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Sakuteiki
by Marc P. Keane Jiro TakeiThe Sakuteiki, or "Records of Garden Making," was written nearly one thousand years ago. It is the oldest existing text on Japanese gardening-or any kind of gardening—in the world. In this edition of the Sakuteiki the authors provide both an English-language translation of this classic work and an introduction to the cultural and historical context that led to the development of Japanese gardening.
Lessons in the Art of War
by Martina SpragueWar is a human activity, not one that is limited by geographic location. And the principles of war are the same, regardless of place or number of participants. An army of ten thousand engaged in battle uses the same basic strategies that two people in single combat will utilize.In Lessons in the Art of War, author Martina Sprague explores the writings of both Sun Tzu, the famous Chinese military strategist, and Carl von Clausewitz, the European military genius. Despite the differences in time period, geographic location and culture, both Sun Tzu and von Clausewitz had achieved extraordinary understanding of human nature and how that relates to combat. Sprague takes the similarities and differences in their respective strategies and distills them down to their essence for martial artists to understand and incorporate into their personal practices.
Lessons in the Art of War
by Martina SpragueWar is a human activity, not one that is limited by geographic location. And the principles of war are the same, regardless of place or number of participants. An army of ten thousand engaged in battle uses the same basic strategies that two people in single combat will utilize.In Lessons in the Art of War, author Martina Sprague explores the writings of both Sun Tzu, the famous Chinese military strategist, and Carl von Clausewitz, the European military genius. Despite the differences in time period, geographic location and culture, both Sun Tzu and von Clausewitz had achieved extraordinary understanding of human nature and how that relates to combat. Sprague takes the similarities and differences in their respective strategies and distills them down to their essence for martial artists to understand and incorporate into their personal practices.
The Seeds of Love
by Thich Nhat Hanh Jerry BrazaUsing the garden as metaphor, The Seeds of Love offers a process for creating mindfulness. Through the development of the practice of mindfulness, and using its tools to maintain a state of awareness and openness to self and others. Readers will learn how to nurture such seeds as compassion, joy and generosity and to use personal challenges such as jealousy, anger and self doubt as a means of growth. Using precepts from many faiths and traditions, The Seeds of Love fosters the practice of using simple, basic actions to reach the best within ourselves and share it with those around us. It will be an invaluable guide to anyone seeking deeper and more conscious relationships.
Soul of the Samurai
by Thomas ClearyIn Soul of the Samurai respected author and translator Thomas Cleary reveals the true essence of Bushido or Zen warrior teachings according to 17th-century Japanese sword master Yagyu Munenori and his Zen teacher Takuan Soho.This book contains the first English translations of their seminal writings on Bushido. Cleary not only provides clear and readable translations but comprehensive notes introducing the social, political, and organizational principles that defined Samurai culture-their loyalty to family, their sense of service and duty, and their political strategies for dealing with allies and enemies.These writings introduce the reader to the authentic world of Zen culture and the secrets behind the Samurai's success-being "in the moment" and freeing the mind from all distractions, allowing you to react instantaneously and instinctively without thinking. In these classic works we learn that Zen mental control and meditational training were as important to the Samurai as swordsmanship and fighting skills.The three works of Zen Bushido translated in Soul of the Samurai are:The Book of the Sword by Yagyu Munenori, The Inscrutable Subtlety of Immovable Wisdom by Takuan Soho, and The Peerless Sword by Takuan Soho.
