The Book of the Four Hearts
Writings of a free-spirited samurai from the 17th century
This book contains the writings of the samurai Yamamoto Magune (15751944), in which he documents his position in the tense relationship between martial tradition and spiritual change. In addition to the samurai mindset and the ethics of Confucianism, they also reflect the philosophy of Zen and the influence of Western teachings.
His symbol of the "flower of life", a model in which he attempts to define life in its entirety, forms the foundation of his thought structure.
In "Shi Shin", Schultz-Gora draws the profile of a learned samurai and provides interesting and revealing information about the historical and social background of the sword nobility of the time.
"Shi Shin" offers numerous inspirations for a revitalisation of basic ethical values and will appeal not only to readers with an interest in the East, but also to anyone who is keen to set new impulses in their lives.