sure does help--especially if that book is The Book of Five Rings. One of Japan's great samurai sword masters penned in decisive, unfaltering terms this certain path to victory, and like Sun Tzu's The Art of War it is applicable not only on the battlefield but also in all forms of competition. Always observant, creating confusion, striking at vulnerabilities--these are some of the basic principles. Going deeper, we find suki, the interval of vulnerability, of indecisiveness, of rest, the briefest but most vital moment to strike. In succinct detail, Miyamoto records ideal postures, blows, and psychological tactics to put the enemy off guard and open the way for attack. Most important of all is Miyamoto's concept of rhythm, how all things are in harmony, and that by working with the rhythm of a situation we can turn it to our advantage with little effort. But like Zen, this requires one task above all else, putting the book down and going out to practice. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
Translated by V. Harris. Japan's answer to the Harvard MBA...Written over three centuries ago by a Samurai warrior, the book has been hailed as a limitless source of psychological insight for businessmen-or anyone who relies on strategy and tactics for outwitting the competition.
Customer Reviews:
Classic........2007-06-18
This book is only a translation of the original. You may not find the extensive commentary you seek. While written centuries ago, Miyamoto Musashi, in my judgment, didn't write a book just about how to fight.
Reading this book with an open mind will surprise the reader. Deep thought and reflection will be needed. The areas to which the principles in this book may be applied (such as lessons in leadership and politics) and the success in said application are only limited to the amount of imagination and study put forth by the reader.
It offers a great deal of knowledge for every day life, and even if you never pick up a sword, or raise your fists, you will find his philosophy extends well beyond the realm of martial arts and battle strategy.
To some readers you will not be able to fully grasp all of the concepts and ideas presented after one reading. This book is invaluable and definitely invites repeated readings as new insight is to be found as your understanding deepens. I'm not sure if a single review could do this book justice because each time you re-read this book your thoughts are guaranteed to be provoked and you will definitely walk away each time with a new form of enlightenment and that is my reason for giving it Five stars *****.
Worthwhile Strategy.......2007-06-10
This is powerful book to read and UTILIZE in your life. While it can easily be taken for face value as a book on physical fighting strategy, it is more than that. One can take many of the thoughts and translate them to a more theoretical use on strategy. For example, a quote speaking of "the gaze" relating to seeing an enemy and their movements: "It is important in strategy to know the enemy's sword and not to be distracted by insignificant movements of his sword". This could easily be translated to business, sports, etc. Just substitute "sword" for the essence of the thought to apply to "business", "army", "team", etc.
The first 3rd of the book is a historical account of events of Musashi's life, and also includes many images of artwork created by Musashi. They are black and white however. The rest of the book is the actual "Book of Five Rings". It consists of 5 "books": ground, water, fire, wind and the void. It is to be noted Musashi after a time found he did not need to follow any particular "Way" and practiced many.
Regarding the layout of the book, I like the footnotes at the bottom of many of the pages which help describe words or thoughts you may not have easily or readily known otherwise.
---*** THE BOTTOM LINE ***---
A good book to have, with worthwhile strategy, although, regarding strategy I prefer Sun Tzu's "Art of War".
Good advice.......2007-01-09
The only good advice I ever got from a book came from this one: "Do nothing which is of no use" (p. 49). The Book of Five Rings has a lot of good advice, but that's the one that speaks most clearly to my condition. The Book of Five Rings must be read as metaphor, because life conditions today are so different from those of medieval Japan. But Mushashi was a wise and powerful thinker, and his ideas apply well beyond battle strategy. He lived integrity: unity and purity of thought, word, and deed, and his rare qualities are always worth studying and emulating.
A study of conflict.......2006-08-14
This book is great for anyone interested in personal development. It is a guide in focused self-discipline. It is also a guide to successful navigation of conflict.
This translation is the best I've read. It is free of superfluous footnotes and pedantic commentary. The commentary that is included before each chapter is brief and helpful.
GREAT 17th CENTURAY SAMURAI SWORDSMAN'S ADVICE ON STRATEGY.......2006-07-22
Based on my readings, Musashi's motive in writing his Book of Five Rings had been to correct misrepresentations of his views on swordsmanship by his contemporaries. Having become a legend in his own time, Musashi's reputation was being exploited by ambitious rivals claiming to have adopted the master's martial techniques and philosophies. Thus Book of Five Rings was intended by its author to establish his point of view for correcting misconceptions.
Those in America who've been advocating since 1974 to study Book of Five Rings to gain some business advantage over Japanese businessmen are barking up the wrong tree. Musashi's writings are poetic and thought provoking. Indeed, one can even learn something new and ancient about strategy from the master. It is, however, doubtful that Musashi's words can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. So then those in the 1970s who had originally marketed the book as "the alternative to the Harvard MBA" were barking up the wrong tree.
In addition to the charming and useful writings, the original (1974 English translation) Book of Five Rings includes photos of the master swordsman's quite beautiful art work, now residing in Japan in a museum dedicated to Musashi works.
Average customer rating:
- A Great Book!
