10 shocking phrases from the samurai

The phrases of the samurai speak of one of the cultures and philosophies most important of all time. What’s more, what really made these warriors special was not their combat ability, but the principles and values ​​that inspired them.

Some of the great fighters were also magnificent thinkers and writers.. They managed to capture the most important aspects of the worldview that prevailed among them. This is how today we have access to samurai phrases that reveal their immense wisdom.

Three of the most famous warriors, who were also the creators of many of the samurai phrases, were Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Inazo Nitobe and Miyamoto Musashi. Below we compile 10 of his most famous statements.

Samurai phrases created by Miyamoto Musashi

Many of the samurai phrases invite us to sharpen our senses and make the most of them. This one, for example, says like this: “Observation and perception They are two separate things; The eye that observes is stronger, the eye that perceives is weaker”. It was written by Miyamoto Musashi and contrasts the differential value between looking and seeing.

This other phrase emphasizes something that Easterners insist a lot on: not focusing on the self. He says: “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world”. He means that we should not dwell too much on these ruminations about ourselves and, instead, use that energy to think about the reality in which we are.

Combat is also present in many of the samurai’s phrases. It states: “The victory today is about your yesterday self, tomorrow will be about an inferior man”. It means that every time we overcome some weakness or error in ourselves, we are also prepared to overcome those who have that weakness or error.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo Quotes

Yamamoto Tsunetomo is another of the figures who captured many samurai phrases. In the following statement he talks about the importance of starting things with energy and strength so that vitality is maintained long enough. He says: “If one launches without vigor, seven out of ten actions do not come to fruition.”.

This other statement talks about the importance of difficulties. He points out that it is these, and the struggle to overcome them, that gives temperance to the character. Yamamoto Tsunetomo puts it this way: “It is good to encounter difficulties in youth, because he who has never suffered has not fully tempered his character.”.

Quotes by Inazo Nitobe

More than an author, Inazo Nitobe is a great compiler of samurai phrases. Many of these teachings have an unknown origin, but they reflect immense lucidity. This one, for example, talks about the relationship between courage and tranquility. He points out: “The spiritual aspect of courage is evidenced by composure, calm presence of mind. Tranquility is courage at rest”.

This other text talks about stoicism, that ability to be strong in the face of pain. To be resilient and always considerate of others. He says like this: “The discipline of fortitude, which, on the one hand, instills resistance without complaint, and on the other teaches courtesy, demanding of us not to spoil the pleasure or serenity of others by expressing our own sadness or pain”.

Another statement says the following: “Benevolence was considered a sovereign virtue in a double sense : sovereign among the many attributes of a noble spirit and sovereign because she is particularly suitable for the function of a sovereign”. It reflects very well the philosophy of the samurai, who never separated combat and power from kindness and spiritual values.

Bushido phrases

At work “The warrior’s path” either “The Way of the Samurai” There are a large number of statements that contain a lot of wisdom. All of them invite you to face life with courage and always keep personal evolution in mind.. This always occurs within ourselves and is then reflected outside. It is a work that teaches the art of good living.

One of the sentences in this work says: “When giving advice, you must first discern whether the other person is willing to accept it or not.”. This is a valuable recommendation that reminds us that no one can be helped or guided if they do not want it. Or as we say more modernly: you should not give advice to those who are not asking for it.

Another phrase says: “If you enter the unexplored path, in the end infinite secrets will appear”. It is a beautiful way to invite not to fear the new, nor the unknown. Whenever you delve into it you end up learning valuable lessons.

Samurai have been portrayed by cinema as impressively skilled warriors. They were. But, much more than that, His attitude towards life was that of those who always wanted to be better and saw spirituality as the way to achieve it..

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