Would you like to be as brave and fearless as a Samurai? Here’s Yamamoto Tsunetomo on death and attaining the highest state of life.
Yamamoto Tsunetomo (June 11, 1659 – November 30, 1719), was a samurai of the Saga Domain, during the Edo period in Japan. He became a Zen Buddhist priest who later in life shared his experiences, lessons, ideals and philosophy with the samurai Tashiro Tsuramoto.
One of his core beliefs was that becoming one with death in one’s thoughts, even in life, was the highest attainment of purity and focus. He felt that a resolution to die gives rise to a higher state of life, infused with beauty and grace beyond the reach of those concerned with self-preservation.
Tashiro Tsuramoto compiled these lessons, principles and aphorisms into a practical and spiritual guide called Hagakure.
In Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo states: “The way of the samurai is found in death. Meditation on inevitable death should be performed daily. Every day when one’s body and mind are at peace, one should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, rifles, spears and swords, being carried away by surging waves, being thrown into the midst of a great fire, being struck by lightning, being shaken to death by a great earthquake, falling from thousand-foot cliffs, dying of disease or committing seppuku at the death of one’s master. And every day without fail one should consider himself as dead.”
Samurai were encouraged to contemplate their own death as a way to becoming truly courageous. By freeing themselves from the fear of death they became focussed, fierce and fully committed to victory.
This is obviously an extreme example of mindfulness of death, and isn’t for everyone, but it illustrates the point quite graphically. How brave can one be when he/she no longer fears death? How much can one live with little to no fear of dying?
Mindfulness of death is an ancient eastern practice that is thought to reduce our fears and anxiety surrounding death. Through this focussed practice we are awakened to the impermanence and importance of life.
We will always fear death to some degree, but we can learn to reduce that fear. Through meditation, visualisation and contemplation on death we can ease some of the anxiety and better still, heighten our state of life.
Disclaimer: Meditating on death is not suitable for everyone, and should be avoided by those with severe anxiety, depression or trauma. Please consult your healthcare or mental health practitioner before attempting this exercise.