Including translations of Yagyu Munenori's "Book of the Sword" and Takuan Soho's "Inscrutable Subtlety of Immovable Wisdom" and "The Peerless Sword," the teachings in this spiritual guide represent the recording and codification of these 17th-century beliefs. From its emphasis on detachment to the attempt to clear the mind and "be in the moment," the book delves into the key influence of Zen on the samurai's combat style and way of life. Incluyendo traducciones de los libros de Yagyu Munenori y de Takuan Soho, las ensenanzas en esta guia espiritual representan la codificacion de las creencias del samurai del siglo XVII. Desde su enfasis en la idea de la separacion al intento de aclarar la mente y vivir "en el ahora," el libro explora la influencia del Zen en el estilo de vida y de combate del samurai.

Thomas Cleary is the translator of The Art of War by Sun Tzu, Opening the Dragon Gate by Chen Kaiguo and Zhen Shunchao, and The Story of Chinese Zen by Nan Huai-Chin, as well as several other titles on martial philosophy, Buddhism, Taoism, religion, and philosophy.