- Easy to Read - Difficult to Apply
- VERY great book, however...
- A Life Metaphor
- This is how you conquer your enemies and the world
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The Book of Five Rings
Miyamoto Musashi
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ASIN: 1590302486
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Book Description
The Book of Five Rings is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. The Book of Five Rings was composed in 1643 by the famed duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Thomas Cleary's translation is immediately accessible, with an introduction that presents the spiritual background of the warrior tradition. Along with Musashi's text, Cleary translates here another important Japanese classic on leadership and strategy, The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, which highlights the ethical and spiritual insights of Taoism and Zen as they apply to the way of the warrior.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Book!.......2007-09-30
I loved it. I'm reading it through for the second time and highlighting the passages that inspire me. I highly recommend this book and the modern day version Understanding: Train of Thought to everyone.
Easy to Read - Difficult to Apply.......2007-07-19
The Book of Five Rings is a superb little book that makes some important points. However, it is all too easy to take what it has to say out of context. The time and place to which it was literally relevant has long since passed. What it has to say about the values one should live by and how one should carry out their mission in life are, on the other hand, timeless.
The same can be said of another important Japanese classic: Hagakure: The Book of the Samauri. Both of these books are important from a philosophical point of view, but difficult to really understand for those who are not immersed in Japanese culture. Both spring from the philosophy of Zen and both do a good job of showing its application is a time of constant warfare and personal danger.
A good choice to put the advice of the Zen warriors into perspective is the book Bushido, the Soul of Japan which gives a broader look at the philosophy and its roots. What Zen is all about and how it may be applied in everyday life - how compatible it is with other philosophies and religions - is well presented.
All three of these books have been bound together into one book: The Samurai Series: The Book of Five Rings, Hagakure -The Way of the Samurai & Bushido - The Soul of Japan, which I can recommend without reservation. Together, these three books add up to much more than the sum of the parts. They are truly synergistic.
VERY great book, however..........2007-06-27
I'm not sure I like the translator for it because being someone who loves and studies Japanese history and Kendo, I can't get over the fact he makes references to modern sports like football or basketball, to make a point. If it were written in a time when these sports existed, then it would be fine, however this is not the case. Overall I like the book. I think the translator isn't all bad and I like the way he explains things, other than what I mentioned. I recommend this book for anyone studying martial arts, bussiness, history, or just want a good read.
A Life Metaphor.......2007-04-10
This advice from a 17th century samurai will teach you self-discipline and strategy for life. Learn how to navigate any conflict life hands you.
This is how you conquer your enemies and the world.......2007-01-12
Musashi and Yagyu have presented here the techniques and philosophies on the winning and losing a conflict. Although the writings of Musashi are geared to the aspect of swordmanship and warfare and Yagyu to politics and psychology, their writings are applicable to any aspect of competition and conflict in life: whether it be buisness negotiations, political diplomacy, arguments with loved ones, a life and death street fight, or leading a legion of soldiers in the battlefield.
The writings are rough and brief but direct and requires a great deal of retrospect. Especially Musashi, his vernacular is that of a modern day football player or military drill instructor. His thoughts are not conveyed elaborately. But there is power and truth in his words.
If you've read the writings of Sun Tzu then the 5 rings (scrolls) is a must for fans of strategy and conquest.
Book Description
Written by the master swordsman and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi in 1643, The Book of Five Rings has become a classic on the arts of strategy and confrontation. Musashi's wise and penetrating advice and observations are applicable not only to martial artists but for leaders in all professions; he analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction.
In this exquisite illustrated edition, Thomas Cleary's accessible translation and illuminating introduction are enhanced by forty-five full-color illustrations from Japanese sources, including battle scenes, reproductions of fine samurai swords and armor, and art from the Zen tradition (which had a close relationship with the Japanese martial culture).
Also included is Cleary's translation of another important Japanese classic on leadership and strategy: The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, which highlights the ethical and spiritual insights of Taoism and Zen as they apply to the way of the warrior.
Pages 68–69
Pages 94–95
Pages 120–121
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful Book.......2007-05-07
Book was a Gift for a friend that is into Japanese history. The book was packaged so no damage could occur and New & Unique as described. I definately recommend this seller.
Not Enough of Musashi's Art.......2007-05-06
The title led me to hope that the book would contain photographs of Musashi's fine art. It doesn't. It does contain photographs of works by other artists, some of which are quite well done. That fact, however, did not compensate for its complete lack of photographs of Musashi's works, which are at a level above those of all but a few of the most famous Japanese fine artists.
Book Description
The Lone Samurai is a landmark biography of Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary Japanese figure known throughout the world as a master swordsman, spiritual seeker, and author of The Book of Five Rings. With a compassionate yet critical eye, William Scott Wilson delves into the workings of
Musashi's mind as the iconoclastic samurai wrestled with philosophical and spiritual ideas that are as relevant today as they were in his times. Musashi found peace and spiritual reward in seeking to perfect his chosen Way, and came to realize that perfecting a single Way, no matter the path, could
lead to fulfillment. The Lone Samurai is far more than a vivid account of a fascinating slice of feudal Japan. It is the story of one man's quest for answers, perfection, and access to the Way.
