The Samurai and Oudh

#1
I had the pleasure of taking a course on Samurai culture during my time as an undergrad at Rutgers. The course was titled Samurai tradition in film and literature and basically we examined true Samurai culture and how it was being depicted in film and literature. Well, along with many great texts read we also watched a number of movies from various directors.

I remember a scene from the movie 47 Ronin, a film based on The Ako Vendetta, where a particular Samurai was making himself battle ready and there was emphasis being placed on the scenting of ones helmet and battle attire.

Spiritual significance within the Samurai culture: they always stayed in a state of cleanliness which included scenting oneself with agarwood so that they would be prepared to die at all times taking with them a blessed scent!

http://www.holymtn.com/gods/FragranceJapaneseLife.htm
 
#2
Here is a link to a synopsis of the Ako Vendetta also if any is in to Samurai culture and history you might want to watch the movie 47 Ronin. You will at some point see the significance of agarwood and Japanese incense in Samurai culture and the role it played in their lives as devout Buddists as it was burned in their temples!

http://www.samurai-archives.com/ronin.html
 
#3
Wow, it's really interesting to note how detailed the Samurai culture is, even right down to the importance of scenting themselves with agarwood! I guess this goes to show how much history and importance agarwood plays in many cultures.
 
#4
Samurai culture is filled with many intriguing practices and uses for agarwood! If you can try and watch 47 Ronin it is long but has a great storyline and is one of the more accurate depictions of samurai culture in film!