Let the Samurai Be Your Guide: The Seven Bushido Pathways to Personal Success

by Lori Tsugawa Whaley

Apply ancient Samurai teachings to personal development, life success and professional advancement in the modern world.In Let the Samurai Be Your Guide, life coach and motivational speaker Lori Tsugawa Whaley traces the far-reaching legacy of the Samurai and their meaning in the modern world. The Bushido--the traditional code of the Samurai--has permeated all aspects of life and society in Japan, and its influences are still deeply felt today. In contemporary Japan, bushido concepts of bravery and skill in battle are now brought to bear on less martial realms, in the corporate and sports worlds, for example. Hard work, company loyalty, a dedication to quality and the spirit of teamwork extend the "way of the warrior" into the reconfigured battlefields of the twenty-first century. In her unique approach to personal development, Whaley presents the power of these principles by pairing a discussion of seven key strategies for success with profiles of individuals whose lives exemplify those principles.These stories Esteemed former senator Daniel Inouye, whose distinguished World War II record paved the way for his life of public service as the highest-ranking Asian-American politician in U.S. history. Chiune Sugihara, sometimes referred to as the Japanese Schindler, summoned courage and compassion in saving thousands of Jewish lives during World War II.Michi Nishiura Weglyn, whose selfless quest brought wider attention to the internment of Japanese Americans and helped open the door to the redress efforts begun in the 1980s.Let the Samurai Be Your Guide inspires and encourages readers to embrace their inner warrior--a figure of reason, sound judgment and outstanding moral character--by understanding that personal power and success doesn't necessarily derive from physical prowess or effective attack strategies. Instead, readers learn that leading lives of fullness and meaning can be achieved by applying Bushido principles of courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor and loyalty.

Genres: Nonfiction

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2020

Reviews

[Elena Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully conceived and executed motivational and life guidance book. The author, Lori Tsugawa Whaley, teaches the seven important moral principles found in the samurai code or "bushido" by using examples from history and personal experience. The examples range from stories about her life and family to Japanese history to the European theater of war during WWII, and the concentration camps of the United States where American citizens and residents of Japanese descent were detained. It's great to have these stories collected in one book, and connected to the principles they illustrate. The book works on many levels: as a guide to personal growth, as a guide to ethical behavior, and as a collection of inspiring stories.
I only wish Lori had told more of her own story of struggle and triumph - and her mother's story, too - closer to the beginning of the book. On the other hand, it also makes a great finish!
Lori's coaching clients are very fortunate to receive guidance from someone descended from samurai, someone who understands the bushido (way of the warrior) and the meaning of the seven essential qualities: courage, integrity, respect honesty, benevolence, loyalty, and honor.

[Lynette Hoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The passion presented by the author is so genuine in the Preface you want to read and not put it down. She suffered a lot as a child from bullying (because of skin color and blamed for WWII, she is a baby boomer) and later from TBI, and to get past the injury she pushed through completing the book. You will have to read it; I won't give away all of that! It is well-aligned. Great pics, great cover, amazing layout. There is not a book out there today about the samurai that comes from the author's perspective that I am aware of that brings stories of those that live by the code and gives advice for how we can live that way in our own lives. This is a must-read. And, it is not a historical document but an exploration of the author's journey into her ancestry, with accurate historical elements to help tell the story of her ancestry; the samurai. I highly recommend this book.

[Liberty-Jubilee Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the privilege to know Lori Tsugawa Whaley through Toastmasters. I have seen her speak, I have read her book. What I have to say about Lori is that she lives what she writes about. Her passion and enthusiasm overflows with the joy of being on the right path in her life. I believe she can help others reach this through what she teaches in her book. I hope you can incorporate the seven Bushido pathways into your life. You will reap the benefits.

[WT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book started off well but once I got to the stories, I felt the plot got lost. Not undermining what the Japanese Americans did for their country, I am just not able to draw the parallel to the Samurai part (are you saying because of their ancestors, they also think like a Samurai?). The examples also seem a little "forced" to tell the 7 pathways. But I did learn a little bit more about the Japanese people and culture.

[Lisa Reinke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Loved Loved this book. It was so interesting how the author explained the different aspects of the Samurai that pertained to my own personal life struggles. You would never think that you could learn life lessons from such a different culture that would align with our Western ways. The book was brilliantly written and I'm not normally sucked in by self help books but this one was different!

I would recommend anyone to read this book who is looking for how to better yourself using very ancient skills that fit so well in our current world situations. The Samurai were not only battle hardened fighters but they lived in a way that we all should strive for with honor and loyalty.

Can't wait to see what she writes next!!

[Bennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author presents methods to apply the ancient Samurai teachings to personal development, success in life and professional advancement in the modern world. Using examples of various individuals and their actions, she demonstrates how seven pathways of Bushido (way of the warrior) exemplify these principles in their actions. The seven principles are courage, honor, integrity, benevolence, respect, loyalty and honesty. A thoroughly enjoyable read, it can make a difference when applied to the day to day lives of individuals. At the end, the author discusses ganbaru, loosely translated as do your best, try your hardest, never give up, and go for broke.

[Tina B · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Let The Samurai Be Your Guide" is a captivating exploration of the ancient wisdom and principles of the samurai. As a reader who is not Japanese or from a Japanese bloodline, I was pleasantly surprised by the profound impact this book had on me. It is a must-read book for anyone seeking wisdom, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of the samurai code and its ability to inspire individuals from all backgrounds. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is open to embracing the timeless teachings of the samurai and incorporating them into their own journey of self-discovery.

[RAY · Rating 3 out of 5]

" حينما لا نعود قادرين على تغيير الموقف ،
فإننا نضطر الى تغيير انفسنا .

يتحدث عن مبادئ الساموراي واخلاقياتهم العالية من خلال سرد قصص بعضهم البطولية اثناء المعاناة التي واجهوها في المعتقلات اثناء الحرب العالمية الثانية من امريكا بسبب دمائهم المختلطة (امريكيين من اصول يابانية ).

تحدثت عن النزاهة والاحترام والشجاعة والإحسان..الخ وكلها من مكارم الأخلاق التي حثّنا عليها ديننا الاسلامي .
كتاب ممتع وجميل .

[Antea Marinovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, mostly, but at some point I wasn't really sure how it connects to the Samurai. There is a lot of WW2 stories, and a lot of praise for USA which seemed somehow forced/weird after everything they did to Japanese Americans, which is constantly mentioned throughout the book. It has some interesting stories though.

[Marci · Rating 1 out of 5]

This reads like a collection of Little Golden Books, glued into a single larger book. Only without any charming pictures. If it were being marketed at children, I would give it a higher rating, but everything seems to indicate it's for grown-ups.

[Kurt Strobach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but not life-changing, certainly not worth the money..!

[Tmadhr · Rating 3 out of 5]

الكتاب جيد، لكن عندي ملاحظة وهي:
الكاتبة بدأت بتعديد صفات الساموراي منها الشرف النزاهه الاخلاص..
بعدها بدأت تذكر قصص لمحاربين اصولهم يابانية و عايشين بامريكا وقت الحرب العالمية الثانية، و كانوا الجيل الاول او الثاني، و كيف هم ساعدوا امريكا تنتصر بالحرب و استخدموا معرفتهم باليابان و لغتها، و انا شخصيا اعتبرها خيانة، و الخيانة تناقض اخلاقيات الساموراي ككل
فشوية صدع راسي و انا اقرأ، لان الكتاب يتكلم عن شئ، و القصص المذكورة مناقضة للفكرة الاساسية، حتى لو كانوا بالفعل ابطال و انقذوا ارواح، بالاخير خيانة للوطن للعائلة لكل شئ..
لكن ككل الكتاب جيد، و خفيف ما اعتقد يعدي ١٥٠ صفحة بدون الصور

[BURNARD VILLANUEVA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had the pleasure of reading Lori Tsugawa Whaley's book, "Let the Samurai Be Your Guide: The Seven Bushido Pathways to Personal Success," and it was a truly enlightening experience. Lori's ability to blend traditional Bushido principles with modern life lessons creates a captivating narrative that resonates on a personal and professional level.

The book is not just a guide; it's a journey into the core values that shape the samurai code. Whaley effortlessly combines anecdotes, historical examples, and practical insights, making each principle accessible and applicable in our daily lives. The storytelling is compelling, and it keeps you interested in the Samurai ways.

Whether you're a business professional seeking leadership wisdom or someone navigating personal challenges, the Seven Sword-Sharp Principles provide a roadmap for success. Whaley's writing is clear, concise, and filled with GENUINE PASSION for sharing the wisdom of Bushido.

It's more than a book; it's a guidebook for personal growth.

[D U N Y A · Rating 1 out of 5]

شد انتباهي كلمة ساموراي عندما مررت جوار الكتاب بسبب أنها تكررت علي مؤخراً لذلك قمت بشراءه لقراءته في الطائرة، انتهيت منه بجلسة واحدة. عبارة عن مبادئ عبارة عن أقسام للكتاب يذكر تحتها قصص لشخصيات بارزة يابانية ويربط تلك القصص بالمبادئ التي ذكرها في المقدمة.

باختصار لا شيء عن الساموراي بشكل محدد، القصص قام بربطها بالساموراي بطريقة لا أفهمها، ربما كوسيلة جذب بالعنوان أو لا أعلم صراحةً. مصنف ككتاب تنمية ذاتية قد يكون مناسباً لمن يحتاج لتحفيز أو لأسس تساعده على تشكيل نظرته من جديد للأمور المهمة في حياته، بالنسبة لي اقتباس وحيد شد انتباهي، وهو ما أعتقد أنه قد جذبني لقراءته من البداية.