This book traces the development of the samurai, in the way they
regarded themselves and their role in society. From their origins
as provincial men-at-arms they gradually evolved into a very
powerful group who had an almost mythical status. Their concept of
chilvarous behaviour and strict code based on the central principle
of loyality to death and beyond, hitherto largely ignored by
scholars, has since earned them a worldwide appeal. The warrior
ethic is examined in relation to the three traditional religious
influences - Buddhism, Shinto and Confucianism. As warriors the
"bushi" contravened the most important tenets of the main
religions, that of taking life, which was strictly forbidden in
both Buddhism and Shinto. Therefore ways had to be found to justify
their actions to harmonize with these religions. The book analyses
the attitudes of the samurai themselves towards such characteristic
features of their life as the sword and sword-fighting techniques,
the taking of heads of fallen enemies on the battlefield,
honourable suicide ("seppuku") and human sacrifice ("junshi" and
hito-bashira") the cult of the god of war, hachiman, and of
Buddhist deities of warlike aspect, as well
General
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