The importance of bushido for Japanese samurai warriors

The importance of the bushido code for Japanese samurai warriors

The Japanese samurai warriors were well known for adhering to the bushido code. The samurai valued their honor above all things, in the same way as medieval knights of Europe valued their honor.

Born and raised under the true bushido code, a samurai warrior was always alert, on guard, and ready to do battle on his master 's behalf. A samurai was prepared to give his life in his master 's service. Samurai rush into the fiercest fighting, eager for glory. A true samurai never retreats unless ordered to do so, and would never allow himself to be taken prisoner. A true samurai warrior would rather die than be ashamed as in the case of taken prisoner.

The way of the samurai warriors demanded perfection in matters of honor, both on the battlefield and in daily life. A samurai was also expected to be able to write, understand poetry and perform traditional dances.

True Bushido Code - Expanded Definitions

BUSHIDO CODE - EXPANDED DEFINITIONS ==============================================================

1. Justice - Correct judgment at a time where judgment is called for, to strike when it is right to strike. To do the right thing at the right time. Crooked ways and unjust actions are thought to be lowly and inhumane.

2. Courage - Courage is a virtue only in the cause of righteousness. Sacrificing your safety for an unworthy cause is stupidity. To admit ones mistake, to sacrifice ones self in order to save someone from despair, to stand on ones right decision, are some signs of courage.

3. Benevolence - Love, affection for others, sympathy and an excellence of mind and character towards other people are the highest attributes of the soul. Love and benevolence were supreme virtues and princely acts.

4. Politeness - Politeness, courtesy and excellent manners should be a part of
your life. Politeness is a poor virtue if it is only actuated by a fear of offending. It should stem from a sympathetic regard for the feelings of others.

5. Veracity - Lying is a cowardly act, dishonorable. Your word should be able to be taken as a guarantee of truthfulness.

6. Honor - The honorable person is the humble person. Without honor you have no respect and without respect no honor. Honor is like a scar on a tree, in which time only helps to enlarge. To be honorable is to follow the Bushido Code.

7. Loyalty - You must be loyal to your family, your teachers, your fellow students the art and to those who teach you outside the dojo. You should never forget the teacher who labored for you. The teachers will not forget the labor you put in for them.