By age thirteen, Miyamoto Musashi had killed his opponent in what would become the first of many celebrated swordfights. By thirty, he had fought more than sixty matches, losing none. He would live another thirty years but kill no one else. He continued to engage in swordfights but now began to show
his skill simply by thwarting his opponents' every attack until they acknowledged Musashi's all-encompassing ability. At the same time, the master swordsman began to expand his horizons, exploring Zen Buddhism and its related arts, particularly ink painting, in a search for a truer Way.
Musashi was a legend in his own time. As a swordsman, he preferred the wooden sword and in later years almost never fought with a real weapon. He outfoxed his opponents or turned their own strength against them. At the height of his powers, he began to evolve artistically and spiritually, becoming
one of the country's most highly regarded ink painters and calligraphers, while deepening his practice of Zen Buddhism. He funneled his hard-earned insights about the warrior arts into his spiritual goals. Ever the solitary wanderer, Musashi shunned power, riches, and the comforts of a home or fixed
position with a feudal lord in favor of a constant search for truth, perfection, and a better Way. Eventually, he came to the realization that perfection in one art, whether peaceful or robust, could offer entry to a deeper, spiritual understanding. His philosophy, along with his warrior strategies,
is distilled in his renowned work, The Book of Five Rings, written near the end of his life.
Musashi remains a source of fascination for the Japanese, as well as for those of us in the West who have more recently discovered the ideals of the samurai and Zen Buddhism. The Lone Samurai is the first biography ever to appear in English of this richly layered, complex seventeenth-century
swordsman and seeker, whose legacy has lived far beyond his own time and place.
---------------------------------------------------------------- INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM SCOTT WILSON ABOUT BUSHIDO
Q.: What is Bushido?
A.: Bushido might be explained in part by the etymology of the Chinese characters used for the word. Bu comes from two radicals meanings "stop" and "spear." So even though the word now means "martial" or "military affair," it has the sense of stopping aggression. Shi can mean "samurai," but also
means "gentleman" or "scholar." Looking at the character, you can see a man with broad shoulders but with his feet squarely on the ground. Do, with the radicals of head and motion, originally depicted a thoughtful way of action. It now means a path, street or way. With this in mind, we can
understand Bushido as a Way of life, both ethical and martial, with self-discipline as a fundamental tenet. Self-discipline requires the warrior at once to consider his place in society and the ethics involved, and to forge himself in the martial arts. Both should eventually lead him to understand
that his fundamental opponents are his own ignorance and passions.
Q.: How did the code develop and how did it influence Japanese society?
A.: The warrior class began to develop as a recognizable entity around the 11th and 12th centuries. The leaders of this class were often descended from the nobility, and so were men of education and breeding. I would say that the code developed when the leaders of the warrior class began to reflect
on their position in society and what it meant to be a warrior. They first began to write these thoughts down as yuigon, last words to their descendents, or as kabegaki, literally "wall writings," maxims posted to all their samurai. Samurai itself is an interesting word, coming from the classical
saburau, "to serve." So when we understand that a samurai is "one who serves," we see that the implications go much farther than simply being a soldier or fighter.
Also, it is important to understand that Confucian scholars had always reflected on what it meant to be true gentleman, and they concluded that such a man would be capable of both the martial and literary. The Japanese inherited this system of thought early on, so certain ideals were already
implicitly accepted.
The warrior class ruled the country for about 650 years, and their influence-political, philosophical and even artistic-had a long time to percolate throughout Japanese society.
Q.: The Samurai were very much renaissance men - they were interested in the arts, tea ceremony, religion, as well as the martial arts. What role did these interests play in the development of Bushido? How did the martial arts fit in?
A.: This question goes back to the Confucian ideal of balance that Japanese inherited, probably from the 7th century or so. The word used by both to express this concept, for the "gentleman" by the Chinese and the warrior by Japanese, is (hin), pronounced uruwashii in Japanese, meaning both
"balanced" and "beautiful." The character itself is a combination of "literature" (bun) and "martial" (bu). The study of arts like Tea ceremony, calligraphy, the study of poetry or literature, and of course the martial arts of swordsmanship or archery, broadened a man's perspective and understanding
of the world and, as mentioned above, provided him with a vehicle for self-discipline. The martial arts naturally were included in the duties of a samurai, but this did not make them any less instructive in becoming a full human being.
Q.: What was sword fighting like? Was the swordplay different for different samurai?
A.: There were literally hundreds of schools of samurai swordsmanship by the 1800's and, as previously mentioned, each school emphasized differing styles and approaches. Some would have the student to jump and leap, others to keep his feel solidly on the ground; some would emphasize different ways
of holding the sword, others one method only. One school stated that technical swordsmanship took second place to sitting meditation. Historically speaking, there were periods when much of the swordfighting was done on horseback, and others when it was done mostly on foot. Also, as the shape and
length of the sword varied through different epochs, so did styles of fighting. Then I suppose that a fight between men who were resolved to die would be quite different from a fight between men who were not interested in getting hurt.
