The Japanese Art of War: Understanding the Culture of Strategy

by Thomas Cleary, Shambhala Publications

Military
rule and the martial tradition of the samurai dominated Japanese culture for
more than eight hundred years. According to Thomas Cleary—translator of more
than thirty-five classics of Asian philosophy—the Japanese people have been so
steeped in the way of the warrior that some of the manners and mentality of
this outlook remain embedded in their individual and collective consciousness.
Cleary shows how well-known attributes such as the reserve and mystery of
formal Japanese behavior are deeply rooted in the ancient strategies of the
traditional arts of war. Citing original Japanese sources that are popular
among Japanese readers today, he reveals the hidden forces behind Japanese
attitudes and conduct in political, business, social, and personal life.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Japan, Military Fiction, War, Philosophy, Martial Arts

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Dr. Thomas Francis Cleary, Ph.D. (East Asian Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University; J.D., Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley), was a prolific translator of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Muslim classics, with a particular emphasis on popular translations of Mahāyāna works relevant to the Chan, Zen, and Soen systems.

Reviews

[Les Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleary has a pretty comprehensive understanding of the classical Japanese mind and conveys this knowledge in a clear and understandable way. A very interesting and insightful read.

[Dean Marquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the definitive book on tje Japanese Art of war. It doesn't involve technique, it assumes that you already know how to paint. It helps you tou make a lasting work. There is a section on Shinto and the rise in Japanese militarism. Overextending yourself is a mistake that is easy to make and can only be controlled with self discipline.

[Stepan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Название книги вводит в заблуждение. Об искусстве войны как таковом (тактика, стратегия, логистика, типы войск и пр.) здесь немного, очень немного. В основном, книга об идеологии военного сословия средневековой Японии, о том, что бусидо позаимствовало из китайского дзен-буддизма и синтоизма. Этот конкретный аспект раскрыт довольно неплохо. Но если вы ищете книгу непосредственно о военной стратегии, что-то вроде У-цзы, Сунь-цзы - это не то, что вам нужно.

[Jon Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on the original "Art of war"

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different take on the Art of War. More insight into Japanese Culture, and Warlords (Masters, Samurai, etc)

[Lori Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A should-read book on office politics which will happen to you and around you whether you participate in politics or not.

[Dave Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Cleary's " The Japanese Art of War" is a nuanced study of the impact of Zen Buddhism on the code of Bushido. Cleary provides an incisive overview of the role of militarism in Japanese history, and its psychological consequences for modern Japan.

Cleary examines, at length, the thought of four seminal thinkers: Shoson, Takuan, Yagui, and Musahi. Each author elucidates certain insights into one or more aspects of Zen thought, but Cleary reminds us that Shinto, Taoism and Neo- Confucianism also played a role in the formation of the Japanese psyche. None of these thinkers alone represents an accurate snapshot of Zen thought in Japan; Cleary reminds us that almost every facet of Japanese culture has both an inside and an outside face.

Cleary's study is a provocative guidebook that can bring some clarity to the events we see in East Asia today. While Cleary's analysis is rather evasive with respect to some of the nihilstic elements that have percolated through Zen thinking, this book is a valuable work.

[Anirudh Kukreja · Rating 1 out of 5]

It would be unfair on my part to say anything bad about the content of this book; however the reason why I've rated it so low is the style of writing. The thoughts, although insightful, are haphazardly arranged and too confusing for an average reader. I'm not a regular consumer of Non-Fiction books (I humbly admit), but this one was a pain to finish.

[Andrea Canella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un testo che concede una bella infarinatura generale sulla filosofia Zen (e non solo) che ha influenzato il giappone per più di un millennio, consigliatissimo a chi è interessato al suddetto argomento.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Cleary uses ancient texts and modern language to artfully explain Japanese culture.

Masterfully done!

Cheers!

⛩🍶🙏

[Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Un albero cade per il bene di un altro"

[Dean Marquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an indispensable work on the The Martial Arts and Strategy. Thomas Cleary has written extensive on the subject and this is clearly one of his best works

[Jaden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some element of self-help through the use of zen teachings but spent most of the book repeating phrases unnecessarily which was a little annoying.

[Juan Antonio · Rating 3 out of 5]

99% history and 1% strategy

[TempeEnak+ · Rating 3 out of 5]

dari buku ini kita bisa belajar bagaimana budaya mempengaruhi kekuatan seorang prajurit

[Cat McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely eye-opening read as someone who is just starting to learn about Eastern cultures. I was raised Christian and "left the church" as a teenager. Cleary managed to explain the anxiety I've felt but never could articulate. It's also an incredibly insightful read in preparation for my first trip to Japan, helping me understand and relate to the people. Cleary believes the root of western and eastern tension is ignorance: both sides think they are right. According to ancient Buddhists, "hiding one's light", removing the viel of mental preoccupations, removing all afflictions with a cleared mind is how to gain higher level of enlightenment.

[VanessaFaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh.. its worth what its worth. some informative chapters about specific tricks of the warrior mind.

[Nrtashi · Rating 2 out of 5]

A shitty book written by a fool.