I Followed the Samurai Code for 30 Days —Here’s What Happened
I’m no warrior, and I don’t have a katana on my wall. But after hearing about how Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai transforms people’s lives, I decided to set myself a challenge—living by the samurai code for 30 days. I needed a way to quickly absorb the book’s core principles without spending hours on it, so I turned to Blinkist. With over 7,500 nonfiction books explained in just minutes, Blinkist allowed me to grasp the key concepts of Hagakure in less than the time it took me to drink my morning coffee.
I picked Blinkist because it’s recommended by Apple and used by over 31 million people worldwide. Whether you’re looking to improve your daily routine, boost discipline, or expand your mindset, Blinkist offers a shortcut to knowledge, with expertly curated content that’s both time-efficient and actionable. After I learned the key ideas behind Hagakure, I started applying the Bushido principles of discipline, honor, and mindfulness to my daily life. And let me tell you, my life hasn’t been the same since.
How Living by the Samurai Code Transformed My Life
Hagakure
- 10 min reading time
- audio version available
So, what’s Hagakure all about? Written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, an 18th-century samurai, this book dives deep into the philosophy and daily practices of the legendary Japanese warriors. It’s not just about battle strategies; it’s about mindset, behavior, and living with purpose. Despite being written over two hundred years ago, the core themes of discipline, honor, and mindfulness are surprisingly relevant to modern life.
–Yamamoto Tsunetomo
30 Days of Discipline: Living by the Samurai Code
The challenge was clear: I committed to living by the samurai Code for 30 days—no shortcuts, no excuses. At first, the idea was invigorating, but reality quickly set in. Discipline turned into a struggle as I wondered if I could build new habits while juggling daily chores. And my first meditation session was more about battling the distracting thoughts that clouded my mind rather than finding inner calm.
But as I kept reading Hagakure on Blinkist, things started to click. The key takeaway was this: samurai weren’t just warriors—they were people who thought deeply about their actions and values. Here’s what I learned:
Mastering My Life with the Samurai Code
1. Embrace Life By Accepting Death
The first lesson from the Hagakure that I embraced during my 30-day challenge was acceptance of death. Tsunetomo teaches that a samurai must be prepared to face death at any moment, not out of fear, but with calm acceptance. This practice isn’t about seeking death but understanding its inevitability and living without fear of it. By accepting that we can’t control the future, I felt more at peace and less overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life.
2. Live Mindfully
The mindfulness that is integral to the life of a samurai became central to my daily routine. Tsunetomo urges us to approach every task without distraction, from the smallest chore to the most significant mission. I applied this by fully immersing myself in each task without distraction, whether it was meditating, working, or spending time with my partner. This focus helped reduce stress and improved my ability to stay present.
3. Build Resilience
Throughout the 30-day challenge, resilience and integrity became the cornerstones of my journey. Tsunetomo’s teachings on remaining calm while facing adversity and maintaining integrity at all costs resonated deeply. If work became too stressful, I focused on maintaining emotional composure, much like the stoic approach in the Hagakure. This mindset helped me navigate setbacks without losing focus or compromising my values.
Hagakure: Did It Live Up to the Hype?
After following the core principles of Hagakure for 30 days using Blinkist, I felt different. More centered. More disciplined. More focused. I was sharp. I approached each task with more intention. I was kinder to those around me and, surprisingly, more patient with myself.
And here’s the kicker: these small changes didn’t just make me feel better at the moment. They set a new foundation for long-term growth. Instead of feeling like life was something happening to me, I felt like I was in control. The samurai mindset had done its job.
How I Continued Improving My Life in Just 15 Minutes A Day
Even if you don’t plan on living like a samurai for 30 days, the principles from Hagakure can make a huge difference in your life. Being disciplined, acting with honor, and staying present at the moment are skills we all need—no matter how busy we are.
A Huge Library of Content
And it’s not just Hagakure. Blinkist gives you access to a huge library of over 7,500 books on productivity, wealth-building, and self-improvement—like The 5 AM Club, Atomic Habits, and The Power of Now—all packed with actionable tips you can start applying immediately.
–Carlos Alvarado, Senior Brand Manager at Blinkist
So, if you’re looking to level up your life, Blinkist has you covered. Whether you want to become more disciplined, boost your productivity, or learn how to live with more intention, Blinkist has the key insights to help you do just that—no sword required.
Over 90,000 5-Star Ratings and Counting
Blinkist has earned the trust of millions of knowledge seekers worldwide, with over 90,000 five-star ratings across Android and Apple platforms. In fact, nearly 75% of all user ratings are five stars. Here’s what users are saying about Blinkist:
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Ready to Live the Samurai Code?
Take action now. Start with Hagakure on Blinkist, and see for yourself how the samurai code can transform your daily life. If I can do it, so can you.
