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Training the Samurai Mind

By: Thomas Cleary - translator/editor
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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Summary

Through the ages, the samurai have been associated with honor, fearlessness, calm, decisive action, strategic thinking, and martial prowess. Their ethos is known as bushido, the Way of the Warrior-Knight. Here, premier translator Thomas Cleary presents a rich collection of writings on bushido by warriors, scholars, political advisors, and educators from the 15th century through the 19th century that provide a comprehensive, historically rich view of samurai life and philosophy. Training the Samurai Mind gives an insider's view of the samurai world: the moral and psychological development of the warrior, the ethical standards they were meant to uphold, their training in both martial arts and strategy, and the enormous role that the traditions of Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism had in influencing samurai ideals.

The writings deal with a broad range of subjects - from military strategy and political science, to personal discipline and character development. Cleary introduces each piece, putting it into historical context, and presents biographical information about the authors. This is an essential listen for anyone interested in military history and samurai history, and for martial artists who want to understand strategy.

©2008 Thomas Cleary (P)2014 Audible Inc.
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What listeners say about Training the Samurai Mind

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Fantastic

A very informative and enjoyable book. The narrator clearly has al love for this book. Recommend to anyone who loves Japan's military history or history in general.

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9 people found this helpful

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great read

nice introduction to the philosophies of the Samurai and the way in which one should think in such a role

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Interesting if you enjoy military history

I enjoy listening to/reading about historical warriors point if view and this collection does it well. I think the narrating could've been clearer from episode to episode when entering a new chapter. instead of just saying '5' it would've made a huge difference (imo) to have heard 'chapter five' instead. but I might be picky.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Summarising of amazing wealth of knowledge

Diffocult to present such a deep understanding and knowledge. The teller does it with power and sense and this bridges the language-cleft in a fabulous way

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Simply excellent

This is the single most skillfully narrated audio book that I have ever listened to. The passion and authenticity of the narration speaks directly to you with the ancient wisdom of the Samurai mindset.

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5 people found this helpful

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Extreme quality

Mr. Nishii made a great quality book into a astronomously good audiobook. tone and flow, clarity and even voicing over not too much, not too less. great.

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Enjoyed the read

Informative from a historical, cultural and and strategy perspective.

Will re listen a few times.

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It’s about history and not about mindset

Very informative if you like the Japanese military history. But if you want to learn more about the samurai mindset then this is not you book.

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Not for me

I tried, but I just wasn't able to "feel the love" for this book. I didn't connect to it. That does not mean it is a bad book but, it was just not for me. I tried for 18 chapters.

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