The Way of the Samurai Women

When Rimika Tanaka's mother Akemi died in 2021, Rimika decided to embark on an exploration of her maternal family's Samurai heritage, and what it could teach her about how to live more fully today. In recent decades, the Samurai have been made famous by ongoing movies, comics, computer games, and even fashion - and also in the hands of businessmen looking for a skillset for productivity, resilience and other macho ideals. But some Samurai, indeed the Samurai left behind to defend the homestead, were always women. In this book, Rimika explores how we, today, can reclaim this ancient wisdom, much of it held in the great and popular philosophical tradition of Zen Buddhism, for our times and in a more inclusive and holistic way. Readers will discover the inspirational example of historical Samurai Women, alongside contemporary women who possess the Samurai spirit. The book delves into concepts which allowed Samurai to survive: for example, Zen meditation, nature worship, and mindful movement. Along the way, the book offers exercises to help us channel the wisdom of Samurai. The Way of the Samurai Women offers: · Lessons on how to live with vitality and to see beauty in the inevitable passage of time. · Understanding the power of friendship, community and support from others through the Samurai concepts of loyalty and honour. · How to develop your courage, sense of empowerment, and knowing to trust yourself through Samurai wisdom. · How creativity flows through us, like a warrior or an artist, and how this way of being allows us to live life fully.

Rimika Tanaka is a writer and researcher who works in the performing arts. She is currently based at a dance conservatoire in London with the mission to widen access and participation in ballet and contemporary dance.