Q.: How is the code reflected in Japanese society today?
A.: When I first came to live in Japan in the 60's, I was impressed how totally dedicated and loyal people were to the companies where they were employed. When I eventually understood the words samurai and saburau, it started to make sense. While these men (women would usually not stay long with a
company, giving up work for marriage) did not carry swords of course, they seemed to embody that old samurai sense of service, duty, loyalty and even pride. This may sound strange in our own "me first" culture, but it impressed me that the company had sort of taken the place of a feudal lord, and
that the stipend of the samurai had become the salary of the white-collar worker.M
That is on the societal level. On an individual level, I have often felt that Japanese have a strong resolution, perhaps from this cultural background of Bushido, to go through problems rather than around them. Persistence and patience developed from self-discipline?
Customer Reviews:
Art and spiritual balance warrior image.......2007-01-13
Being a novice student of both the martial arts and Japanese culture and history (though I have a good collection of Japanese swords--fueling much of my interest in both the above subjects), I found Wilson's book both readable and enlightnening. I have read "The Book of Five Rings" three or four times, but after reading "The Lone Samurai" it is much more meaningful to me.
The best contribution of Wilson's book is his emphasis on Musashi the artist. I did not know previously that Musashi is also known not only as a great swordsman (and strategist), but is one of Japan's greatest artists in the india ink painting style. It is easy to see Wilson's point about the similarity between the total commitment of a deadly sword strike and the brush stroke of non-erasable ink. (This comparison also explains and qualifies one of Musashi's most famous and apparently mistranslated quotes from "The Book of Five Rings": "The way of the warrior and the way of the pen are the same." It should read, "the way of the warrior and the way of the BRUSH," which is more accurate if not quite so profound and philosophical-sounding.)
I was also very interested to learn for the first time that of Musashi's famous "over sixty duels" in fact most of them were not to the death. This, and the extensive discussion of Musashi's art, make him seem much less the grim fanatic that sometimes dominates Musashi's image.
Don't be fooled, therefore, by the inappropriately lurid style of the book's cover art! This is not another sensational/specialized publication for the macho martial artist and samurai wannabees. (I delayed buying this book for years because I was so put off by the misleading cover.) "The Lone Samurai" is actually and elegant and respectful study, written in a way that balances thorough scholarship with affection and readability.
My only criticism (other than the book's cover) is what other reviewers have noted already: Wilson could have included a chapter, or expanded parts of the existing book to include more context about the history and culture of Japan, especially during Musashi's time. However, this did not keep me from being able to follow the basic "plot" of the book.
Also, this is not really a "288-page" book. Wilson has tried hard (and fairly) to flesh out the limited factual material available with interesting comparative sources, but be advised that the actual biography is less than 165 pages, including analysis of Musashi's "Principles."
NEVER read anything about musashi.......2007-01-02
He is too lifted... like a god... who says it's all true what he has done, ok ok... he must have done a lot... but i guess he wasn't the only one around there... he even got beaten too.. is that written in there...
Always mushashi this and that... i don't mean disrespect here...
But write me another book please about other samurais that time... without upholding the facemask of the japanese !!!
Like, what do we know about jinsuke shigenobu... minamoto no yoshimitsu... and lots and lots of others...
you won't fool me by telling he did it al by himself...
One of the only books I have ever read cover to cover........2006-11-12
The best part of this book is the fact that the author does not pretend to KNOW everything. He lays out his opinion, which I usually agreed with, but also will lay out what other people have interpreted things as. He has laid this out in a matter that makes the
works and writing of Musashi so easy to understand and relate to. The Book of Five Rings is a piece of work that is meant to make us think and practice the strategies over and over again. This book gives an easy way for the beginner to the expert to relate to and open ideas about Musashi's writing and ideas
A great life........2006-11-03
What an interesting life this guy led. Read it, and do likewise. If you dare :-)
If Musashi were alive today, THIS would be the biography HE would recommend........2006-08-20
In a rare blend of historical authenticity and superior storytelling, William Scott Wilson has condensed a plethora of information into a very exciting biography about one of the most unique and extraordinary warriors in history. The author has an uncanny ability to sift through his sources and distill them into an intoxicating brew of riveting narrative and full-bodied characters in a book that is impossible to put down.
Book Description
The Book of Five Rings is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. The Book of Five Rings was composed in 1643 by the famed duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Thomas Cleary's translation is immediately accessible, with an introduction that presents the spiritual background of the warrior tradition. Along with Musashi's text, Cleary translates here another important Japanese classic on leadership and strategy, The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, which highlights the ethical and spiritual insights of Taoism and Zen as they apply to the way of the warrior.
Customer Reviews:
Abstraction of conflict.......2007-01-09
This book is an abstraction of conflict. Its designed to be the manual for any Samurai wanting to learn Musashi's style of life. Since his life was filled with one on one conflicts, he's a natural person to explain how to confront another skilled opponent and win.
