a hanshi, a working philosopher, and strategy facilitator, I am not interested in actual historical events that set the stage for my writings. I am more concerned with the information and the understanding of it that provides answers for every man. This scroll should be used as a guide for personal progress through life, although it should be understood by the reader that certain ideas presented to the shogun in the twelfth century do not pertain to contemporary life and society such as looting and revenge. If one reads daily newspapers and listens to news broadcasts, it is commonplace in today’s convoluted societies. I do not advocate many of the ideas set forth herein, and neither should anyone with an enlightened mind. I believe that the work is more important than the worker until both become the same, and I have endeavored to structure my life based on the majority of the principles presented in the Shogun’s Scroll.
The Shogun’s Scroll is structured as a recently discovered and previously hidden work and as such, arcane works of profound philosophical value would not have had ample exposure. Veiled in mystery, it would have given the reader of Nakadai’s time a tremendous advantage in governing the realm if the ideas could be internalized by an individual. The severe penalties suggested by Nakadai for violators of the shogunate must have pleased Minamoto Yoritomo as well. He rewarded Nakadai with an entire fiefdom and elevated him to the position of “monchujo,” the equivalent of a seat on the American Supreme Court.
And so, in keeping with the premise of the Shogun’s Scroll, copies of the work that might have been found were eventually destroyed with the exception of the four that exist today with the seal of Minamoto Yoritomo, indicating that they were the only copies to be kept. Anyone who had a copy was also to be destroyed (Nakadai’s influence, undoubtedly). Consider how fortunate you are to have one in your hands. Also Nakadai’s influence—undoubtedly.
Such is the profound importance of the work. The attitudes expressed in the Shogun’s Scroll far exceed any of those works of literature that appear to emulate it. And so, here it is presented to the world for the first time in nearly 800 years. Learn from it!
— Hanshi Stephen F. Kaufman
New York City 2011
A Gift to
Minamoto Yoritomo
Shogun of All the Japans
from his most humble and loyal servant
Hidetomo Nakadai
My Liege,
You have suggested I advise you in matters of conducting the business of the realm. I beg your forgiveness for my intrusion into the affairs of great men such as yourself, but that you say I have proven myself to you over the long years through my service further gives me the honorable desire to serve you with all of my heart, mind, and soul for my entire life.
Please forgive my arrogance in thinking that I can put my ideas down for your consideration. I assure you that they are granted me by Heaven and that you are the only recipient of them.
May I suggest that the words be read with the true spirit of understanding that comes from my many years of contemplation on the ideas I am presenting. I humbly present my thoughts to you on the following matters and pray that you do not think of me as one who would consider himself as wise as you.
— Your esteemed servant, Hidetomo Nakadai
CHAPTER ONE
How Power Comes To Be
Power comes to a man in various ways. Undoubtedly, it is granted to a man by his own personal choice. It is based on his desire to rule or to be ruled. The extent to which that desire is expressed will be made manifest in his life. It does not matter if it is the desire to control an entire country or a desire to control a small faction with a private interest. It depends on a man’s thoughts and the manner in which he accepts the truth of his own greatness.
Such was the thinking of your brother, Yoshitsune, when he wrested control from the Taira clan. He observed their obvious weaknesses, which became more evident when they expressed a preference to live the aristocratic life and forgot the ways of the warrior. They forgot how they took control from the Fujiwara clan and soon became arrogant and slovenly in their attitudes and actions. Your brother imposed his desire on those circumstances, and it permitted him to become a great general.
Power is a private matter, recently structured as new or passed from generation to generation, being subject to the fates and a man’s desire. The civil domain is maintained by means of subjecting the population by force, irrespective of appearance, and only works when there is respect for the leader. It does not matter if this respect is in the form of love or fear. Leaders maintain power by a consensus of opinion and the timely showing of strength: their own. As shogun, you control the entire country, and should anyone interfere with your authority they should be eliminated, including their entire bloodline. This is always reasonable if anyone interferes with the shogun’s control.
There is little difference in civil or private control; it is always based on desire and the personal ability of the leader. To maintain control in either public or private matters you must understand the rules which you yourself establish for control. You must be quick of mind to change these rules when it befits the needs of the moment. It is also important to understand the temperament of the people you presently command and those you wish to command. Then, with correct action, changes can be made and you can progress to your liking. Under no circumstances can you ever remain passive and static. If you are indecisive you will jeopardize your authority. There are times, however, when your strength can be reinforced through leniency, but you should show no indulgence when dealing with dissenters.
It is also a requirement that you come to terms with and appear to be friendly with all of the people in your domain. Your feelings must be sincere when they are expressed, although your thoughts may be grounded in deception. There can be no room for mediocrity in the shogun’s thinking. This will permit insolence and subterfuge to develop which must be guarded against wholeheartedly with regard to both friends and enemies. It will also permit flatterers to interfere with your decisions.
Flatterers must be especially guarded against, but they can be used to your advantage by deceiving their affections. It is better to use them if you feel they have any value at all, and it doesn’t matter who they know or the power they may think they wield. If they are useless, rid yourself of them.
Remember, if you will, when Nobunaga Oka was governing Miai Province. He constantly found himself surrounded by well-wishers who only sought to maintain their own positions when Emperor Antoku gave him special consideration during the Taira reign. The people in his domain continually sent him gifts of all types entreating him to intercede on their behalf with the emperor until Oka became enamored of himself. It was then that he found himself unable to deal harshly when it was required. He soon lost control of the government, fell out of favor with the emperor, and was deposed by his own generals. They saw he was not being sincere with anyone, including themselves, unless he was approached with a gift. Nobunaga’s acceptance of flattery led him to arrogance, and he thought he could demand anything of anyone in his court. Eventually, no one would heed his orders. In dishonor, he was requested to commit suicide.
If you are in power then everyone must know you are in command or, simply, you are not. If you maintain control in this manner, all the people will think they are deriving advantage and enjoying your personal guarantee. If you do not act in such a manner, you may be considered weakminded, and it will cause your downfall. Everyone, myself included, should be used as a tool for the realization of your greatness.
There
