Hagakure - Quote for the Day

[Gyakuto137 146]

I’ve had a particularly difficult six months and when chatting to a clinical psychologist friend of mine, she asked how I was able to remain so stoic and indeed cheerful when most other people go to pieces and require her professional services! I warned her that my answer might sound a little corny, but I put it down to reading ‘Hagakure’ by Yamamoto Tsunetomo from an early age and maybe internalising its ideas. She said it was corny at all and promptly ordered a copy of the translation I recommended!

It’s an odd book; seemingly contradictory at times, severe and compassionate at others, addressing both trivial and important ideas, giving opinions on historical events (47 Rōnin for example) but I think there is great value in some of it’s entries. Thus I thought I’d share some of my favourites as a ‘thought for the day’ for you to ponder during those occasional quiet times in the day.

Entry 12

A warrior must always be careful with his words. To open one’s mouth lightly and scatter whatever one happens to think lacks dignity. In particular, criticism and slander of others should be restrained.

A person who speaks too much commits too many mistakes. Say what is necessary, and say it simply. This is the proper use of words for a warrior.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 13

A person’s true nature appears in their conduct at a drinking party. Some people become bold when alcohol enters them, say things that they would not usually say, or forget courtesy. Yet, those around them see such behavior as revealing who they really are. Even while drinking one must not lose the dignity of a warrior.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 14

A warrior must not neglect his appearance. Disordered hair or dirty clothing is shameful for a warrior. Even in poverty, one can keep oneself clean. To put one’s appearance in order is also to put one’s heart in order. To be in a condition that causes no shame, no matter when others see him is one of the accomplishments of a warrior

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 18

A warrior must not use cowardly methods in contests. Even if he loses, honor remains with the one who fought openly and properly. If a person wins through cunning tricks, those around him, see it clearly, and trust in him is lost. One should value the pride of being a warrior, more than immediate victory or defeat.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 15

When judging matters, do not be hasty. When facing a difficult problem, do not rush to produce an answer. Let it rest for one night and think it through.

Judgments made in haste are often regretted later. A conclusion reached after calm reflection leaves less regret, even if the outcome is poor. Learn the habit of thinking with composure.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 16

In the service towards law, it is a mistake to try and bring ones only treatments into the open. All achievements belong to the Lord, on the retainers proper place is to work in the shadows. One who wants to post, “I did this” does not understand the essence of service. To devote oneself in unseen places, and to accept that as natural: this is the heart of a true retainer.

 

[Buka45 2]

Entry 16

In the service towards law, it is a mistake to try and bring ones only treatments into the open. All achievements belong to the Lord, on the retainers proper place is to work in the shadows. One who wants to post, “I did this” does not understand the essence of service. To devote oneself in unseen places, and to accept that as natural: this is the heart of a true retainer.

Who is this Lord you speak of?

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Who is this Lord you speak of?

One’s leige lord in this context, but it’s up to the reader to decide with whom their loyalty lie. I would suggest one’s employer/forum moderators.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 21

A warrior should always live with an awareness of the place where he may die. The battlefield is not the only place of death. Even within daily service, there are moments that must be faced with one’s life at stake.

Whatever the situation, if one approaches it with the resolve that ‘this may be the place where I die’ seriousness naturally increases, and one can exert one’s full strength.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 44

A persons strengths and weaknesses are often two sides of the same thing. A bold person may easily become rash, while a cautious person may easily become indecisive. When judging others, one should not reject them entirely by looking only at their faults. It is important to discern the strength that lies behind the weakness. One who stands in a position to make use of people should think about how to draw out each persons strong points.

 

[Buka45 2]

Entry 44

A persons strengths and weaknesses are often two sides of the same thing. A bold person may easily become rash, while a cautious person may easily become indecisive. When judging others, one should not reject them entirely by looking only at their faults. It is important to discern the strength that lies behind the weakness. One who stands in a position to make use of people should think about how to draw out each persons strong points.

I fundamentally disagree.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 45

No matter what hardship he faces, a warrior must not complain. The more difficult the situation, the more important is to keep one’s expression steady and maintain a firm attitude.

To hold suffering within and still continue forward: such a figure encourages those around him and deepens trust in him as a person. To voice weaknesses makes not only oneself, but also the hearts of those nearby, grow weak.

 

[Hyoho2 1]

Who is this Lord you speak of?

Yamamoto Tsunetomo attributes a lot of what he orated to Lord Nabeshima Naoshige (鍋島直茂, 1538–1618), the grandfather of Tsunetomo’s own lord, Nabeshima Mitsushige.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 48

A warrior must possess the clean-hearted courage to admit his own failures honestly. To hide a mistake or shift. The blame onto another person is amongst the most shameful forms of conduct for a warrior.

Precisely when one has failed, one’s true character is tested. To acknowledge one’s fault, cleanly and rebuild quickly: this refreshing attitude deepens the trust of those around one.

 

[Prince_Alarming74 10]

I read it cover to cover as a teenager. I was a very different person then. However, there's a particularly vivid bit involving urine and straw sandals that lodges in the mind somewhat

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 50

When people are praised, their feelings loosen; when they are scolded, they become tense. But if one praises too much, arrogance is born, and if one scolds is too much, the spirit withers. One who stands above others must carefully consider a balance between praise and rebuke, and use each according to the person’s growth. Raising people is one of the great duties of a warrior.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 51

A warrior must not grow careless even in his conduct at night. Some people behave properly during the day, but once night comes, they relax, drink too much, and act rashly.

Yet one’s actions at night to will surely come to the eyes of others. Maintaining the dignity of a warrior at all times, day, and night alike, is the principle of a true warrior.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 52

When a warrior receives any kindness from another person, he must never forget to repay it. One who receives a favour, as if it were natural, will eventually receive help from no one.

Never forget to express gratitude, even for a small kindness, and when the opportunity arises and be sure to return the favor. This loyalty to obligation forms the foundation of trust between people.

 

[Gyakuto137 146]

Entry 55

When a warrior, see someone in difficulty, he must not pretend not to notice. Even if the matter does not directly concerning, it is important to have the breadth of heart to offer help.

However, that help must not become something that prevents the other person from standing independently. True help supports a person so that he can rise by his own strength.

 

[opr1945134 21]

Entry 15

When judging matters, do not be hasty. When facing a difficult problem, do not rush to produce an answer. Let it rest for one night and think it through.

Judgments made in haste are often regretted later. A conclusion reached after calm reflection leaves less regret, even if the outcome is poor. Learn the habit of thinking with composure.

Personally, I have this to be good advice.

Which translation do you recommend?

Thanks.