This book is often pushed as a business book in the United States and the entire meaning and motivation for that is lost on almost any business person who reads it. In Japan however, its the manual for business. Its a matter of understanding the underlying meaning instead of the surface. The surface is about hand to hand combat, but every single one of its descriptions can be abstracted into any type of conflict.
Overall, if you're looking for a book that has depth, then this is your book. It's in my list of books that deserve to be chewed and digested.
Son's college reading.......2005-10-08
The book was just what was ordered. My son was pleased.
A Work for Martial Artists--Business People Need Not Apply!.......2004-10-20
A copy of Thomans Cleary's translation of Musashi's classic A Book of Five Rings was presented to me several years ago by a fellow martial artist. I have read and re-read the text many times over as I progressed in different martial arts. This is a book written by a martial artist, for martial artists. Musashi wrote this work in order to pass on the truths of martial strategy that he learned from a lifetime spent as a genuine warrior...Musashi was the real deal and had taken many a human life by the time he sat down to write at age sixty. Because of this, it is best that A Book of Five Rings be read with a certain seriousness of purpose and an understanding of why it was written. If you are a serious martial artist, it was written just for you.
It is not an easy read for contemporary western minds because its thoughts are sometimes fragmented and esoteric. However it is anything BUT worthless. Those with a true interest in Japanese (and other Asian) martial arts can gain much from Musashi's wisdom if it is approached with the proper mindset.
A warning: A Book of Five Rings is not, as many would have you believe, a book for business strategists (although I suppose one can take many of Musashi's lessons metaphorically and apply them to business and life in general). If you are not of the martial mind, and are looking for a great book to apply to daily life or business, look elsewhere--you won't get much from this book (unless of course you are looking to appear exotic to your friends for quoting from it). However, if you are interested in a true glimpse of the martial mind and are willing to read it with the proper mindset, you cannot do better.
Bonus Material Not Found in Other Translations.......2004-03-01
This classic text deals with the delicate art of leadership, and was composed originally in 1643 by the famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi. But this book isn't just for those involved in the martial arts, as the previous reviewer suggests, no far from it; it's for anyone who wants to enjoy the neverending wisdom contained within this text. Thomas Cleary's translation of Miyamoto's masterpiece is comprehensible, with an introduction that presents us readers with the spiritual backdrop of the warrior tradition that is vital for the rest that proceeds. This most up-to-date edition also embraces one more important Japanese text - "The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War" by Yagyu Munenori; here the book highlights insights of Zen and Taoism as they pertain to the way and life of the warrior. Enjoy the book! Cleary is a terrific translator.
the book of five rings.......2004-02-19
This is a great book. You must get this book to become extremly
disciplined. Only great samurai have the ability to master this code and still few suceeded, I for one have suceeded and am now a great ronin warrior. If you buy this book be prepared for extremly onfusing lessons.
Book Description
The Samurai Series brings together three of the most important books that deal with the Samurai path and philosophy into one volume. It contains:
The Book of Five Rings which was written by Miyamoto Musashi, a Samurai of legendary renown, about 1645 AD. It is a masterpiece of simple exposition written by a master swordsman, who, near the end of his spectacular life, tried earnestly to explain the essentials of individual combat and the essence of being a Samurai. His book is widely considered to a cornerstone of the philosophy of Bushido.
Hagakure - The Way of the Samurai, which means: "Hidden by Leaves", that was composed from dialogs by the famous Samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo, by a scribe, Tashiro Tsuramoto, about 1716 AD. It explains the major ideas and philosophy that are essential to the "way of the Samurai", by which is meant the "way of dying". It contains numerous tales of various Samurai and their deeds which illustrate their philosophy and practice.
Bushido - The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe which was first published 1899. It is an extremely literate presentation by a Japanese intellectual who wished to present Japan and its fundamental philosophy in a way that could be understood by Westerners. It describes how the Shinto Religion and Buddhism are the underpinnings of the essentially militaristic view of honor and life that are inherent in Bushido, the Samurai code.
Customer Reviews:
A Real Bargain!.......2007-07-11
Here you have 3 really good books in one cover:
"The Book of Five Rings"
"Hagakure - The Way of the Samurai"
and
"Bushido - The Soul of Japan"
The Japanese view of warfare, honor and beauty are intertwined with Zen Buddhism and forms the unique philosophy of Bushido. This assembly of three famous books does a great job of presenting the philosophy of Bushido in a much more complete manner that any one of them by itself. Each of these books is a classic, in and of itself, and is worth the price all by itself, but to get 3 for 1 - What a deal!
Great Combination! - 3 Books in 1.......2007-01-02
All three of the books contained in this one volume really should be in the collection of anyone interested in Japanese philosophy, religion or martial arts. It is not often that three really good books get bundled together into one volume but to have three classics together is really extraordinary.
