By: Egon Speneder

Egon Speneder — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 23:18:47 +0000

Thanks for your summary of Japanese ritualized duels. I’m re-reading Musashi’s book “Go Rin No Sho” ( I first read it 30 years ago), and I’m trying to get my mind into what sort of society Japan was in the 16th century. As I understand it, Japan had been involved in Civil War for two centuries and Miyamoto Musashi is involved in several skirmishes, including one battle that lasted three days in which 70,000 people died. He is noted for having 60 personal duels all before the age of 30, all of which he won, having used only one or two wooden (bokken) sticks. He doesn’t specifically hunt down these opponents, but it seems that men of reputation in the Martial Arts quite frequently called each other out in “duels” either to prove the perfection of their style or to honor some other pledge. His success in beating these men just with a stick is phenomenal, but when you also take into consideration his art, paintings, poetry, carvings, all masterly done, he truly was exceptional. Yet the translator of my particular copy of “The Book of Five Rings” ends his summary of Musashi’s life by stating: “The behaviour of this cruel, headstrong man was evidently most humble and honest.” (referring to his last two years spent in a cave). In modern times and through the modern cultural lens we would label this man a Psychopath! But I submit that even describing Musashi as “Cruel” is in fact misunderstanding the 16 Century Japanese Shinto/Zen, Bushido mindset that influenced that whole society. Help me understand that era by commenting on what I’ve just stated and refer me to some books that would enlighten me better in understanding the thinking of the Samurai of that age. I’ve already read the Code of Bushido and the Hagakure – what are some others?

Comments on: Early Japan: Ritualized Duels

By: Egon Speneder