The Courage of a Samurai: Review and Giveaway
I’m studying to become a modern-day samurai. The path is not an easy one and requires patience, dedication, and hard work. A samurai must posses the qualities of a warrior and leader while never compromising ethics or morals. We samurai are the epitome of discipline, courage, and ideal behaviour.
The samurai were Japan’s elite military warriors which served the aristocratic class from the Heian period (794-1185) to the Edo period (1600-1868). The original purpose of the samurai was in a military capacity. Soon the samurai became political figures as well as warriors. During the Tokugawa shogunate (1600-1868) Japan experienced a long period without warfare and the samurai emerged as scholars and role models of ethics and behaviour.
As a samurai I am bound by the principles of the moral and ethical code of bushido. This honor code of chivalry originated in feudal Japan. Bushido translates into “the way of the warrior”. If I am to be a samurai I must abide by the bushido code at all times. The bushido code emphasizes loyalty and obedience as well honor above all.
Mommy and I have been reading The Courage of a Samurai to help us learn about the bushido code. This non-fiction book is written by Lori Tsugawa Whaley and presents the way of the warrior in an easy to understand and very readable style. It is designed to be a self-help book aimed at adapting the bushido code for modern-day use.
The Courage of a Samurai organizes the bushido code into seven principles.
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Courage
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Integrity
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Benevolence
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Respect
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Honesty
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Honor
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Loyalty
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Along with these seven principles of the bushido code, Lori explains the concept of Ganbaru. This is the Japanese word for persistence and tenacity. The Courage of a Samurai explores these ideas and illustrates how they can be applied to live a more successful and fulfilling life.
In her book, Lori explains each of these principles in plain language which anyone can relate to. She attributes these characteristics to specific actions of famous historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, King Leonidas of Sparta ,and the biblical David who slew Goliath. She then sprinkles relevant inspiring quotes from people such as William Shakespeare, Steve Jobs,Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Ford to name just a few.
What really brings the concepts of the bushido code to life are the more in-depth true stories which Lori utilizes as examples. Both mommy and I agree that the story of Chiune Sugihara was our favourite. He demonstrated the characteristic of courage and lived the bushido code when he saved the lives of countless Jewish people during World War II. There is truly the courage of a samurai in this remarkable man.
The Courage of a Samurai is a combination of historical accounts, inspirational ideas, and personal stories woven together to illustrate how the bushido code can be applied in modern times. Lori expertly demonstrates that by using the bushido code as a foundation, we can bring about change in our lives which will allow us to overcome the obstacles in our way and accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. The way of the samurai may not be the easy path but Lori urges us that embracing the bushido code can help us unlock our full potential.
At the end of the book Lori includes a motivational final note encouraging the reader to become the unstoppable force they were meant to be. She has inspiring words for her readers asking all of us to take up the way of the samurai and to become today’s leaders. As a parting thought Lori shares this:
When you link arms with this samurai woman, you will never face your battle alone! —Lori Tsugawa Whaley
Lori Tsugawa Whaley is an author, keynote speaker, and life coach who is no stranger to overcoming adversity. She is a Traumatic Brain Injury survivor and it was her journey to recovering her wellness that inspired Lori to write The Courage of a Samurai. Lori is a third generation Japanese American and a descendant of the samurai warrior.
Lori wants to empower you to reach your true potential. To help you get started, Lori and her team are partnering with us to bring you this fabulous giveaway. Two lucky winners will receive their very own digital copy of The Courage of a Samurai.
Join us on the path to self improvement and become a modern samurai warrior just like Lori and I.
Click here for your chance to win.
Contest open worldwide. Must be 18 years of age or older. Winner will be notified by email. Accepting entries until May 31, 2017.
*This is a sponsored review. All views and opinions are honest and our own.
This looks like a fun book to read! I’ve always had an interest in East Asian history. Is it very long? I prefer physical copies of books, especially if they are long. I will have to look for a copy!
#bloggerclubuk 😀
It’s not terribly long. I read it in a couple of days without rushing and I had the digital version too. I also prefer paper copies when I can get them and I didn’t struggle with it. For the purpose of the giveaway we went with the digital verion so that we could have it open worldwide. As an extra incentive we were offered two ebook copies to give away so there will be two winners. Double the chance of winning. Thanks for reading.
Sounds like a good length. I’m going to drop by every time I see your link in a link up and add more entries to win 😀 #ablogginggoodtime
#coolmumclub – you’re just everywhere this week 😀
I’m a very busy blogging baby ☺
It’s a good thing you are starting young!
