Customer Reviews

The Life-Giving Sword: The Secret Teachings From the House of the Shogun (The Way of the Warrior Series)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone who looks to a book to learn how to swing a sword will forever be disappointed. Those of us who have actually taken the time train in the sword know that direct transmition is the only way (yes, the schools still exist -- go find one).

What this book presents (along with some very good subtle sword pointers) is the proper mental attitude you must gain in order to progress on the path. Mr. Wilson does a wonderful job translating a difficult text. If you are serious about sword, get this book AND go find a teacher ...

Munenori's book is a classic work of Japanese literature that explores the Way of the sword through what we in the west might call a philosphical approach. Yet, I don't think the distinction between the physical style and philosophical approach would be seperate categories to Munenori. His book sets out to present the Way as a total approach of mind, body, and spirit, and not merely the development of each independently. Reading the book in any other way will probably make it fairly disappointing.

The other thing to remember about this book is its a classic by one of the most influential sword instructors of his era. In that respect, the book is rich with perspective on early 17th century Japanese culture. Particularly interesting are the reprinted plates in the back of the book showing the original inked pages of technique.

As other viewers pointed out, this is not a book for someone simply learning to wield a sword. Instead, Munenori's book is a fascinating account of swordsmanship that gives the reader insight not only to the richness of the Way, but also wonderful insight on a fascinating historical figure. Highly recommended for those interested in Japanese culture, history of samurai, and the feudal era.

I give this book five stars simply because I love it. For anyone who finds Miyamoto Musashi's book a little hard to fathom at first, then maybe you could start with this.

I have a number of translations by William Scott Wilson, the most recent being 'The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts', I love them all and have to say that I prefer his translations over any other.

First and foremost this is not a story for entertainment nor is it a manual that will teach you how to use a sword. This is a deeply philosophical investigation into the Zen mind required to master the sword. Experienced practitioners will get the most out of it. Beginners will stumble through it and most of the value will be lost. It requires many reads and deep contemplation together with practice to really come to life.

The first 60-pages of the book are very interesting, as Wilson takes us through a brief synopsis of the life and times of Munenori with some descriptions of his character and people he associated with. Munenori was a very colorful character who was a teacher and adviser to shoguns, winning the post against Musashi himself.

The Yagyu clan is an old ninja family who live in the mountains outside Nara. Their village is surrounded by rice paddies and is difficult to approach. At one point Musashi traveled there to challenge Munenori (who was conveniently not present) and instead wound up dueling and killing a master of the kusurigama, a sickle with a chain and weight on the end and a common ninja weapon.

The actual Life Giving Sword is about 70-pages long and is mostly a philosophical zen treaty with application for any martial art, but geared to the Way of the sword. Also included are 28 prints from the Illustrated Catalog of the Shinkage-ryu, which offers brief descriptions of the techniques and includes the "Tengu Series".

This is an essential book for any sword practitioner, or anyone involved in the martial arts. I can't recommend it enough.

Mr. Yagyu Munenori had a crystal clear mind so grounded in Zen, his writings amazingly show how Mankind has taken a big step back in being grounded in the "Now." I find his words so comforting, and when applied to the practice of the sword, they manifest themselves physically into action. It is one thing to seek enlightenment through books, but it seems only through physical experience can true manifestation of that knowledge be put to use. I love how you learn to throw away the mind, "No Mind" and live in the freedom of your actions. If your mind lingers anywhere, it becomes trapped. I see this "sickness" of the trapped mind everywhere today in people. They are trapped in the past, or a future of which they dream, and are looking forward to a reality that does not exist. They are not "here" when you speak to them. Their mind is caught in a dream, like a lotus eater, glassy eyed and harried.

Other than children and animals, it's very hard these days to find people who are absorbed in the present moment. No future, no past, only living for that moment. This book is like a soothing ointment to straighten jagged thoughts of delusion. A must read.

This book like the Go Rin Sho are essential reading to any modern day martial artist. When it comes to understanding the why we do what we are learning, it gives good insight from the past. I would also recommend The Sword and The Mind.

I have already reviewed this x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x.

An accurate & comprehensive historical account of one of the world's greatest swordsmen dating back nearly 400 years, written in a clear & easy style that keeps the readers interest all the way through.

Almost "a rags to riches" story of a man who came from a humble background & rose to one of the highest positions in Japanese Society.

It gives proof that with a degree of dedication & persistence along with the constant practice & perfection of just one skill, in this case swordsmanship, one can use that skill & make a success of ones life & be rich in many more ways than just financial.

William Scott Wilson is a true genius when it comes to writing about ancient Japanese history & subjects concerning the life of famous samurai warriors. His successful & prolific writings are a testament to this.

About a third of the book is devoted to a very interesting background to the life of Munenori & life in Japan as it was nearly 400 years ago. Also, it was a bonus to see in this account many mentions made to another famous samurai that lived at the time - Miyamoto Musashi (author of "The Book of Five Rings" fame) & their spiritual companion & Zen Priest: Takuan Soho (author of "The Unfettered Mind"). These two great & so different warriors must have been aware of each others existence, one wonders whether they had ever met in person & if they had, what the outcome would have been?

A great historical & truly valuable account by a master writer, which ought to be on the top of any martial artists list of important books. Look out for Wilson's other title "The Lone Samurai" which traces the life of Munenori.

Even though I liked Musashi's Book of Five Rings better, this informative text explains the philosopical principles of Zen as it relates to swordsmanship. The advice and lessons in this text are of value for anyone who follows the way of the warrior. The two texts every serious martial artist should have in his/her library is this one and Musashi's book of five rings. Reading this book first will make it easier to understand other treatises having to do with Budo(way of the warrior).
In conclusion, this book is a classic for all martial artists.

Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths--Cafe Press).

Of the several English translations available, I think this is the best. Each version is formatted slightly differently, but I find this version the most readable.Bushido: The Way of the Samurai (Square One Classics)