Understanding Zen
by Benjamin Radcliff Amy Radcliff"The authors of this book, who both have university affiliations, present Zen as a "secular doctrine without any necessary relationship to Buddhism or Eastern culture." Some of the seven chapters deal with such concepts as reason, paradox, meaning, and existence and how they relate to Zen. Others explore successfully the origin of Zen, the practice of meditation, and the social implications of Zen. The authors also investigate the Taoist and Buddhist ideas preceding Zen and relate it to Freudian psychology, anarchism, and the dualistic truths of the scientific method. Though this well-done study is accessible to informed lay readers, it is more suitable for academic libraries."--Library Journal
Understanding Zen
by Benjamin Radcliff Amy Radcliff"The authors of this book, who both have university affiliations, present Zen as a "secular doctrine without any necessary relationship to Buddhism or Eastern culture." Some of the seven chapters deal with such concepts as reason, paradox, meaning, and existence and how they relate to Zen. Others explore successfully the origin of Zen, the practice of meditation, and the social implications of Zen. The authors also investigate the Taoist and Buddhist ideas preceding Zen and relate it to Freudian psychology, anarchism, and the dualistic truths of the scientific method. Though this well-done study is accessible to informed lay readers, it is more suitable for academic libraries."--Library Journal
Code of the Samurai
by Thomas Cleary Oscar RattiLearn the ways of the Japanese Bushido Code with this very readable, modern translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu.Code of the Samurai is a four-hundred-year-old explication of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido, the Japanese Way of the Warrior. Bushido has played a major role in shaping the behavior of modern Japanese government, corporations, society, and individuals, as well as in shaping modern Japanese martial arts within Japan and internationally.The Japanese original of this book, Bushido Shoshinshu, (Bushido for Beginners), has been one of the primary sources on the tenets of Bushido, a way of thought that remains fascinating and relevant to the modern world, East and West.With a clear, conversational narrative by Thomas Cleary, one of the foremost translators of the wisdom of Asia, and powerfully evocative line drawings by master illustrator Oscar Ratti, this book is indispensable to the corporate executive, student of the Asian Culture, martial artist, those interested in Eastern philosophy or military strategy, as well as for those simply interested in Japan and its people.
Code of the Samurai
by Thomas Cleary Oscar RattiCode of the Samurai is a four-hundred-year-old explication of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido, the Japanese way of the warrior. Bushido has played a major role in shaping the behavior of modern Japanese government, corporations, society, and individuals, as well as in shaping the modern martial arts within Japan and internationally. The Japanese original of this book has been one of the primary sources on the tenets of Bushido, a way of thought that remains fascinating to modern world, East and West.
Code of the Samurai
by Thomas Cleary Oscar RattiCode of the Samurai is a four-hundred-year-old explication of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido, the Japanese way of the warrior. Bushido has played a major role in shaping the behavior of modern Japanese government, corporations, society, and individuals, as well as in shaping the modern martial arts within Japan and internationally. The Japanese original of this book has been one of the primary sources on the tenets of Bushido, a way of thought that remains fascinating to modern world, East and West.
Samurai Wisdom
by Thomas ClearyOne of the best known translators of the wisdom of Asia, Thomas Cleary now adds a new book to his samurai canon with Samurai Wisdom, new translations of five classic works on bushido. His previous works, Code of the Samurai and Soul of the Samurai, focused on the practical aspects and the more spiritual, Zen side of the samurai, respectively. Samurai Wisdom, authored by the scholar Yamaga Soko or his disciples, provides the core ideals and lessons that taught the samurai how to lead a proper life under the martial philosophy of bushido.Yamaga's writings inspired the transformation of the samurai from a feudal warrior class to a group with great intellectual, political and ethical leadership and influence. The classic works translated in Samurai Wisdom, despite being over 400 years old, are as timeless and applicable today as Sun Tzu's famous work, The Art of War.
Samurai Wisdom
by Thomas ClearyThis book presents new translations of five classic works on Bushido--the way of the Samurai warrior. These treatises, all authored by the scholar Yamaga Soko or one of his disciples, provide the core ideals and philosophy underlying Samurai conduct and way of life. Together they offer an in-depth, practical guide to building character and leading a proper life according to the precepts of Bushido. Yamaga's writings helped inspire the transformation of the Samurai from a feudal warrior class to become accomplished leaders of intellectual, political, and ethical influence.
Moving Toward Stillness
by Dave LowryMoving Toward Stillness is a collection based upon Dave Lowry's magazine articles from the past decade, mostly from his highly regarded column in Black Belt magazine. Written from an almost Japanese perspective, it offers an entertaining and informative view of the Martial Arts' arts. Topics explored include entering the Martial Artst's way, making the pursuit of traditional Asian Martial Arts' arts a part of modern Western life, the paradoxes and conflicts such a path inevitably generates, how to adapt to the mindset necessary for true mastery of a foreign art, and much more.
Moving Toward Stillness
by Dave LowryMoving Toward Stillness is a collection based upon Dave Lowry's magazine articles from the past decade, mostly from his highly regarded column in Black Belt magazine. Written from an almost Japanese perspective, it offers an entertaining and informative view of the Martial Arts' arts. Topics explored include entering the Martial Artst's way, making the pursuit of traditional Asian Martial Arts' arts a part of modern Western life, the paradoxes and conflicts such a path inevitably generates, how to adapt to the mindset necessary for true mastery of a foreign art, and much more.
