Bushido – 武士道 – The Samurai Path

Bushido (武士道) – or bushi – is a practice, in order to be a code of honor for the samurai. Bushido literally means “way of the warrior.” It was an unwritten manual, which, for the samurai, meant emphasizing loyalty, fidelity, self-sacrifice, justice, refined manners, humility, martial spirit, and, most importantly, honor above all, for a dignified death and life.

Bushido was developed between the 9th and 12th centuries. Its great influence on Japan was demonstrated through writings translated from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The basic development comes from the diffusion of influences and concepts from Buddhism, Shintoism, and Confucianism. It arose from the combination of these doctrines and religions and from feudalism itself.

Another peculiarity of Bushido is the existence of a code of honor. This code has 7 precepts to follow in order to become a samurai of honor and dignity in their life, and before their feudal lord or daimyo.

Through this article, and others in the future, we will learn more about the elite class of warriors in Japan, the Samurais. The source of this article is Bushido Online, inspiration and even some phrases were taken from there. Don’t forget to check their website. So let’s go!

Influences of doctrines and religions

Buddhism is linked to bushido through the fearlessness of danger and death. The samurai are brave warriors who did not fear their death, as they believed in Buddhist teachings, which preached life after death. Thus, they lived continuously in the longing and “faith” of continuing in their role as warriors in their continuous reincarnations. Learning and encouraging detachment was the foundation of a samurai, as, with the practice of it, they became the greatest warrior caste that ever existed.

Shintoism also enters the precepts of Bushido. Shintoism brings with it the precepts of loyalty, patriotism, and reverence to one’s ancestors. Shintoism presents great importance to its country, Japan. This patriotism leads them to loyalty to the memory of their ancestors, and the samurai devoted the same loyalty to the emperor and their feudal lord or daimyo. They also believe that the Earth does not exist merely to meet the needs of people. “It is the sacred residence of the gods, the spirits of their ancestors… The Earth must be cared for, protected, and nourished by intense patriotism.”

Confucianism is more related to the belief concerning human beings and their families. Bushido preaches justice, benevolence, love, sincerity, honesty, and self-control. And these preachings are “intimate” relationships offered by Confucianism by emphasizing filial duties among servant and master, father and son, husband and wife, and various other distinctions. With the definition that Justice is one of the main factors in the samurai code, as well as love and benevolence as virtues of the samurai.

The Way

Bushido means “Way of the Warrior,” “Bushi” equals Warrior and “do” equals Way. Following the same sense, the ideogram for way, in Japanese, is equal to the Chinese form “Tao,” expressing a philosophical concept for an absolute. This concept gives the idea of origin, principle, and essence of all things.

“Bushido means the total life of the warrior, his devotion to the sword, his respect for the norms dictated by Confucianism. It is not just an ethical system to be followed by social classes. It is the road of the cosmos, the sacred traces of the Heavens, pointing the Way.” – The Book of Five Rings.

In general, a warrior is one who seeks their own path. We are all warriors, many of us are seeking the way without knowing it. Being a warrior is to have a goal and that, through it, it is possible to discover one’s gifts and limitations. Through this awareness, the warrior achieves their goal, combined with the will to overcome weaknesses, fears, and limitations. Each person walks their own path. And we all do this aware of our inclination, thus, a warrior is one who follows their specific path.

Meaning of the term

The term bushi cannot be directed at just anyone. It is different, as the bushi in their studies and practices is based on overcoming men. The samurai are different due to their fidelity and honor; not being honored in their life is the greatest sorrow of a samurai warrior. “The word of the warrior is worth more than everything.”

“When the warrior takes on a responsibility, he keeps his word. Those who promise and do not fulfill lose self-respect, are ashamed of their actions, and their life consists of fleeing, spending more energy making excuses to dishonor their word than the warrior uses to keep his commitment. Sometimes, the warrior takes on a responsibility that will result in loss. He does not repeat this attitude, but honors what he said and pays the price of his impulsiveness.” – Manual of the Warrior of Light.

Practices of Bushido

The bushi is not only the way of the “warrior” and war, the bushi is also the way of the pen and the sword, a concept coming from ancient feudal Japan. Maintaining an always open mind was the duty of the nobility (bushi), so that they mastered both the art of war and reading, appreciating both arts. Thus, one must learn the way of all professions, inform oneself about all subjects, appreciate the arts, and when not occupied with military obligations, should always practice something, reading or writing, so that they can store in their minds the ancient history and general knowledge.

The samurai needed to possess self-control, detachment, and austerity to maintain their honor, and because of this, we can say that they, the samurai, are complete warriors. And bushido – its code of honor – still adds strong influences to the lifestyle of the Japanese people today, offering an explanation of character, as well as their indomitable inner strength, the Japanese.

The correct behavior was followed at all times to truly present a posture worthy of a samurai, without deviating from their – true – path, bushido. Etiquette must be followed every day of daily life, just as in war for the samurai. Sincerity and honesty are the virtues that evaluate their lives. Transcending a pact of complete fidelity and trust is linked to dignity.

Honor and dignity

“A samurai must, above all, always keep in mind, day and night, from the morning of New Year’s Day, when he picks up the chopsticks to have breakfast, until the night of the last day of the year, when he pays his bills, the fact that one day he will die. This is his main task.” – Bushido The Code of the Samurai – Daidoji Yuzan.

Being a warrior is to have an awareness of death. If he possesses such awareness, he will avoid conflicts, be free from diseases, in addition to having a quality personality that is different from other human beings. The warrior does not worry about tomorrow, and this means the addition of character and total sincerity and consideration for other people, being deeply sincere.

Dying for unnecessary arguments could result in his dishonor and, perhaps, afflict the reputation and name of his family. If the idea of death is maintained, he will be careful and likely to be discreet and will not say things that offend others. Furthermore, they will not commit unhealthy excesses with food, drink, and sex, using moderation, common sense, and deprivation in everything, for good physical and mental health.

Miyamoto Musashi once said: – Men must shape their path. From the moment you see the path in everything you do, you will become the path.

Code of honor

The warrior class of feudal Japan known as samurai, or bushi, gained fame for their bravery, martial techniques, honor, and their unwavering spirit in the face of death. This reputation is due to a code of ethics and conduct, followed and lived by the warriors, known as bushido.

Precepts of Bushido:

GI – Justice and Morality
Direct attitude, correct reasoning, deciding without hesitation;

YU – Courage
Heroic bravery;

JIN – Compassion
Benevolence, sympathy, unconditional love for humanity;

REI – Politeness and Courtesy
Kindness;

MAKOTO – Sincerity
Total truthfulness, never lying;

MEIYO – Honor
Glory;

CHUGO – Duty and Loyalty
Devotion, Loyalty.

For a samurai, honoring the name of their family and ancestors is expressed through death in battle or duel, but not necessarily. And failing, before their lord, was the greatest dishonor for the warrior, who ultimately had no other choice but suicide, or seppuku as it is known. This is only possible by the standards that govern the samurai warrior through bushido.

There are enormous books explaining all the details about bushido. It is impossible to cover the entire theme in just one article. We will conclude the article here and thank you for reading and possible sharing.