Bushido literally means: Military-Knight-Ways
Bushido (AKA, "the way of the warrior"), is code of
ethics observed by the warrior noblemen, or samurai, of feudal
Japan. Like the rules of chivalry that prevailed in medieval
Europe, Bushido was based on such virtues as rectitude, endurance,
frugality, courage, politeness, veracity, and, especially, loyalty
to ruler and country. Only through the exercise of these virtues
could a knight maintain his honor, and one who had forfeited
honor was compelled to commit suicide by hara-kiri, (or seppuku.)
Fully developed by the late 12th century, Bushido became a written
code in the 16th century. When feudalism was abolished about
mid-19th century, the code was abandoned, but its influence,
mainly on the army, persisted.
1.
COURAGE.
Courage is tot live when it is right to live and to die
when it is right to die. To rush into battle half heartedly,
not making the full effort because you "know"
you wont live anyway, lacks real courage. To engage
in a seemingly hopeless battle and not give up till your
time is up, is courageous. It is also courage to do what
you know is morally right, when it is right to do it. It
is also courage to bear lifes hardships without complaining
and maintain composure under adverse circumstances, approaching
good and bad times in life with equal composure, dignity
and patience.
2. ENDURANCE.
The ability to withstand hardship or adversity. The ability
to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.
3. FRUGALITY.
Sparingly. Be wise with your money and investments.
4.
POLITENESS.
Politeness should be as a result of your consideration for
the feelings of others. It should not be a result of fear
of offending good taste or convention. The more it is practiced,
the greater becomes your consideration for others and your
understanding of other peoples points of view. As a typical
example, you dont mar the pleasure or serenity of
others with expressions of your own pain or sorrow.
5. RECTITUDE.
The quality or state of being straight; moral integrity.
6. VERACITY
AND SINCERITY.
While lying was not condemned as a sin, it was viewed as
a weakness. While westerners will tell "little white
lies", the samurai, (who believed that their high social
position required high moral standards), would regard these
lies as "deception by sweet words." Like the phrase,
"the word of a gentleman", the word of the samurai
was always accepted because everyone knew that the Samurai
would not dishonor himself by lying.
7. LOYALTY.
Loyalty was one of the main foundations of the Bushido system.
Loyalty to family, samurai, and lords was given freely and
the entire Bushido system is built around it.