KYUJUKYU KAKUN ‘THE NINETY-NINE PRECEPTS OF THE TAKEDA CLAN Takeda Nobushige Takeda Nobushige (1525-1561) was the younger brother of the famed Takeda Shingen, warlord of Sendai, head of one of the most powerful clans in Japan during the latter part of the Warring States period (1467-1568). Nobushige, renowned as both warrior and scholar, wrote these precepts in 1558 for his eldest son as a guide to proper moral behavior. Each precept is accompanied by a relevant quotation from the Chinese classics, and the text thus served as a textbook for educating young warriors of the Takeda clan. Though the culture that engendered these “words of wisdom” is long gone, a remnant lingers in the koryu bujutsu. Substitute “headmaster” for “lord” for a surprisingly relevant guide to behavior within the Japanese ryu today. The “Ninety-Nine Precepts” were incorporated into the Koyo Gunkan (see the next chapter, “Neglected Treasure”). This translation is by Alexander C. Bennett, based on the text as reproduced in Sakai Kenji’s Koyo Gunkan Taisei (Tokyo: Namiko Shoin, 1995). Learning is not just to enrich the body, it is also the base for the prosperity of the nation and the well-being of one’s descendants. Because of this book of learning, one can recognize heaven and understand the past. How can this not be the way of sincerity? How can one know universal truth without such a book? The way willbecome clear with this book. Is this not a wondrous thing?! 1. You must not commit treachery against your lord. It is written in the Analects of Confucius, “A gentleman-scholar never parts from the way of virtue no matter how preoccupied, nor does he neglect the way of virtue in times of emergency.” Also, “You must serve your lord with all your heart.” 2. Never be a coward in battle. Wu-tzu’ says, “If one clings to life, he will lose it, If one is willing to forfeit his life, he will live.” 3. Never hesitate to be courteous. It is written in the Shih Chi,? “If the master is of good deportment, his retainers will follow him willingly. If his conduct is not good, his orders will not be obeyed.” 4, One must aim to be valorous at all times, It is written in the San Liieh,* “Under a strong general, there will be no weak soldiers.” 5. Refrain from telling lies. In the oracle of the gods it has been said, “Honesty may not always be helpful, but in the long run it will be the best policy.” In the case of strategy, however, it depends on the situation, Sun Tzu° says, “Even if at full military strength, avoid direct confrontation and defeat the enemy by being unpredictable.” 6. Always be dutiful to your parents. It is written in the Analects, “Do your best to be obedient to your parents.”7. You should not scheme in even the smallest way against your brothers. It is written in the Hou Han Shu,° “Brothers are your left and right hands.” 8. Do not speak of things outside your competence. Yin Hang says, “A man is known by the words he utters.” 9. Never be rude. Especially to priests, women, and the poor, always be polite. It is written in the Li Chi (Book of Rites), “With courtesy, a man’s life is stable; without it, dangerous.” 10. Training in the warrior arts” is very important. The Analects of Confucius say, “It is harmful to engage in activities outside your profession,” 11. Never neglect your studies. It is written in the Analects, “Learning without thinking is darkness. Thinking without study is dangerous.” 12. Be familiar with the art of verse. A poem says, “A closed heart remains concealed. Being open leads the way to greater development.” 13. Pay close attention to the etiquette of ceremonies. It is written in the Analects that even the master himself inquired {about the rites] at temples he visited. 14. Do not overindulge in refined pleasures. It is written in the Shih Chi, “An excess of alcohol leads to disorder, an excess of joy results in misery.” It is written in the Tso