The Samurai and the Spirit of Bushido
Author: Julian ScottJuly 31, 2026
I was inspired to write this article after visiting an exhibition on the samurai at the British Museum. Paradoxically for an exhibition about warriors, and much to my surprise, I emerged with a strong feeling of joyful peace and serenity, effects which I attribute to the sheer beauty of some of the paintings and artefacts on display, along with the often heroic stories that accompanied them, [...]
The Way of the Warrior – Embracing the ‘Inner Battle’
Author: Agostino DominiciApril 18, 2022
I am imagining depicted on a Renaissance tapestry the scene of a ‘battle’. This tapestry is woven together by four threads or themes: war (and the warrior), initiation, Kali Yuga and askesis. War and the warrior Since the beginning of recorded history the theme of war has always occupied an important place in the minds of human beings. The figure of the warrior itself has [...]
Living the Samurai Myth
Author: Shraddha ShettyOctober 14, 2020
The word Samurai originally meant ‘those who serve’, although individuals of this elite warrior class in medieval Japan were also referred to as Bushi, or warrior. And Bushido was the code of morality which the Samurai were meant to follow, not just in battle, but also in day-to-day activity. Speaking of this code in his book Bushido: The Soul of Japan, which is widely considered to be an [...]
The World of the Aztecs
Author: Elena LöberOctober 10, 2015
The Aztecs - or rather the "people from Aztlan", a translation from the Nahuatl word 'aztecatl' - are largely still a mystery for us. Their strong and determined character, their practical sense and the value they ascribed to the strength of will enabled this people to develop a highly advanced culture and conquer vast parts of Central America. The Aztec Empire began to rise in the 13th [...]
The Way of the Warrior
Author: Kurush DordiApril 26, 2015
Miyamoto Musashi killing a giant creature, from The Book of Five Rings “Chivalry is itself the poetry of life.” - Schlegel, Philosophy of History. Amidst the vibrant mythological tradition of Japan emerges an interesting story of creation that speaks of deities Izanami and Isanagi, who were instructed by the primordial gods to dip a spear into the celestial ocean. As they withdrew [...]