Lori
You could also bookmark my giveaways page for quick and easy access to everything I’m giving away. Good luck.
Thank you for your interest and comments. I wanted to make the book interesting and aesthetically pleasing!
Dear Paula,
Thank you for your comment and interest in my book, “The Courage of a Samurai.” It can be purchased on Amazon. Go to Amazon, type in “The Courage of a Samurai,” and there will be many options, including audio format and eBook. It is 260 pages (including photos and glossary), and 13 pt. (easier to read). I have been told it is not a hard read; Enjoy!
Lori Tsugawa Whaley
Thank you for your interest and comment Paula!
interesting read sounds like.
#bestandworst
It was quite inspiring. Thanks for visiting.
I hope you enjoy the read Tin…thank you for your comment.
What amazing values. I bet you have enjoyed working through the book. Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst x
It was very interesting. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your comments Sarah!
Lori Tsugawa Whaley
I agree these are amazing values we can all strive to live by Sarah…
7 excellent principles that I hope my kids also learn, good luck Peachy and Mummy #bloggerclubuk
Definitely good principles for all of us. Thanks for reading.
That is so true Peachy!
I agree Musings…these are principles we can all live by.
Oooooh I love this! This is just the sort of book I’d love to read. Going to put this on my reading list! Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub lovely xoxo
Thanks for hosting 😊
Dear Motherhood,
Thank you for your comment, and I hope you enjoy the read!
Now this sounds like a really interesting way to attains elf improvement. Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime 🎉
or even self improvement 😉
I think I prefer elf improvement. Anything to help the elves.
Peachy,
You are wise with a great sense of humor!
Thanks Lori. It’s a pleasure to see you visiting. Thank you for the opportunity to review your book.
It has been a pleasure and great experience. I’m pleased you like the book!
It was definitely a unique approach. Thanks for reading.
Thank you for your interest and comment Imperfect Mum! We can all improve…
It’s not the type of book I usually go for but you have me intrigued
It’s not a terribly long book and there are two copies being given away, so what have you got to lose? Thanks for visiting.
I hope you are intrigued enough to give it a try!
I love the final quote! Looks an interesting read #ThatFridayLinky
Thanks for reading ☺
Thank you for your comments Toy Infinity. I chose quotes that I thought would be inspiring and applicable!
Sounds like a really fascinating book. I’m impressed with your worldly knowledge at such a young age Peachy 🙂 #SharingTheBlogLove
Thanks. I do like to absorb as much knowledge as I can. I’m always busy learning. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your interest and comment Angela. I agree…Peachy is wise at such a young age!
Sounds like an interesting read! #blogstravaganza
It was ☺ Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your interest Mommy and Rory!
I really enjoy any books to do with Japanese culture etc. This sounds great. Sarah #FabFridayPost
Then this should be right up your alley. Thanks for reading.
If you enjoy Japanese culture, I believe you will enjoy the book! I am a descendant of the samurai warrior and deeply connected to my Japanese heritage…
These are great principles to live by, I’m definitely interested in giving this a read. Thanks so much for sharing with #Blogstravaganza xx
Definitely based on geat values. Thanks for visiting.
Dear Tale of Mummyhood,
Thank you for your interest and kind comments. I hope you enjoy the read…
Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for linking up to #ThatFridayLinky
I enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.
Thank you for your interest and comment. My intention was to make the book interesting as well as aesthetically pleasing!
Wow, this books sounds great and one for most reading lists. #kcacols
For sure. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your enthusiasm, and I hope you enjoy the read Kelly-Anne!
This looks like a good read! #EatSleepBlogRT
It was. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your comment and interest Heather!
My husband has an interest in different cultures, religions and how others choose to live so I may buy this book for him as we have a wedding anniversary coming up soon #eatsleepblogrt@_karendennis
Happy anniversary! This might be a great gift for him. Thanks for reading.
Karen,
Thank you for your thoughts and comments! I hope your husband enjoys the read…
Sounds very interesting and very different. Hope you enjoy. Thanks for joining us for #marvmondays x
It was quite good. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your comment Fran. It was a labor of love, and my goal to overcome Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI).
Popping back from #sundaybest : how is it going? any tips for making my 1 year old follow these principles to help him stop driving his brother and sister crazy?!
Hmm. The book doesn’t seem to cover that particluar aspect of it. Thanks for reading.
Peachy,
I am contemplating writing two other versions; young adults and children…what do you think?
I think it’s a great idea! The concept could definitely be adapted to a younger audience. If you need a review, you know where to find me.
