Training the Samurai Mind MP3 CD – Unabridged, March 25, 2015

This book is a great edition to my collection and contains 22 short chapters of translated Samurai philosophical material spanning roughly the start of the Ashikaga Shogunate of 1338 (1349 in the book) through the Meiji Restoration in 1865. This period witnessed the Onin Wars and Warring States, the Feudal Wars and the unification, and the 300-year Tokugawa period leading to the end of the samurai and rise of the merchant class. If you are a fan of William Scott Wilson's "Ideals of the Samurai", you will love Training the Samurai Mind.My main complaints about the book are more personal in nature and center around some of Cleary's commentary, which at times can be insightful while others clearly reveal his exceeding his own understanding of the subject. One example is his description of the ninja merging of the Left hand Path with Shinto and Buddhism for the purpose of "mental terror", which is arguably correct in certain later instances, though it suggests he has no clue about the ninja and their relationship with the Yamabushi or how this relationship developed over 900-years ago or the various evolutions that took place during that period. I could debate other issues but as mentioned this is my personal peeve and should not detract from the quality of the book.My only other complaint is the inclusion of Yamamoto Tsunetomo taking up chapter 10. The Hagakure is a book unto itself and is translated by Wilson, which Cleary must certainly be aware of. Since this book would mostly appeal to people who have already read The Hagakure, why waste space including it here? I would have preferred to have been astonished with a never before translated piece by Yamaoka Tesshu or one of the Yagyu's. That could have put the book over the top.As the 3-star review by Duff aptly points out, this is not a casual read or any sort of flowing study that will appeal to the mass market. Students of martial arts and history who are willing to read and reread and contemplate the material are certain to not be disappointed. I highly recommend this book.

Cleary is a treasure for translating so many works for those of us without his linguistic talent. This is a fine sampling of thoughts on the samurai lifestyle and inner life over a period of several hundred years. I personally found more interesting the earlier pieces which reflected periods when the samurai were still at war; much of the Tokugawa era writing takes on a tone of sad reflection that current samurai aren't living up to the standards of the "old days." But the "old days" were rather different seen in 1300 or 1400 than in 1800. So much was written (and has been translated) from the Tokugawa era that it has shaped our understanding of bushido, a concept that looked and felt rather different when death in combat really was a daily possibility. I look forward to Cleary's continued efforts.

This review is for the Kindle version with Audible narration.A Japanese classical work that details the depth and wonder of the Samurai concept. It is sweeping in the subject matter that was the heart, soul, spirit, and body of the Samurai. More than just a warrior well trained in the art of combat a Samurai was also a man of well-rounded studies and knowledge. I enjoyed the book especially because it took me inside the heart, soul, and mind of a Samurai warrior. It was enlightening to discover just how knowledgeable a man had to be to become a Samurai. Teachings not only covered what I have listed in the title above but also ethics and social behaviors. The mind of a Samurai was truly far more than a deadly and effective killing machine.Once again I have zero complaints concerning the narration. The narrator was excellent and a joy to listen to.

I am very happy with this book.It is a fantastic journey through Japanese historical writings. The translations are smooth and well written.The translator / commentator guides the reader through the Confucian, neo-Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist leanings of the authors, their social environment and historical context.A great read, that I highly recommend. It is a look into the development of the great philosophies of the East, as they developed on the ground.

I enjoyed this book. Read it recently after starting Toyama Ryu Battojutsu classes. Samurai were also very wise. Some pushed radical socialism which clearly has NEVER worked and obviously it failed, but it’s still history and we learn from that. Enjoyable read. Students of the Katana should all read.

As a Navy chaplain and former Army Ranger, I see the need for the balance between warfare and compassion. The principles put forth in this book are timeless. Thomas Cleary is great and his translation is very readable. I recommend this book along with his translation of "The Code of the Samurai" to the Sailors and Marines I serve all the time. The concepts are completely foreign to Western youth, but revelatory when thought through by the average American. These books should be required reading for anyone wanting to serve in the Armed Forces. We would have many more samurai and fewer mercenaries.

Very deep, you have to be in the right frame of mind for this one.

Shows the lifestyle and wisdom of famed Samurai warriors.