One Arrow, One Life
by Jackson Morisawa Kenneth KushnerOne Arrow, One Life is the ultimate study of kyudo (the art of traditional Japanese archery) and its relation to the ideals and practice of Zen Buddhism. But it's much more: It also serves perfectly as an informal manual of practice for anyone who wants to bring a living, moving Zen into the activities of everyday life. Beginning with a solid introduction to the foundation techniques of both kyudo and zazen-breathing, posture, and concentration-and quickly moving on to the subtleties of advanced practice, Ken Kushner then ties it all together into a personal testimony of the pervasiveness of Zen in everyday life. For those interested in Zen and moving meditation, kyudo practitioners of all levels, as well as students of the Way of martial arts, this volume, beautifully illustrated with line drawings by Jackson Morisawa, is an indispensable guidebook.
Samurai Strategies: 42 Martial Secrets from Musashi's Book of Five Rings
by Boye Lafayette De Mente Michihiro MatsumotoSimilar to The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Book of Five Rings by Musashi Myamoto, Japan's most famous warrior and combat strategist, provides valuable lessons for anyone facing challenging circumstances--from business, war, and sports to fields of art, love, and politics.<P><P>The samurai culture, created over a period of nearly seven hundred years by Japan's ruling class of warriors and epitomized in The Book of Five Rings, still influences every facet of the Japanese way of thinking and doing things. Many Japanese, consciously and unconsciously, pattern their attitudes and behavior on the thinking and behavior of Musashi, including sacrificing themselves to ideals, and continuously striving to achieve perfection.Boyé Lafayette De Mente has extracted the fundamentals of Musashi's martial tactics and explains them here in a context for use in the modern world. These strategies for winning are as valid today as they were in 17th century Japan and provide valuable insights for anyone in any field to endeavor.This hardcover edition of Samurai Strategies features a new introduction by the author, and additional commentary in each chapter by renowned Japanese author and samurai expert Michihiro Matsumoto.
Secret Tactics
by Kazumi TabataIn the tradition of The Martial Artist's Book of Five Rings, one of America's most experienced teachers of karate offers new interpretations of fundamental martial arts texts. The book includes new translations of essays on leadership, correct behavior, character, and values. "Hereditary Manual of Fighting Techniques" by Yagyu Tajimanokami Munenori explores the relationship between Zen philosophy and warfare and the mental preparation for successful fighting. In "The Ultimate Sword," Takuan Soho describes the unremitting effort that must be undertaken to become a true master of strategy. He uses key aspects of sword-fighting strategy to shed light on the path to self-realization in "The Miracle of Immovable Wisdom." Kotoda Yahei Toshisada emphasizes the importance of training and learning techniques over theory in 'Technical Study of Kenpo." In "The School of Two Heavens," Musashi Miyamoto applies the principles of sword fighting to military arts and politics. Mastuura Saizan focuses on strengthening the weak points of the human mind, and exploiting the natural movements of the human body, in "Jyoseihi Kendan." And "Tengu's Dialogue on the Martial Arts" by Issai Chosanshi is a manual for students of the martial arts, presented in the form of a dialogue with a master.
Secret Tactics
by Kazumi TabataIn the tradition of The Martial Artist's Book of Five Rings, one of America's most experienced teachers of karate offers new interpretations of fundamental martial arts texts. The book includes new translations of essays on leadership, correct behavior, character, and values. "Hereditary Manual of Fighting Techniques" by Yagyu Tajimanokami Munenori explores the relationship between Zen philosophy and warfare and the mental preparation for successful fighting. In "The Ultimate Sword," Takuan Soho describes the unremitting effort that must be undertaken to become a true master of strategy. He uses key aspects of sword-fighting strategy to shed light on the path to self-realization in "The Miracle of Immovable Wisdom." Kotoda Yahei Toshisada emphasizes the importance of training and learning techniques over theory in 'Technical Study of Kenpo." In "The School of Two Heavens," Musashi Miyamoto applies the principles of sword fighting to military arts and politics. Mastuura Saizan focuses on strengthening the weak points of the human mind, and exploiting the natural movements of the human body, in "Jyoseihi Kendan." And "Tengu's Dialogue on the Martial Arts" by Issai Chosanshi is a manual for students of the martial arts, presented in the form of a dialogue with a master.