Yes, I will definitely contact you Peachy!
Can’t wait 🙂
Dear Musing,
Yes, the book is written for adults, but I have been thinking about having it rewritten for children with great character concepts.
A great list of values in here. #MarvMondays
Definitely. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your comment Coombe Mill.
A fascinating concept/way of life. The code is intriguing and really, truly, if you follow all of these, it’s like a big jigsaw. #pocolo
It makes sense and the book presents it in a really useful way. Thanks for reading.
Thanks for your comments VirtuallyAllSorts. I agree, it is a fascinating concept and way of life. I am a descendant of the samurai warrior, and it was my intent to learn more about it – discover more about my heritage.
Well, I am adding this to the reading list! Thank you! #eatsleepblogRT <3
Try the giveaway. We’re giving away two copies so double the chances to win. Thanks for reading.
Thank you Lisa; I appreciate your comment!
This looks a fab book greatteview and giveaway Thanks for linking to the #THAT FRIDAY LINKY come back next week please
Thanks for visiting ☺
Thank you for your comment Diynige!
Definitely 7 great principles to live by. Sounds like an inspiring read! Thanks for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
It was inspiring and it has so many layers to make it interesting. Thanks for reading.
You are wise beyond years Peachy!
Thank you for your kind comment Katy; enjoy the read!
Loving your review, it gave me a giggle and I’ll keep an eye out for any samurai updates. The book itself sounds incredibly interesting. Thank you for sharing with #KCACOLS and we hope you join us next time.
Thanks. Peachy likes to put her own spin on things. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your comments Kate!
I read a lot of business books for work, and I could see adapting this for work ethic as well. #globalblogging
Definitely. That link is made in the book and one of the examples used is actually a company. Thanks for reading.
Stephanie,
One of my intentions for the book was to introduce a code of ethics for businesses. Thank you for your comment.
Wow this looks so interesting! I’m always intrigued by different ways of life and how the principles of them can help in everyday life #MarvMondays
Every way of life has something to teach us. Thanks for reading.
Thank you Aleena, I appreciated your comments.. Yes, we can learn from different ways of life! The study of samurai was fascinating…I am actually a descendant of the samurai warrior.
Back with #DreamTeam
Welcome back ☺
Thanks for linking up to #globalblogging
Thanks for dropping by.
7 principles I definitely want my children to have! #fabfridaypost
Definitely. Thanks for visiting.
Glad you are learning good principles at such a tender, young age!
Jade,
Thank you for your comments, and the principles inspired me to write my book, “The Courage of a Samuriai.” I added ‘ganbaru’ (do your best, try your hardest, never give up, and go for broke!) at the end.
Imagine what our world could be if we all adhered to good principles!
Lori Tsugawa Whaley
Thanks for sharing your review on #TriedTested this week x
Thanks for hosting.
It looks like such an interesting read. I will add it to my reading list for when my kids let me have some alone time 🙂 Thank you for sharing with #StayClassymama
Alone time is hard to come by. Try the giveaway. Maybe you’ll be one of the lucky 2 winners. Thanks for reading.
Thank you for your kind comments White Camellias; I hope you will enjoy the read! It was a labor of love!
Wow this sounds like such an empowering book to read and I love the values that it represents and enforces. It’s fascinating to learn more about the history of the Samurai too! Thanks for sharing with #DreamTeam x
Definitely good values. It was a nice read. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your kind comments Rhyming with Wine! I hope you will enjoy the read!
That sounds like a very interesting book. I like to see how older ways of doing things can help us today. And who doesn’t need more honour in their life? Thanks for linking to #EatSleepBlogRT. Hope you can join next time.
They may be ancient concepts but certainly still applicable today. Thanks for visiting.
Thanks Peachy!
Thank you for your comments, The Mum Reviews! Yes, we can learn from time-tested values and principles…
Lori Tsugawa Whaley
Thank you for your comments The Mum Reviews!
Looks like a great read:)
Mainy
#KCACOLS
I enjoyed it. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for your comment!
It sounds like a very interesting and inspiring book.
#KCACOLS
It was a great read. Thanks for visiting.
Thank you Peachy!
Thank you for your comment!
Looks like a cool book! I love reading and will give anything a try #KCACOLS
Try the giveaway. There are two copies up for grabs so double to chance to win. Thanks for visiting.
Amie,
Thank you for your comment, and I hope you will enjoy the read!
Lori Tsugawa Whaley
Thank you for your comment, and hope you enjoy the read! I would love to hear your thoughts!