This treatise comprises the authentic relections of a 17th-century Samurai warrior on the character of martial life and death. It aims to be an invaluable guide to the disciplines of thought and practice required of the serious martial artist. Hagakure ('In the Shadow of Leaves') is a manual for the samurai classes consisting of a series of short anecdotes and reflections that give both insight and instruction-in the philosophy and code of behavior that foster the true spirit of Bushido-the Way of the Warrior. It is not a book of philosophy as most would understand the word: