Hagakure
Yamamoto Tsunetomo
Translated by William Scott Wilson

There are two prerequisites before reading Hagakure: one is an open-mind devoid of bias and preconcieved notions and the other is an active mind. The Hagakure ("In the Shadow of Leaves") is not a book for everyone. An adequate understanding of ancient beliefs and traditions are needed to avoid quick generalizations and harsh criticism about the behavior of the samurai. That said, it is a marvelous composition of anecdotes, thoughts and beliefs.

The translator (and obviously an enthusiast), William Scott Wilson, gives a disclaimer early on the book: Yamamoto Tsunetomo was not a true samurai in the sense that he was born during the wrong period. He had never participated in battle and the practices of seppuku and tsuifuku (of which the book predominantly speaks of) were outlawed during his time. Moreover, William Scott Wilson admits Tsunetomo has never been recognized for his work. More importantly, the ideas presented here are limited to the Nabeshima Clan. All the beliefs and ideas here, if practiced at all, are more likely only known by a small circle of samurai families. This is further confirmed by Tsunetomo's original design that the original text be destroyed or disregarded. But William Scott Wilson explains, and his introduction should be read seriously, that Tsunetomo was an intelligent man who wrote using material told to him by those who lived during the age of the Samurai --- in this way, it is unfair to chuck Hagakure aside as nothing more than nostalgic notions. Most ancient literature, after all, is based nothing more than hearsay.

The book is filled with short tales and observations about samurai either resolving conflict through swordfight or ending their lives by their own blade. The nature of the samurai is based on loyalty until death to his master and his own understanding of death. All the actions of the samurai fall under one or the other (though there are a few passages about irrelevant matters like homosexuality and adding rouge to a dull complexion).

Hagakure praises bravery and the decisiveness of the samurai to right whatever wrongs done to them (it is actually just to kill someone who has insulted you) and to follow his retainer til death (it is the greatest act to commit tsuifuku immediately after the death of one's master).

If understood incorrectly, it may seem that the samurai is self-absorbed, blindly dependent and prideful. This is a gross misconception --- the samurai seeks death and prizes life above all to such extremities as to take one's own life to avoid shame.

 

 

This extremity reaches a point of disbelief as stories one after the other of killing oneself over trifling things become prevalent in the book. Reflection is important in many of the passages about the understanding of death to fully understand why the samurai does these things.

In movies and in popular literature, the samurai and the Japanese in general, are stereotyped as war-freaks obsessed with honour. The word "honour" is not mentioned at all in Hagakure, proving once and for all the inaccuracy of popular media. "Shame," "death," "negligence" and "loyalty" are constantly used in the book.

Hagakure is a perfect complement to A.B. Mitford's wonderful "Tales of Old Japan." Mitford's attention to the rituals and details of the samurai (and the heroic deeds of folk heroes) serves to highlight the important aspects of the Hagakure. It is almost important to read at least Mitford's account of the last manifestations of samurai before browsing through Hagakure. Hagakure is not a work that is read continuously but must be seriously reflected upon or read more than once. It does not have the clarity and simplicity of Musashi's The Book of Five Rings nor the heroic atmosphere of "Tales of Old Japan." Wilson's best selections are often those that focus on social behavior -- on how the samurai must use few words to convey his meaning or how the samurai must not criticize others or must not talk about people. There are moments when Wilson's translations are doubtful as the choice of words serve only to confuse the reader. However, Wilson seems intent on accuracy, as evidenced by the handy glossary at the back of the book and a complete record of the names mentioned in the quotations.

Although Wilson's selections have plenty of stories of crude conflicts, a retainer's loyalty and the samurai's obsession with death, the Hagakure in many ways is a complete book. It discusses many topics true thinkers consider as important such as proper social behavior, women, courage, injustice, change and history. It does not, however, mention "morals" (at least in the way most people understand them). Instead, readers plunge into the "impractical" and "irrational" Way. Unlike the many Western Philosophies which conceive itself as to be a strict form of thought, Tsunetomo encourages constant development of thought. The Way is always changing and its manifestations, whether of the Samurai or otherwise, is never absolutely defined.

 

Rating:

  
 
August Issue