I came across this historical oath recently, and was so astonished by it, that I thought I should share it with the Ninjutsu community.
I have removed some of the more conspicuous language that would identify the source of the oath, but have kept the essence of the wording intact.
For the record, the oath is in *NO WAY* related to *ANY* of the Bujinkan Ryuha.
Regardless of the cosmetic changes in wording, it is a fascinating part of history of the shinobi no mono (no matter where they call home
).
Enjoy!
-ben
-=-=-=-=-
OATH OF THE SHINOBI NO MONO
Superior Speaks:
My son, heretofore you have been taught to be a spy even among your own brethren: to believe no man, to trust no man. Among the enemy, to be an enemy; to obtain their confidence; and to denounce with all the vehemence (violent emotion) in your nature our clan and our leader; that you might be enabled to gather together all information for the benefit of your order as a faithful soldier.
You have been taught to insidiously plant the seeds of jealously and hatred between states that were at peace, and incite them to deeds of blood, involving them in war with each other, and to create revolutions and civil wars in communities, provinces and countries that were independent and prosperous;
To take sides with the combatants and to act secretly in concert with your brother who might be engaged on the other side, but openly opposed to that with which you might be connected;
Only that the clan might be the gainer in the end in the conditions fixed in the treaties for peace, and that the ends justify the means;
You have been taught your duty as a spy, to gather all statistics, facts and information in your power from every source: to ingratiate yourself into the confidence of the family circle of the enemy of every class and character, as well as that of the merchant, the banker, the lawyer, among the schools and universities, in parliament and legislatures, and in the judiciaries and councils of State, and to be all things to all men, for the leaders sake, whose servants we are unto death.
You must serve the proper time as the instrument and executioner as directed by your superiors; for none can command here who has not consecrated his labors with the blood of the enemy.
Shinobi no Mono Speaks:
I promise and declare that I will, when opportunity presents, make and wage relentless war, secretly and openly, against all enemies, as I am directed to do.
That when the same cannot be done openly, I will secretly use the poisoned cup, the strangulation cord, the steel of the poniard (a dagger) or the leaden bullet, regardless of the honor, rank, dignity, or authority of the person or persons, whatever may be their condition in life, either public or private, as I at any time may be directed so to do by any agent of the leader or superior of the brotherhood.
I have removed some of the more conspicuous language that would identify the source of the oath, but have kept the essence of the wording intact.
For the record, the oath is in *NO WAY* related to *ANY* of the Bujinkan Ryuha.
Regardless of the cosmetic changes in wording, it is a fascinating part of history of the shinobi no mono (no matter where they call home
). Enjoy!
-ben
-=-=-=-=-
OATH OF THE SHINOBI NO MONO
Superior Speaks:
My son, heretofore you have been taught to be a spy even among your own brethren: to believe no man, to trust no man. Among the enemy, to be an enemy; to obtain their confidence; and to denounce with all the vehemence (violent emotion) in your nature our clan and our leader; that you might be enabled to gather together all information for the benefit of your order as a faithful soldier.
You have been taught to insidiously plant the seeds of jealously and hatred between states that were at peace, and incite them to deeds of blood, involving them in war with each other, and to create revolutions and civil wars in communities, provinces and countries that were independent and prosperous;
To take sides with the combatants and to act secretly in concert with your brother who might be engaged on the other side, but openly opposed to that with which you might be connected;
Only that the clan might be the gainer in the end in the conditions fixed in the treaties for peace, and that the ends justify the means;
You have been taught your duty as a spy, to gather all statistics, facts and information in your power from every source: to ingratiate yourself into the confidence of the family circle of the enemy of every class and character, as well as that of the merchant, the banker, the lawyer, among the schools and universities, in parliament and legislatures, and in the judiciaries and councils of State, and to be all things to all men, for the leaders sake, whose servants we are unto death.
You must serve the proper time as the instrument and executioner as directed by your superiors; for none can command here who has not consecrated his labors with the blood of the enemy.
Shinobi no Mono Speaks:
I promise and declare that I will, when opportunity presents, make and wage relentless war, secretly and openly, against all enemies, as I am directed to do.
That when the same cannot be done openly, I will secretly use the poisoned cup, the strangulation cord, the steel of the poniard (a dagger) or the leaden bullet, regardless of the honor, rank, dignity, or authority of the person or persons, whatever may be their condition in life, either public or private, as I at any time may be directed so to do by any agent of the leader or superior of the brotherhood.
