Testament of Ieyasu
Testament of Ieyasu (東照宮御遺訓, Tōshō-gū goikun),[1] also known as Ieyasu precepts or Legacy of Ieyasu,[2] was a formal statement made by Tokugawa Ieyasu.[3]
History
Ieyasu was the head of the
Nikkō in Tochigi Prefecture.[5]
This political statement provided guidance to his successors.[2]
The "Testament of Ieyasu" is different from the "100 Articles" or "Legacy of Ieyasu", a much longer document discussing the practicalities of shogunate rule, at least partially drafted by his successors, which has been translated into English in 1874,[6] 1919,[7] & 1937.[8]
Translation
A translation of Ieyasu's words is:
- "Life is like walking along a long road shouldering a heavy load; there is no need to hurry.
- One who treats difficulties as the normal state of affairs will never be discontented.
- Patience is the source of eternal peace; treat anger as an enemy.
- Harm will befall one who knows only success and has never experienced failure.
- Blame yourself rather than others.
- It is better not to reach than to go too far." –Tokugawa Ieyasu, 1604.[9]
An alternate translation is:
- Life is like carrying a heavy burden:
- It is best not to rush ahead too hastily.
- He who accepts it as natural for life not to go exactly how he wants it to will not feel dissatisfied.
- Rather than doing too much, it is best to leave things undone.
- When managing others, give full reign to their good points and overlook their weak points. –Tokugawa Ieyasu, 1604.[10]
References
- ^ McMullen, James. (1999). Idealism, Protest, and the Tale of Genji: The Confucianism of Kumazawa, p. 52.
- ^ a b Chamberlain, Basil Hall and W. B. Mason. (1901). A Handbook for Travellers in Japan, p. 74.
- ^ Kisala, Robert. (1999). Prophets of Peace: Pacifism and Cultural Identity in Japan's New Religions, p. 19.
- ^ Gerhart, Karen M. (1999). The eyes of power: art and early Tokugawa authority, p. 169.
- ^ Nikkō Tōshō-gū shashinsho. Tochigi-ken Kamitsuga-gun Nikkō-cho: Bekkaku Kanpeisha Tōshō-gū Shamusho, 1934; retrieved 2013-1-16.
- ^ Lowder 1874, "The Legacy of Ieyasu", reprinted in pg796-814 of A History of Japan: Volume III: The Tokugawa Epoch 1652-1868, James Murdoch 1926
- ^ Gubbins 1919, "The 'Hundred Articles' and the Tokugawa Government", The Transactions of the Japan Society London, Vol XVII pg128-184
- ^ Sadler 1937, The Maker of Modern Japan: The Life of Tokugawa Ieyasu, "Chapter XLIV: The Legacy Of Ieyasu"
- ^ OldTokyo.com: Tōshō-gū Shrine
- ^ The Japan Project: The Tokugawa Shogunate. Archived 2012-12-31 at the Wayback Machine The American Forum for Global Education.