The reflections of a master swordsman, the advice of a proper old Samurai and the explanations of a well-traveled scholar fit together synergistically; they add up to much more than the sum of the parts. Although the writers were separated from each other in time, they are united in a coherent view of what constitutes proper conduct and honor. There is enough difference in their styles of expression to illuminate points that might otherwise be obscure and at the same time provide some interesting juxtapositions.
Those who are already familiar with one or more of the books contained in this volume will find that having all three of them together is a real plus. Each, on its own, is an important little book; the three of them together form an important big book.
This is my new favorite book!.......2006-12-08
I was so happy for Amazon's fast shipping. I have been eye-balling The Book of Five Rings for quite some time. I've been on a personal quest to understand the history and philosophy of the Samurai, but I confess to not having a lot of time to read any more. Most of my reading ends up being in an airport waiting for a flight. Needless to say, the last thing I need is a bunch of hardcover books to haul around.
I saw this volume and had to do a little Snoopy Dance. Not only did I finally get to read "The Book of Five Rings", but I went on and read "Hagakure" and "Bushido". I feel like I have a real understanding, or at least as much as someone from the West can have about the Samurai's philosophy and way of life. Kudos to Amazon for finding this gem.
Book Description
Often used to explain Japanese business competition, Musashi's Book of Five Rings is more properly a definitive treatise on mortal combat from one of Japan's most formidable warriors - the martial arts luminary Miyamoto Musashi. Famed martial artist Stephen Kaufman has translated this classic without the usual commercial bias, driving straight to the heart of Musashi's incisive martial arts stratagems. The result is an enthralling combination of powerful technical wisdom and the philosophical elucidation offered to martial artists by Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, and Taoism. From the metaphor of the Four Elements and fundamentals of physical practice and strategy to an offering of Zen wisdom on the "way" of nature, Musashi's Book of Five Rings is as profound and important a book on martial arts as you will find.
Customer Reviews:
A Fanciful Interpretation of Musashi's Work.......2006-05-27
I have no doubt about the author's sincerity in offering this personal interpretation of Musashi's original work, "Book of 5 Spheres" (or "The Book of 5 Rings"). The problem I have with what Stephen F. Kaufman has done to Musashi's book deals more with his implied suggestion that this edition is the result of an actual ~translation~ which he was responsible for (see pages xi-xii, "Translator's Note"). In fact, when asked Mr. Kaufman has admitted that this volume (and some others he has written) are not translations at all, but rather his own personal interpretations of English translations done by other authors--something he DOESN'T bother to communicate to his readers. The title of this volume, at odds with the "translator's note" on pgs xi -xii, is actually "...The Definitive _Interpretation_ of Miyamoto Musashi's Classic Book of Strategy". I fail to understand why Kaufman confuses his readers by mixing and matching interpretation with translation. It should be noted that Mr Kaufman himself does NOT speak or read Japanese, and in fact innocently named his own martial arts school "Dojo no Hebi" ("Place of Practice's Snake"), when he was trying for "Dojo of the Snake" (which in Japanese would have been "Hebi no Dojo", meaning "The Snake's Place of Practice"). Innocent mistakes yes, but one would expect a Black belt of the 10th Dan (degree grade) and a proclaimed "Hanshi" (master practitioner) to at least check his spelling with someone who _could_ speak the language he was using.
Kaufman doesn't bother to provide a bibliography of which English translations he used, nor does he include notes explaining _how_ he drew his conclusions from the texts he studied. I am bothered by the fact that many of Musashi's words have been heavily edited, re-arranged, or deleted altogether by this author until they have been removed entirely from their original context. In doing this, Mr. Kaufman has actually ALTERED the _meaning_ of Musashi's work! What remains appears to be little more than a new age self-help guide for modern martial artists which has retained a smidgeon of flavor from Musashi's original work.
A brief example illustrating Kaufman's tendancy to put his own words in Musashi's mouth is in the fourth paragraph on page 6 of Kaufman's book. Kaufman reworks Musashi's words regarding Merchants as a class to read, "Merchants are a ridiculed class because they produce nothing except profit from the work of others." Two other men who have actually translated Musashi's work from the original Japanese suggest nothing sinister in Musashi's original work. Victor Harris in his translation of "A Book of Five Rings" offers: "The way of the merchant is always to live by taking profit" (page 41, 1974). Translator Thomas Cleary offers the same sentence as: "Whatever the business, merchants make a living from the profits they earn acording to their particular status" (page 7, 1993). This is a minor demonstration of the differences between Kaufman's work and those offered by actual translators--the translators make an effort to convey to the reader the actual meaning of Musashi's words in English, while Kaufman crafts a new meaning which never existed in Musashi's original work. Suffice to say, Kaufman's interpretation seems heavily influenced by his modern view of martial arts and his concept of what he feels samurai may have been like four centuries ago. It bears little resemblance to competent translations of Musashi's writings.
