Modern Bushido: Living a Life of Excellence

Having read and reviewed numerous books on the warrior philosophy the title of this book immediately caught my attention. As someone who is always seeking new approaches and ideas based upon living "the way of the warrior" I looked forward to reading this book. The 31 chapters' presents a comprehensive and well researched study on the essential principles one must follow in order to live a life of excellence. Though many of these elemental warrior principles have been written about by many writers in the past, this author's approach is both unique and refreshing. In fact, if you love reading how to improve yourself not just physically as a warrior but intellectually as well, this may become your favorite volume in your personal library. It is one of the best books I have read on the philosophical principles of "living the way of the warrior."Each chapter explores the following warrior principles: Character, integrity, virtue, correct thought, right actions, correct speech, wisdom, honor, respect, discipline, honesty, courage, endurance, justice, sincerity, self-knowledge, preparedness, benevolence, courtesy, spirituality, meditation, insight, self-reliance, friendship, filial duty, balance, excellence, loyalty, total self-defense, and acceptance. The final chapter explains the antithesis of the warrior, which is the fool.One of the many fantastic things about this book is that after each chapter, there are two pages of quotes from numerous sources in order to reinforce the lessons taught in that chapter. This book can also be used as an excellent reference source for those doing research into the warrior philosophy.In conclusion, this is a book for anyone who desires to live a life of excellence as a warrior.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Predator Hunter: A warrior's memoir)

It had taken me almost a decade after cancer to realize the life I was working hard to get back to, was in fact the one I did not want. My family and my career are blessings. I thought I was on the path; I was wrong, it was not good enough, it did not pass muster.What I needed was to shed the frustrations of work, over-work, political and religious traps and the people in my life that do not live a life of Honor. I work to surround myself with those who know the Way, and those I can look up to and learn from. I made the commitment for a life change recently and this path also led me to Bohdi Sanders, who added the conviction, literature and real life wisdom to reinforce positive life changes.I have six of Bohdi Sander’s books so far and my wife, a martial arts instructor of Tang-Soo-Do, enjoy and reference them constantly. And these are not books exclusively for martial artists. Also, regardless of your religious affiliation, you will find that these teachings will fit nicely into your life without compromising your faith-I am Christian and I find all of this wisdom reinforces my faith.These are books that serve as guide books and reference books for living a life of honor – keep them handy as you will want to go back to them time and again. I also enjoy Bohdi Sanders’ website and frequent Facebook posts as they fortify your day and reinforce your convictions.If you can bear it, Live a Life of Honor, read these books and pass your honor forward in daily life. I highly recommend it.

I bought this in the Kindle format. Am currently about halfway through it, had the following thoughts: - This is not a bad little book for anyone seeking an introduction into developing a personal ethos. It offers a good starting point in terms of examining virtues, morality, and how to conduct oneself honorably in a world that is often wholly dishonorable. - Despite its title, it doesn't focus much on Bushido so much as principles and values that have resonated throughout multiple cultures. Granted, I'm just halfway through the book, so maybe the author takes up a discussion that zeroes in on the Japanese influence of these ethics later on? I'll find out. - My biggest complaint: for being a PhD Sanders' writing style here is, well, pretty elementary. The chapters are overladen with quotes that take up as much space as Sanders' own reflections and analysis, and he tends to repeat his talking points, like he's concerned the only way for the reader to comprehend the importance of what he's saying is to repeat the same observation a slightly different way. He does this a LOT. It reads like an undergraduate thesis paper where the student is trying to achieve the required number of submitted pages and has run out of things to say, so they throw in words any way they can. Sanders' could have used an editor to take out about 25% of each chapter to tighten the writing up, and nothing would have been lost in translation.I really want to give this 2.5 stars instead of three, since I feel three is a little too gracious and only two stars a bit harsh. It's definitely a good place to start if you're interested in cultivating a life of quality, but there's heartier fare out there for those with a serious interest in Bushido, ethics, or self-improvement.EDIT: I am now more than halfway through the book, and I'm dropping my review to two stars. The writing is horrible, sounding more like a juvenile book report than anything. Example: "Wisdom is essential to the warrior lifestyle. One cannot be a warrior without wisdom. The warrior cultivates wisdom to be true to himself. My point here is, warriors understand the need for wisdom to live the warrior lifestyle." You think I"m exaggerating? Have a go at it!

He makes you think about your authenticity as a human and living without fraud and pretense. I am a woman but feel this book was invaluable in establishing ethical guidelines for myself on personal behavior. It's not just for men - the way of the warrior is the way of the integrated and authentic human. After reading this I was surprised just how often I'd failed and this gave me a better path to the way back. Each time I have an ethical choice I think back to what I've read and make the decision based on these principles.

Bohdi Sanders has opened up my mind to so much, everyone one should have one of his books especially while travelling. I spent 15 hours this week, much of it on runways, snowed covered motorways in Romamia and having Living a life of Excellence kept me patient and relaxed and the time flew.. cant wait to start the next one. thanks Bohdi, my life of excellence has started

Everything I have read in this book feels like a reflection of what I have always thought about and wanted to be. A truly inspirational book for anyone with a strong sense of pride, honour, or justice.

I've been a fan of Bohdi Sanders ever since I joined his facebook page. Modern Bushido is a amazing and great way to understand what it is that makes a true warrior. Fantastic book and I can't wait to read the other 6

Book was very repetitive. Each chapter began with a different title but the content seemed much the same. I got bored with looking for something new.

This was the first book I ever read and it brings modern bushido into the 21st century. This tells us how to live our as a true samurai in todays world. With quotes at the end of every chapter to make the think it challenges you how you should live your lifeAaron Armstrong