(from cover)

Long considered a classic of tactical wisdom, The Sword and the Mind is an extraordinary synthesis of the ideas and experiences of three swordsmen: Hidetsua, muneyousho and Munenori. During their lifetime in the 16th and 17th Centuries they witnessed historic events which transformed Japan from a feudal state at war to a stable and powerful shogunate. On its simplest level The Sword and the Mind is an illuminating guide to swordmanship maneuvers including self-defense. But on a deeper level this work is the three warriors' legacy to the modern reader, a profound philosophical and psychological guide to the most fundamental elements of strategy.

'The real McCoy from which every Zen-and-the-art-of-anything takes off. It demonstrates how the courage and mindfulness of the warrior can become stages on the path to enlightenment, and how an activity as potentially bloody as sword plan can be a humane, exacting art.'--San Francisco Chronicle

Includes a translation of Heiho Kadensho (Family-Transmitted Book on Swordsmanship), and selections from Takuan's Fudochi Shinmyo Roku (Divine Record of Immovable Wisdom), and Taia Ki (On the T'aia). Basic reference for historical information on Shinkageryu.

Contents

Notes and Acknowledgments
(Takuan's calligraphy)
Chronology of Japanese History
Chronology of Yagyu-Related Events
Introduction
Heiho Kaden Sho: Family-Transmitted Book on Swordsmanship
Volume One: Shoe-Offering Bridge
Volume Two: The Death-Dealing Blade
Volume Three: The Life-Giving Sword
Fkudochi Shinmyo Rokku: Divine Record of Immovable Wisdom
Taia Ki: On teh T'ai-a
Brief Annotated Bibliography
Glossary

The art of swordsmanship from three 16th century Japanese swordsmen poets. I didn't learn this stuff when I took fencing at UNC.