The Japanese Samurai’s Bushido
In Japan, the samurais were a class of military men who were believed to be fearless and highly skilled warriors. These warriors had a code that they were grounded on. This was the Bushido (Boó-shee-doh’) code. Bushido is actually a combination of words. Bushi meaning ‘warrior’ and Do meaning ‘way’ which when combined meant, “the way of the warrior”.
It was developed in Japan during the 9th and the 12 centuries but was believed to have reached the 16th century. It was a complex concept but one way of understanding the code is that it is a way of maintaining peace with the use of strength.
Influences of the Bushido Code:
The bushido code was an unwritten Japanese code that was influenced by several Asian religions. These religions were the teachings of Zen Buddhism, Shintoism, and Confucianism.
Zen Buddhism is the one responsible in teaching the samurai about submission without complain or unavoidable necessity. Because of their genuine respect for life and death, they maintained this stoic temperament.
Shintoism also influenced the Bushido code. It was considered to be a religion of the heart that pervades the life of the Japanese by a natural and real spiritual force. One of the fundamental virtues of Shinto ethics is purity bringing the samurais a sense of belonging through knowing one’s self, ones weaknesses and strengths.
The major influential factor was Confucianism. Confucianism’s major contribution to the Bushido code was the “filial piety” which necessitates that one must fulfill their duties with honor even to the point of death.
The seven virtues that make up the Bushido code are:
1. Rectitude (GI) means conforming to the regulations of principles by adhering to what is righteous and morally right.
2. Courage (YU) is the eminence of psyche and strength of mind that makes a human face obscurity, and peril.
3. Benevolence (JIN) is a desire to do well to others that is confounded by an act of kindness by being charitable.
4. Respect (REI) is considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability that is wielded by honor, admiration and a high regard.
5. Honesty (MAKOTO) is the quality or fact of being truthful through an act or condition.
6. Honor (MEIYO) a sense of loyalty and honesty or having integrity in ones beliefs and actions.
7. And the Last, Loyalty (CHUGI) is the adherence to a sovereign, government, allegiance to the laws of the country, being faithful in commitments or obligations to a person or a cause.
The Samurais were so deemed on fulfilling their code that when they failed they would resolve to Seppuku (the formal term for Hara-kiri or ritual suicide) with the belief that this would somehow be an atonement for the disgrace that they have brought upon the house.
The bushido code was centralized on honor and freedom from the fear of death. This code emphasized to the Samurais the qualities which are advocating their duty, preserving their honor, demonstrating tremendous courage, remaining obedient, filial piety, and self sacrifice.
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