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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.86
EAN: 9784770030184
ISBN: 4770030185
Label: Kodansha International
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 224
Publication Date: September 15, 2006
Publisher: Kodansha International
Studio: Kodansha International
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Product Description:
Woven deeply into the martial traditions and folklore of Japan, the fearsome Tengu dwell in the country's mountain forest. Mythical half-man, half-bird creatures with long noses, Tengu have always inspired dread and awe, inhabiting a liminal world between the human and the demonic, and guarding the most hidden secrets of swordsmanship. In The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts, a translation of the 18th-century samurai classic by Issai Chozanshi, an anonymous swordsman journeys to the heart of Mt. Kurama, the traditional domain of these formidable beings. There he encounters a host of demon; through a series of discussions and often playful discourse, they reveal to him the very deepest principles of the martial arts, and show how the secrets of sword fighting impart the truths of life itself.
The Demon's Sermon opens with The discourses, a collection of whimsical fables concerned with the theme of transformation--for Chozanshi a core phenomenon to the martial artist. Though ostensibly light and fanciful, these stories offer the attentive reader ideas that subvert perceived notions of conflict and the individual's relationship to the outside world. In the main body of work, The Sermon, Chozanshi demonstrates how transformation is fostered and nurtured through ch'i -- the vital and fundamental energy that flows through all things, animate and inanimate, and the very bedrock of Chozanshi's themes and the martial arts themselves. This he does using the voice of the Tengu, ad the reader is invited to eavesdrop with the swordsman on the demon's revelations of the deepest truths concerning ch'i, the principles of yin and yang, and how these forces shape our existence. In The Dispatch, the themes are brought to an elegant conclusion using the parable of an old and toothless cat who, like the demon, has mastered the art of acting by relying on nothing, and in so doing can defeat even the wiliest and most vicious of rats despite his advanced years.
This is the first direct translation from the original text into English by William Scott Wilson, the renowned translator of Hagakure and The Book of Five Rings. It captures the tone and essence of this classic while still making it accessible and meaningful to today's reader. Chozanshi's deep understanding of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shinto, as well as his insight into the central role of ch'i in the universe, are all given thoughtful treatment in Wilson's introduction and extensive endnotes. A provocative book for the general reader, The Demon's Sermon will also prove an invaluable addition to the libraries of all those interested in the fundamental principles of the martial arts, and how those principles relate to our existence.
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
This is a masterpiece of warrior philosophy. It is not a casual read and nor is it a story that will provide entertainment value. This is essential reading for martial artists and practitioners of eastern medicine as one of the fundamental lessons involves the cultivation of Qi. The "Demon" in this case refers to the Tengu, which are legendary throughout Japan.
The Tengu is many things and comes in many forms. It is known as a mischievous and malevolent spirit that brought terror ... Read More
Rating: -
This book doesn't just jump into the "Sermon" but builds into it by offering insights to certain nuances born of Eastern thought. You may not clearly understand the anecdotes, but you may become a bit less prejudiced, a bit more educated on the "Way" which pervades much of Asia's day-to-day. If you spend anytime in Asia, esp. Japan, this book may be a good choice to start out with.
Rating: -
I feel that this is not a book for beginners in the martial arts. The sermon remarks on this point as well. However, if you are at instructor level or higher, this book will change some concepts about yourself and your Self, especially for those beyond their thirties. This book points out that it is pointless to hold on to ephemeral things as body power, stamina, even technique, rank or wisdom, since all these are a reflection (a delusion / distraction) of the Mind and Self. I will also point out ... Read More
Rating: -
Where it's not, it's excellent. The actual Demon's Sermon is a superb discussion of everything to do with fencing except how to use the weapon. There is no discussion of parries or cuts, but of preparation to train, preparation to fight, the conduct of combat, and the mind of the person holding the sword. All this is imparted to a swordsman as he eavesdrops on a discussion of fencing among Tengu, the demons who taught humans to fence, according to Japanese legend.
The Mysterious Technique ... Read More
Rating:  -
Interesting and enjoying to read. This book is for the serious martial artist who enjoys a slightly esoteric approach to training and philosophy of the arts. I started out my training in traditional arts before adding many other modern styles such as boxing and submission grappling to my skill set and I believe yet to this day that I was served well by applying the "old school" frame of mind to modern, scientific training. The Samurai and other elite warriors of history became legendary for a reason...discipline ... Read More
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