Written in April 2009 Wrote this based on my research on Zen Buddhism and my love for samurai.

Heart of the Sword: The Relationship Between the Samurai and Zen Buddhism

Surrounded on all sides by an emerald green bamboo grove, a figure stands silently in the center. His eyes are closed, his body poised. Leaves break free from the bamboo trees and drift down. Hearing them flutter, his eyes snap open and he draws his katana. In a flash of light, the leaves are sliced cleanly in two. One would think he is a peerless warrior; they would never guess how hard his heart pounds when he has to charge into battle on horseback. And so he is headed to where he can learn the necessary skills to turn his soul into steel as sharp his blade: a monastery. Zen Buddhism has been often referred to as the “religion” of the samurai, but upon examination it becomes apparent that the samurai’s interest in Zen comes purely from a warrior’s perspective. Despite this, the bond between them is so significant that both Zen and the samurai have been mutually influenced by their interaction, although in slightly different ways. And even centuries after the samurai’s practical need for Zen has waned, Zen is still heavily associated with the samurai and Japanese culture today. Continue reading PAPER: Heart of the Sword →