I recommend two excellent translations of Musashi's work which stay true to the original Japanese. The first is "A Book of Five Rings" translated by Victor Harris, a mechanical engineer and technical interpreter of Japanese language who not only practiced kendo (Japanese fencing), but studied this art in Japan for 3 years under Ito Kyoitsu at the Seijudo Dojo. A second recommendation is "The Book of Five Rings" by Thomas Cleary, another professional translator. Unlike Kaufman, I did not find translations by these men to be "intellectual exercises in translating Japanese to English" (pg xi). I found legitimate translations by competent translators who were clear and direct...I suspect most scholarly people, whether students of martial arts or not, will draw a similar conclusions upon comparing Kaufman's book to any actual translation.
Read it more than once.......2005-07-29
I recommend that readers reread the book couple of times for writing to show true nature of things to you. While the writing is on the art of sword fighting, principles laid out in the book can be applied in war, business and craftsmanship in a Zen like ways. Especially, if you are a student of martial arts, you may pickup one or two things on what it takes to win the fights.
Overly simple.......2005-07-09
This is the first translation of The Book of Five Rings that I read. I wasn't terribly impressed with it. After reading the translation by William Scott Wilson, I am even less impressed with Kaufman's translation. While Wilson's may be a bit harder to comprehend on the first read, much is lost in Kaufman's translation in terms of language and metaphor. Kaufman's translation may be better for someone looking for a more simple explanation of technique. However, Wilson's translation offers much more for a reader to wrap his/her mind around. Since I have never read the original text, I can in no way claim to know whose translation is is closer to the original. However for those looking for a more cerebral experience, I would suggest Wilson's translation.
Book Description
The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman.
Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai-without really knowing what it meant-he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and
wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill-until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.
The lovely Otsu, seeing in Musashi her ideal of manliness, frees him from his tortuous punishment, but he is recaptured and imprisoned. During three years of solitary confinement, he delves into the classics of Japan and China. When he is set free again, he rejects the position of samurai and for
the next several years pursues his goal relentlessly, looking neither to left nor to right.
Ever so slowly it dawns on him that following the Way of the Sword is not simply a matter of finding a target for his brute strength. Continually striving to perfect his technique, which leads him to a unique style of fighting with two swords simultaneously, he travels far and wide, challenging
fighters of many disciplines, taking nature to be his ultimate and severest teacher and undergoing the rigorous training of those who follow the Way. He is supremely successful in his encounters, but in the Art of War he perceives the way of peaceful and prosperous governance and disciplines himself
to be a real human being.
He becomes a reluctant hero to a host of people whose lives he has touched and been touched by. And, inevitably, he has to pit his skill against the naked blade of his greatest rival.
Musashi is a novel in the best tradition of Japanese story telling. It is a living story, subtle and imaginative, teeming with memorable characters, many of them historical. Interweaving themes of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety and absolute dedication to the Way of the Samurai, it
depicts vividly a world Westerners know only vaguely. Full of gusto and humor, it has an epic quality and universal appeal.
The novel was made into a three-part movie by Director Hiroshi Inagai. For more information, visit the Shopping area.
Customer Reviews:
Yahoo for Musashi........2007-08-10
I remember reading this years ago... now I'm reading the Vagabond comics based on it. So much fun.
An absolute must read........2007-08-03
This is a book that I thought should be required reading while growing up and going to school.
It a tale of a man in feudal Japan. This man is constantly trying to impove himself through self disipline and trainging. If you have not read this book yet I suggest that you do. I am sure that you will find it well worth your time. When I was reading this book I never wanted to put it down. The imagery that pops into your mind while reading this book is phenominal.
Behold Musashi.......2007-03-15
This book is simply great. Whether you are interested in samurai or just want a plain great adventure book, this is it. Musashi is a famous samurai, and his exploits are famous enough that they need not be detailed here. This book is simply great and I cant sing praise enough. It has action, romance, suspense, betrayel, heartbreak, action, culture and action! Even ends in a climactic duel between two high-caliber swordsmen like a movie!
Once you've read this, watch the Samurai Trilogy- Toshiro Mifune plays musashi. Great stuff, must buy, must read!
One of the most inspiring works I have ever read.......2007-03-14
Prior to reading this gem, I had watched the movie trilogy "Mushashi" had inspired (the first of which won the Oscar for best foreign film in the 60's), and had read another of Yoshikawa's works, "Taiko", which I loved. But for whatever reason, I didn't exactly rush to read this book, which was a gift to me in Christmas, 2005. Perhaps it was the jacket cover describing this book as the "Gone with the Wind" of Japan (which brought a yawn to me), or the daunting length of the novel, which seemed undeserved considering the movies I had seen.
However, when I finally got down to the business of reading the book, I was well-rewarded - "Musashi" is an incredibly inspiring piece of historical fiction, a story of a man who, though seemingly an anachronism in a increasingly peaceful 17th century Japan, would rise to fame and greatness as a samurai, and embody many of the traits we now associate with these warriors.
The novel begins with the undisciplined (though talented) brute Takezo, after the defeat of the Western army at the battle of Sekigahara. Through much fault of his own, Takezo would become an outlaw in his country, yet through the help of the remarkable priest Takuan, would spend the next ten years of his life perfecting his body, his sword and his soul, ultimately taking the name Musashi. Though he would run afoul of numerous entities (including the Yoshiaki school of swordsmen and the cruel but gifted Ganryu), he would learn from each and every one of his errors, and develop the two-sword style which would become famous throughout Japan.
