Jinenkan Training Around the World

Robert Gray (Dōjō-chō of the Jinenkan Fudō Dōjō in Tokio, Japan) has released his latest book, Whispers of the Departed: Samurai Jisei Poems Penned at the Time of Death, now available on Amazon.

In this work, Gray explores the tradition of jisei (辞世), often translated as “death poems,” though as he explains, the term more accurately means “farewell to the world.” These poems, written in the final moments of life, reflect not darkness, but clarity, offering insight into the spirit, mindset, and acceptance of those who composed them.

“Samurai jisei poetry often reflects strong influence from its Buddhist roots with themes of acceptance, impermanence, and non-duality,” Gray writes. One example he highlights is the poem of Akechi Mitsuhide, which expresses the concept of 順逆無二門 (jun-gyaku nimon nashi), pointing beyond duality and toward the interconnected nature of all things.

Whispers of the Departed gathers farewell poems from samurai and the wives of samurai, spanning over seven centuries of history. Each entry is presented in the original Japanese alongside an English translation, accompanied by background on the author and the circumstances in which the poem was written.

The book is the result of four years of research, writing, and translation. Reflecting on the experience, Gray shares: “All of the figures in this book were facing death directly. And yet their final words are often calm, reflective, and marked by a surprising acceptance. Some offer final words of advice, and some even speak of joy.”

He adds, “Spending so much time translating the words and thoughts of so many people in that situation changed the way I think about impermanence and acceptance. I hope it offers something meaningful to others as well.”