Amulets and charms were worn almost without exception, and many a tale is told of arrows turned aside, or swords broken, that struck on a sacred image, picture, or text. Before entering a battle, or performing a special feat of skill or valor, the hero uttered the warriors prayer, “Namu Hachiman Dai-bosatsu” (“Glory to Hachiman, the incarnation of Great Buddha”). Though brave heroes must, like ordinary men, pass through purgatory, yet death on the battle-field was reckoned highly meritorious, and the happiness of the warriors soul in the next world was secured by the prayers of his wife and children.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
