Hagakure. Yamamoto Tsunetomo

worth treasuring. Copying the customs of other regions represents shallow imitation lacking authenticity.

      Once, a man told the priest Shungaku78 that he disliked the Hokke sect of Buddhism because of its “obstinacy.” Shungaku rebuffed this comment by saying, “It is exactly because of the ‘obstinacy’ of our teachings that the sect is able to maintain its identity. If it wasn’t mulish, it would be no different to the other sects.” This was a sensible riposte.

      50. A meeting was convened to deliberate on the promotion of a retainer. As the promotion was about to be declined because of past problems involving boozing, one of the council members spoke up in the clansman’s defence by saying, “If those who have erred in the past are removed from contention for promotions, then this will prevent outstanding men from progressing. Any man guilty of slipping up will reflect on his mistakes, will be more judicious as a result, and will become a useful servant. I recommend that we promote him.” Another council member inquired, “Are you prepared to take responsibility for this man if he is promoted?” He replied, “I will gladly be his guarantor.” Others then asked him: “On what grounds do you vouch for him?” “I support him because he has already erred in the past. In my mind, a man who has no blemish on his record is more of a concern.” With this endorsement, the clansman was promoted.

      51. When sentencing felons, Nakano Kazuma79 stipulated that they be punished a degree lighter than what the crime merited. In his time, there was a secret vault of wisdom that only Kazuma possessed. Although there were always several men in attendance at such deliberations, nobody spoke until Kazuma had said his piece. Because of this, he was nicknamed “Lord Lid Opener” or “Lord Twenty-fifth Day.”80

      52. It is an act of great loyalty to amend your lord’s outlook on things lest he commit blunders. Generally speaking, it is best to help him understand clan lore and the trials and tribulations of his ancestors when he is still young. Education in such matters is very important.

      53. In the past, warriors often carried their swords upright and close to their bodies in the otoshi-zashi style, in which the weapon was inserted vertically into the sash. Now, few warriors give much consideration to the way they wear their swords. The Yagyū-ryū school of swordsmanship teaches to wear the sword sticking out horizontally. Recently, samurai do this not because they have learned the Yagyū style, or because they give particular thought as to why, but simply because they are imitating the school. Lords Naoshige and Katsushige adhered to the otoshi-zashi style. As those who had ability in swordsmanship preferred otoshi-zashi, this suggests that it was somewhat practical. If your sword protrudes out the front, an enemy may grasp hold of the handle when you least expect it. I hear that Lord Mitsushige took Lord Katsushige’s advice in this matter.

      54. When His Lordships Mitsushige and Tsunashige were residing in Edo, Lord Mitsushige met with his retainers at the residence on the first day of the New Year. The young master Tsunashige was in the backroom near the entrance at the time. Lord Mitsushige asked, “Where is Shinano (Tsunashige)?” One of the pages replied, “The young prince is ‘hiding.’” Without care, such awkward mistakes in speech can happen.81