The Samurai Mind
by Christopher HellmanThe Samurai Mind is a collection of five seminal Japanese texts which together convey the very essence of the traditional samurai warrior ethos. These texts range from the ferocious to the esoteric--with their common thread being the importance of mastering one's own mind as the key to overcoming opponents. Written from the mid-18th to early 19th century, the authors were acknowledged master warriors keen to address a broader audience beyond their circle of students and acolytes. Their aim was to explain their craft to the outside world, and they do so with great insight.
The Samurai Mind
by Christopher HellmanThe Samurai Mind is a collection of five seminal Japanese texts which together convey the very essence of the traditional samurai warrior ethos. These texts range from the ferocious to the esoteric--with their common thread being the importance of mastering one's own mind as the key to overcoming opponents. Written from the mid-18th to early 19th century, the authors were acknowledged master warriors keen to address a broader audience beyond their circle of students and acolytes. Their aim was to explain their craft to the outside world, and they do so with great insight.
Samurai Tales: Courage, Fidelity and Revenge in the Final Years of the Shogun
by Romulus Hillsborough Kiyoharu OminoSamurai Tales is about the legendary men from the samurai class who fought for the helm of power in 19th century Japan.<P><P> These are stories of courage, honor, fidelity, disgrace, fate, and destiny set in the bloody time of political change and social upheaval in the final years of the Shogun. Samurai Tales is, to quote author Romulus Hillsborough, "accurate portrayals of the heart and soul of the samurai, the social and political systems of whom have, like the Japanese sword, become relics of a distant age, but the likes of whose nobility shall never again be seen in this world." In recounting what he terms "the great epic which was the dawn of modern Japan," Hillsborough delves deeply into the psyche of the men of the samurai class. This book would serve well on the bookshelves of martial artists, those interested in samurai culture, or those interested in Japanese history.
Shinto the Kami Way
by William Woodard Sokyo OnoShinto, the indigenous faith of the Japanese people, continues to fascinate and mystify both the casual visitor to Japan and the long-time resident. This introduction unveils Shinto's spiritual characteristics and discusses the architecture and function of Shinto shrines. Further examination of Shinto's lively festivals, worship, music, and sacred regalia illustrates Shinto's influence on all levels of Japanese life.Fifteen photographs, numerous drawings and Dr. Ono's text introduce the reader to two millenia of indigenous Japanese belief in the Kami - the sacred spirits worshipped in Shinto - and in communal life, the way of the Kami.
Shinto the Kami Way
by Sokyo Ono William WoodardShinto, the indigenous faith of the Japanese people, continues to fascinate and mystify both the casual visitor to Japan and the long-time resident. This introduction unveils Shinto's spiritual characteristics and discusses the architecture and function of Shinto shrines. Further examination of Shinto's lively festivals, worship, music, and sacred regalia illustrates Shinto's influence on all levels of Japanese life.Fifteen photographs, numerous drawings and Dr. Ono's text introduce the reader to two millenia of indigenous Japanese belief in the Kami - the sacred spirits worshipped in Shinto - and in communal life, the way of the Kami.
Chinese Martial Code
by Edwin Lowe A. L. SadlerFor millennia the classics of Chinese martial strategy have been studied and their lessons applied with devastating success by warlords and military generals and today this timeless advice is analyzed as much for its application in the boardroom as on the battlefield-as thousands of Asian businessmen can attest.Chinese Martial Code provides clear, easy to follow translations of three of the most respected works on strategy in history, featuring a masterful translation of The Art of War of Sun Tzu--the most respected of all works of military strategy--as well as the less famous but equally wise Precepts of Ssu Ma Jang Chu and Wu Chi On the Art of War.Additionally, A. L. Sadler's translation is converted here into Pinyin for the first time and the original Chinese language versions of these classic texts are also included, making this title a treasure to Chinese history and military scholars as well. The text is also copiously annotated, placing its sage advice in perspective for modern readers planning to use these time-tested strategies to conquer the business world.
Converging Paths
by Susan SantucciIn Converging Paths, Susan Santucci gathers the world's greatest religious insights into one volume that is easy-to-read, thought-provoking, and inspirational. Each short-entry focuses on a single aspect of the wisdom shared by major world religions. Quotations from mystics, philosophers, and contemporary writers help readers make connections between traditional teachings and their own spiritual path. The result is a quick, clear introduction to spiritual traditions from around the world without lengthy, esoteric discussions. These wonderful examples of shared values and religious diversity will appeal to students of comparative religions and anyone seeking to further their spiritual journey.