The seven virtues of Japanese bushido

Bushido (translated as The warrior’s path) is the traditional ethical code that the samurai followed. Truly a strict way of life in which they were committed to values ​​such as honor, loyalty or justice. To the point of having to give one’s life for it. This ethic, it is said, was instilled in the Japanese ruling classes since they were babies.

Bushido is therefore known as the samurai code, but rather than being a list to comply with, It is a guide, a way of life, “the path” that must be followed in order not to lose humanity. That is, a list of principles that every man or woman has to contemplate to fight without losing the most basic values.

“The samurai must act without hesitation, without confessing the slightest fatigue or the slightest discouragement until completing his task.”

The warrior’s path

It is said that around the year 1702 a group of 47 brave warriors were forced to become ronin, wanderers. This was because the man to whom they belonged had to commit suicide by seppuku, since he had attacked a high official of the Japanese government. From that moment on, and in the middle of the Edo era, Japanese society would see ex-warriors as mere human waste.

Those vagabonds, at the moment without a social function but who would end up being samurai, would decide to avenge their daimyo. When they finally got it, These warriors voluntarily surrendered to Japanese justice and after the trial they were sentenced to commit seppuku just like their lord.

bushido

Centuries later, the story about the wandering samurai is still very famous in the land of the rising sun, as exalts the values ​​of justice, courage, honor and loyalty. The name it receives honors what the samurai called each other, bushi, which means “armed knight.” Thus, bushido is considered the path of the knight, of the warrior.

This code is summarized in seven virtues, from which any culture and at any time could learn and apply to their lives.

Gi – Justice

A samurai believes in blind justice. He will do everything possible to make it a reality and will always fight for it to be fulfilled. There are no “half measures” here. For a samurai there is only right and wrong and he will fight with any means at his disposal to achieve the former until the end of his days.

Yuuki – Courage

The most dishonorable thing for a samurai is to get into “a turtle shell” and not act. That is why it is very important to show courage when the situation requires it and move the masses to defend a just causeeven if that means putting your life at risk.

Samurai had to have the courage worthy of a hero. This meant a risky, dangerous life, but it also meant a full and complete way of life. For them, courage was not blind, but strong and intelligent. They replaced fear with respect and caution.

Jin – Benevolence

The samurai is a skilled, strong and fast warrior, unlike other ordinary men. For this reason, he is always He has to use his strength to protect the weakest. If the situation does not arise, you have to look for it in order to help others as much as possible.

Compassion was a key aspect of the samurai and led them to help anyone at any time. In fact, the word samurai means “one who serves.” Thus, they were always at the service of those who needed it most.

Rei – Respect, courtesy

Cruelty and disrespect are the greatest enemies of any good samurai worth their salt. Even in battle, the warrior must Be respectful and kind to your opponents. Otherwise he is only showing his fiercest and most murderous side, and that makes him a mere animal, a beast that is only governed by his instincts.

Makoto – Honesty

The word of a samurai has more value than any of the most precious stones in the world. When he says he is going to do something, it is already done.. He doesn’t say, “Okay, I promise I will.” The reason? Saying and doing are two synonymous words for a samurai.

Meiyo – Honor

Without a doubt, one of the most relevant virtues that exist within the bushido code. Actions and not words are what define good samurai. If for whatever reason, however minimal, they have committed an act of dishonor, they can only restore it through the seppuku suicide ritual.

Chuugi – Loyalty

A samurai is completely faithful to anyone who follows him. It doesn’t matter if she is his master or a servant in charge of him. If he has promised you that he will care for you and honor you, He has to keep his word with all its consequences. Otherwise you will become a liar, dishonorable and unreliable.

Once again, Japanese culture, like others, teaches us a culture and philosophy based on human values ​​that, despite not being samurai, we could apply to our daily lives.

You might be interested…