Bushido - The way of the warrior

Bushido - is a Japanese term for the code of honor and ideals that made up the way of life for a Samurai.  It is similar to the European idea of Chivalry. Bushido developed between the 16th and 20th centuries.  Under the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate some aspects of bushido became part of Japanese Law. 

Bushidō, then, is the code of moral principles which the samurai were required or instructed to observe ... More frequently it is a code unspoken and unwritten ... It was an organic growth of decades and centuries of military career. In order to become a samurai this code has to be mastered. 

• Righteousness (義 yi)

Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. To the true warrior, all points of view are deeply considered regarding honesty, justice and integrity. Warriors make a full commitment to their decisions.

• Heroic Courage (勇 yū)

Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky. It is living life completely, fully and wonderfully. Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong.

• Benevolence, Compassion (仁 jin)

Through intense training and hard work the true warrior becomes quick and strong. They are not as most people. They develop a power that must be used for good. They have compassion. They help their fellow men at every opportunity. If an opportunity does not arise, they go out of their way to find one.

• Respect (礼 rei)

True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. Warriors are not only respected for their strength in battle, but also by their dealings with others. The true strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times.

• Honesty (誠 makoto)

When warriors say that they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop them from completing what they say they will do. They do not have to 'give their word'. They do not have to 'promise'. Speaking and doing are the same action.

• Honour (名誉 meiyo)

Warriors will embody the ideals of honor and good character. Decisions they make and how these decisions are carried out are a reflection of who they truly are. You cannot hide from yourself.

• Duty and Loyalty (忠義 chūgi)

Warriors are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said and all of the consequences that follow. They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care. To everyone that they are responsible for, they remain fiercely true.

• Self-Control (自制 jisei) - The warrior will master themselves in the face of temptations and impulses in order to achieve their goals and fulfill their responsibilities.  True warriors will regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a way that brings honor to themselves and their community.  The warrior does not engage in criminal or deviant behavior, and does not partake in vice.

Associated virtues

• Filial piety (孝 kō) - The warrior respects their parents, elders, and ancestors, this concept is one of doing your duty to your family, and extended family (indeed your entire community), and all that have gone before. 

• Wisdom (智 chi) - The warrior will seek to develop the ability to think, think critically, make sound decisions using their knowledge, experience, rationality and insight.  Making unbiased judgment on all matters, with compassion, with ethics and above all compassion and love.

• Fraternity (悌 tei) - Fellowship/Communion, Sharing in common with others, Friendship, building relationships. The warrior seeks to share his experiences with his fellow man, teaching, being in connection with and acting as a good role model for others.