The Way of the Living Sword: The Secret Teachings of Yagyu Munenori [Paperback]

Yagyu Munenori (Author), D. E. Tarver (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 4, 2003

The Way of the Living Sword is the final installment in D.E. Tarver's popular Warrior Series. It stands beside The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi as one of the greatest writings of the warrior mind. In The Way of the Living Sword, Munenori gives an in-depth explanation of the connection between physical martial arts and the mental process of Zen. While Munenori and Musashi were both avid students of Zen, Munenori was more fascinated by the academic aspects of the philosophy.Munenori stretches the consciousness of even the most enlightened martial artist. Martial arts devotees will experience many flashes of revelation as Tarver explores the various aspects of Munenori's approach.Read and grow!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

D. E. Tarver holds black belts ranging from second to seventh degree in seven different styles of Japanese and Filipino martial arts. He has taught martial arts and strategy for twenty years. Since his honorable discharge from the Marines, he has spent time in Japan and the United States

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (August 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595279988
• ISBN-13: 978-0595279982
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,582 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Zen Philosophy
  • #16 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Asia > Japan
  • #48 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Eastern > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Exercise your Mind Wisely, June 1, 2011

By 

Jim Martin (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Way of the Living Sword: The Secret Teachings of Yagyu Munenori (Paperback)

And lastly I have read `the Way of the Living Sword', by D.E. Tarver. Here we find another wonderful short guide not only for martial arts training but, more importantly, for life and how we should think.

A few key points here:
Pick the right leaders to guide others
Know who's around you at all times - you must be aware and stay alert
There is but one rule for all to follow
You must read the intentions of others
As much as you read, you must be able to think for yourself (to read it - to live it)
There is a process to all things, so allow ALL to flow naturally

Probably the most important note I would like to add:
Do as though you were doing nothing and all things will flow from their own accord. Do not have a set goal where you think you can control the outcome - you will falter. Rather, release this thought of control, and just react to the "instant" (the current situation), and you will accomplish anything without the `appearance of effort'. Such is nature - the natural flow of all things...

Naturally, I can't explain everything here, but there is plenty of discussion concerning fighting tactics - some which are very interesting. There is some very useful information in here depending on where you are in your training. I do not practice karate anymore; however it has left a valuable imprint on my life in more ways than one. However, I completely comprehend some of the important lessons in this book. I think it is a valuable tool to have handy. Once again - good job to the author...

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, January 9, 2007

By 

Jason F. Vieira "Chopper Jay" (Brazil) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Way of the Living Sword: The Secret Teachings of Yagyu Munenori (Paperback)

Minimalist, simple and direct. If you know the japanese culture, these three words are complements for this book. As the yagyu shinkage ryu, the book is the essence of a fantastic and very effective art. If you practice Yagyu ryu as we do or you're a martial artist, this book is just as mandatory as Inato Nitobe's Bushido, Tsunetomo's Hagakure or even Musashi's GoRi no Sho

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great!, March 1, 2009

By 

Joe Maurantonio (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Way of the Living Sword: The Secret Teachings of Yagyu Munenori (Paperback)

The author/translator provides a clear translation of the original Japanese writing. Not a lot of details or explanations; simply provides the original text. I highly recommend this to be read alongside The Life-Giving Sword: The Secret Teachings From the House of the Shogun.