The Courage of a Samurai: Seven Sword-Sharp Principles for Success

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is an author, inspirational speaker, and a descendant of the samurai warrior. She graduated with Honors from Portland State University. Whaley, a Baby Boomer, struggled with being 'different', and channeled her energies into understanding, and embracing her Japanese heritage. This journey forged a compassion to empower others to reach their God-given potential, and the driving force for her book, The Courage of a Samurai: Seven Sword-Sharp Principles for Success.

Who inspired you most in your life?

My Mother was an inspiration to me, and always believed I could do what I set my mind to do. She displayed the Japanese principle Ganbaru; try your hardest, do your best, never give up, and Go For Broke! In spite of hardships, and prejudice, she always found a way to overcome life’s battles.

Which aspects in your personal life journey made you forge compassion to empower others?

Being an Asian woman in a Caucasian society, combined with my personal struggle to overcome Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) opened my eyes and heart to what it means to overcome life’s challenges.

Why did you choose to become an author?

I chose to write my book as a means to overcome TBI. Although the book took over six years to write, it provided a worthwhile goal and great therapy. As a speaker, it is advantageous to have written a book to build one’s ‘platform.’ I saw a need in the Asian community, and I believed that the book would become an avenue/medium to help people of various backgrounds. As I learned about the Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans), the integrity, honor and courage they displayed under adverse conditions inspired me to write about the power of their honorable lives. 

Please tell us more about your book: “The Courage of a Samurai: Seven Sword-Sharp Principles for Success. 

The samurai warrior of ancient Japan lived by a moral and ethical code known as bushido; ‘the way of the warrior.’ This code of chivalry sculpted a culture and influenced all aspects of society and their lives.

The principles of bushido include:

• Courage

• Integrity

• Benevolence

• Respect

• Honesty

• Honor

• Loyalty

After the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, the world witnessed the characteristics of bushido. This book presents these principles as a guide for navigating the challenges we all face with examples of individuals who exemplify their meaning in today’s world.

Are you ready to live life with your passionate purpose? If so, sharpen your sword, and let the journey begin!

What else do you like to write about?

I like to write about our current ethical situation, and tie it in with the code of bushido. It is my desire to pass on/instill the timeless character traits which are present in every great society.

More info:

Website: http://loriwhaley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoriTsugawaWhaleyFanPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoriTWhaley
Google+: https://plus.google.com/117851127989764129993
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/LoriTsugawaWhaley
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1rI2SR8SsJi5aKw5kKVUuw