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Sometimes, making a hard choice requires a great deal of courage. Situations which require us to make these choices don't necessarily come when we are called upon to save someone's life or commit a heroic act of such degree that will gain us any kind of recognition or notoriety. Most of the time, it is the simplest of situations which force us to make a choice between taking a chance to do the right thing or remain in the shadows of our own pride, embarrassment or fear and merely observe with regret. Bushido dictates that we must act to support goodness and right action regardless of our level of comfort with the intervention. Sometimes, the lives or well-being of others will depend on our ability to rise with courage at any given moment, usually when we least expect it.
Originally posted by Bugeisha
My advice would be to take works like the "Hagakure", with a little salt
Awesome reading and a really nice 'memoir' sort of insight to some of the values of the Tokugawa period, however historically it has little value, it's effectively a work of fiction. Understandably, it's not written from a historical standpoint, however it's merit as a work of 'the times' is minimal from a academic perspective.
That said, i've read it more times i can remember, it was very valuable to me in my youth.
Shame that the west 'cheeses' up the Bushido topic with it's tenancy to romanticise such things, i've found the reality of much of that history to have a very different and much more genuinely enigmatic, and robust feel than what the 'west' is shown.
Originally posted by Specimen
Seriously...I bet most of you couldn't do thirty push ups...
Originally posted by Specimen
reply to post by Kashai
You know what, dying for the glory of battle, or dying for something you believe in sounds like the stereotype of islam(srry)? What next sucidal bombing Jews?(Srry) Thoughts?
. It just if samurais felt like they failed royalty, or got dishonored, they'd stab themselves.
Originally posted by DocHolidaze
reply to post by Specimen
. It just if samurais felt like they failed royalty, or got dishonored, they'd stab themselves.
I think this statment is a little off it makes samurai seem shallow beings with no appreciation of human life.
I would reword this statment to
If the samurai failed there perceived life long purpose which was to serve their choosen master, or dishonored themselves by failing there masters and/or themselves they would choose there death.
After some time the samurai suicide was looked down upon when it came to killing yourself because of the death of your master and the practice almost stopped completely. But they always chose death before dishonor when it came to the battle field. War is an ugly thing, yet the samurai brought what honor they could to the dishonorable act of war, an act that has plagued humanity since the dawn of time.
Originally posted by okamitengu
Originally posted by Bugeisha
My advice would be to take works like the "Hagakure", with a little salt
Awesome reading and a really nice 'memoir' sort of insight to some of the values of the Tokugawa period, however historically it has little value, it's effectively a work of fiction. Understandably, it's not written from a historical standpoint, however it's merit as a work of 'the times' is minimal from a academic perspective.
That said, i've read it more times i can remember, it was very valuable to me in my youth.
Shame that the west 'cheeses' up the Bushido topic with it's tenancy to romanticise such things, i've found the reality of much of that history to have a very different and much more genuinely enigmatic, and robust feel than what the 'west' is shown.
this guY! ^ ^ ^
for those with no idea of what bushido means its a great introduction to the extremes of the way, written by someone for whom bushido was something already lost.
like all other philosophy and thought it was twisted by those who wished to use it for their own ends.
see the rise of the nationalists pre WW2
Originally posted by Specimen
Have fun dying then...At your enemies own hand...Make sure it a good worthy enemy...Not some cheap thrill...Or Odin won`t let you...O wait wrong philosophy.
-SIncerely,
your Douche Bag,
Specimen
Originally posted by okamitengu
have you read go rin no sho?
the book of five rings is a classic strategy book. while not about strategy it is about the way.
it should be a book you read in your list.
Such writings emphasise that the warrior protects and defends because he / she recognises the value of others and so serves his / her community. This may be expressed in a simple action such as ensuring one’s companion reaches their car or home safely in the night; or perhaps serving the needs of others not well positioned to help themselves. Rather than prey on the vulnerable or ignore them leaving them to risk their own way, the modern “bushi” is there to help, serve and protect according to the ancient virtues encompassed by “the way”, with chivalry, artistry and beauty.