Summary of Thomas Cleary's Training the Samurai Mind

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

Sample Book Insights:

#1 The Bow and Arrow warrior should be objective and perceptive in regard to all things. He should not bring on eternal disgrace by solicitude for his limited life. He should die when he should, for the sake of the sole sovereign, or serving under the commander of the military in a time of need.

#2 People who should be in civil service demean themselves, thinking it won’t be easy for them. They forget that they were born a human, and should aspire to surpass the masses and help others.

#3 The human mind can become good or bad, keen or dull, depending on how it’s used. A person’s prime is only about ten years long; during that period, they should enjoy everything. From the age of ten to fourteen or fifteen, there is no real true enthusiasm for things.

#4 You should never base anything on people, and never deceive. When it comes to combat, you should keep your spirits up and think there’s no one stronger than you. You should consider yourself a source of strength for others, and consider them reliable too.