In the same spirit, we see the domestication of Japan itself, from a country torn my civil war to the peaceful realm it would become under Ieyasu Tokugawa. Indeed, it has been said that "Musashi" is the model of many Japanese people today, a fiercely independent spirit beneath an exterior which always remembers form and tradition. But in any case, there is plenty of action to go around, with or without the heavy symbolism.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in Japan's past.
Great book.......2007-03-09
I bought this book as a birthday present for my boyfriend, who unlike me is NOT an avid reader. But he loves it so much.Says it is a great read, not drowning in detail . . . just really well written.
Book Description
Miyamoto Musashi, who lived in Japan in the fifteenth century, was a renowned samurai warrior. He has become a martial arts icon, known not just as an undefeated dueler, but also as a master of battlefield strategy. Kenji Tokitsu turns a critical eye on Musashi's life and writings, separating fact from fiction, and giving a clear picture of the man behind the myth. Musashi's best-known work, The Book of Five Rings , provides timeless insight into the nature of conflict. Tokitsu translates and provides extensive commentary on that popular work, as well as three other short texts on strategy that were written before it, and a longer, later work entitled "The Way to Be Followed Alone." Tokitsu is a thoughtful and informed guide, putting the historical and philosophical aspects of the text into context, and illuminating the etymological nuances of particular Japanese words and phrases. As a modern martial artist and a scholar, Tokitsu provides a view of Musashi's life and ideas that is accessible and relevant to today's readers and martial arts students.
Customer Reviews:
Japanese Warriors.......2007-07-29
Once I started reading 'Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings' I could not put it down and found myself reading until the next morning... This is a well written informative and detailed account of Miyamoto Musashi's life, his training, his teaching, his paintings and his writings. Various sources are cited and comparative analysis is rendered. We are given more than a glimpse into Musashi the warrior, the father, the artist and the man. I place this book on the top of the list of books regarding Miyamoto Musashi and his writing on Strategy as presented in Go Rin no Sho. It is a must for every military professional and devoted martial artists.
Good Biography and Translated Works.......2007-02-17
This book opens with one of the best biographies I have read in a while. Since it concerns a historical figure about whom much is unknown, the author presents multiple viewpoints and conjectures prevalent in the current historical scholarship of Japan. Some readers have noted this and consider it annoying double-talk, but I found it useful to know the multiple opinions of the scholars. It lets me know Tokitsu is not simply saying "this is my opinion, and mine is the correct one."
The fact that Musashi's writings are all translated in the second part of the book is very nice. The selections are very readable in English, but don't lose their enigmatic and ambiguous nature. Of course, the major composition is the Gorin (no) Sho, or Book of Five Rings, while the other writings are mostly earlier sketches which reveal the evolution of Musashi's ideas up into the writing of the book. Also included is the list of life principles he wrote shortly before death, Dokkodo.
The third part of the book is a big section about principals of the martial arts and opinions of practitioners on Musashi's ideas. This section will not appeal to non-martial artists or non-enthusiasts. The ideas are mostly deeply rooted in Zen, or describe technicalities the non-enthusiast will find generally uninteresting. It has been said that this book is a very dry read, but I disagree. The life narrative of Musashi was quite entertaining, and his writings are as most writings of that type go, but it was this last section, focused on the practice of budo, that probably lead to that opinion of dryness. I found it interesting myself, being a practitioner of the arts. Don't take this description the wrong way, this section does not ruin the book by any means. It is worth reading for the first two parts no matter what. I'm simply saying that the third section only really appeals to practitioners and enthusiasts like myself.
This book is a must read for anyone who practices or simply likes martial arts. It is even good if you are simply a fan of biographies. The book is also very well bound, and will be quite durable.
Dry but very rewarding read.......2007-01-09
This book is a scholarly and somewhat dry read with many footnotes and alternatives explored. Persevere with it because this is a fascinating unravelling of facts and myths about Miyamoto Musashi's remarkable life and inspirational writings.
Note this book includes a translation of the book of five rings that reads very well indeed, a remarkable feat considering the nature of the Japanese original.
Great..........2006-08-25
This book has a great narrative point of view. It attempts to look at the man historically and without all the mythos surrounding him in Japanese Martial Arts history. Good read!
Excellent study for the 21st Century swordsman.......2006-08-14
Through historical accounts the author reconstructs Musashi's childhood and sixty individual duels to illustrate the development of Miyamoto's swordsmanship. Musashi's frictional relationship with his father, Munisai, revealed much about the intolerant perfectionism required for the attainment of Musashi's two-sworded way. For example, while his father was in the dojo cutting toothpicks with a katana, 13 year old Musashi leaned against a wooden beam and criticized his father's technique---mind you, Munisai was awarded Best Sword in Japan at the time. To prove a point, Musashi traveled to a strange town and killed an accomplished 26 year old Samurai.
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