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Japanese Martial ArtsDiscuss Japanese style Martial Arts here - Aikido, Iaido, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Kenpo, Kendo, Kyudo, Kyudo, Ninjitsu, Sumo
(I did a search, and was surprised that I couldn't find a post on this subject. If it already exists and I just missed it, sorry. Also, I argued with myself as to whether to put it in "Philosophy" or "Japanese Styles", and decided on "Japan", since it is specifically a Japanese idea.)
Bushido literally means "way of the warrior." It was a set of core principles that guided the samurai. This is not a complete definition. There is something nearly spiritual that defies easy definition, but I don't really have time or space to go into that.
There were seven guiding virtues (with a couple of extra, perhaps) in Bushido. These were ideals set before the samurai that were meant to raise them above civilians.
Gi Rectitude
Justice is another good translation for the word. The samurai was expected to be just in dealing with those around him. Perhaps the best example of Gi in Japanese history would be Judge Ooka, who is known for his clever ways of bringing about fair results.
Yu Courage
This is far beyond basically facing up to danger. The Hagakure says that the essence of the samurai is to die. Once a samurai comes to understand that he will die, and there is nothing he can do to stop it, he is capable of anything.
Jin Benevolence (odd that this is also the word for people)
A samurai was supposed to act for the good of those around him. This is a basic concept that ranges across nearly every culture, and it's not surprising that it is here, too.
Rei Respect
Proper respect for one's elders and one's betters. This was particularly important for the samurai, as a samurai's master was his life.
Makoto or Shin Honesty
A samurai must be honest. Again, this is a fairly basic concept.
Meiyo Honor or Glory
A samurai who acts in a manner that gathers honor and glory makes a greater name for his master, as well as himself. He also is more likely to strike fear in his opponents.
Chugi Loyalty
Similar to respect, this was important for maintaining the social structure of Japan. A samurai was expected to obey his master's commands, up to and included causing his own death.
The following are also sometimes added Ko Filial Piety
This is a duty to one's family, and more importantly, one's ancestors. This has a link to Shinto, which I won't go into here.
Chi Wisdom
Just what it sounds like. A samurai should be wise.
Tei Care for the Aged
Again, just what it sounds like.
(Thank you Wikipedia for much of the above, particularly the Japanese words and the three extras)
Each of these virtues, in every situation, must be weighed against the other virtues. If virtues come into conflict, then a proper solution must be discovered. Thus, we have situations like the two samurai in a boat that was discussed in another thread. Sure, glory may not have been served, but benevolence, wisdom, justice, even respect and honesty (how respectful or honest would it be to win a duel against a samurai who could barely stand?) are served.
Of all of them, Loyalty is likely the one that was closest to being considered inviolate. This is not to say that it wasn't disregarded. Look at Mitsuhide Akechi and his grand revolt against Oda Nobunaga. Still, it was the most strict.
There was a recourse for a samurai who was ordered to violate another virtue by his master. He could commit seppuku. This ritual suicide wiped away all transgressions from the soul. (precisely the opposite of the Catholic take on suicide) While this may seem cold comfort to us, remember Filial Piety. Even in the end, the samurai is serving his family, for a samurai's dishonor tainted his family as well. Many samurai could not live with such a knowledge. So not only does he not have to live with the knowledge, he also actually absolves himself, and therefore his family, of such dishonor.
Good post, to the best of my knowledge there hasn't been much discussion about Bushido. It it interesting to see where it converges and diverges from its European counter part, Chivalry. +Rep'd
Really, the biggest divergence between chivalry and bushido is in religion. Chivalry is a child of Christianity, where bushido draws upon Shinto, Confucianism and Buddhism. In Christianity, everything is absolute, leading to an absolute set of rules. In bushido, each of the rules is, to some extent, flexible. As stated, the samurai had an acceptable "out" that didn't exist for knights.
Gi Rectitude
Justice is another good translation for the word. The samurai was expected to be just in dealing with those around him. Perhaps the best example of Gi in Japanese history would be Judge Ooka, who is known for his clever ways of bringing about fair results. These are tales glamorized by Japanese authors. In the analogy of the US Wild West, which more facts sufacing, it was far from these tales.
He wasnt "just" as they often performed assasination and were on the sides of evil/wicked shogun. If you pledge loyalty to such warload, then you are not acting in accordance to fair or just.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Makoto or Shin Honesty
A samurai must be honest. Again, this is a fairly basic concept.
Per above, Samurai were not honest, they did what they were told. Much riverly between clans may had some "up-front etiquette", but there were cheating and conspiracy everywhere.
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Rei Respect
Proper respect for one's elders and one's betters. This was particularly important for the samurai, as a samurai's master was his life. Samurai didnt care about elders let alone for women and children. He would slaughter anyone. And often without orders.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jin Benevolence (odd that this is also the word for people)
A samurai was supposed to act for the good of those around him. This is a basic concept that ranges across nearly every culture, and it's not surprising that it is here, too.
He didnt act good for those around him. He had an agenda.
There were not nice people. They were bullying and arrogant.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following are also sometimes added
Ko Filial Piety
This is a duty to one's family, and more importantly, one's ancestors. This has a link to Shinto, which I won't go into here. They didnt have a duty to their family. Under orders they will kill their own wives and children. Quite a contradiction to Shintoism.
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Tei Care for the Aged
Again, just what it sounds like. They didnt care for the aged. They thought they were weak and useless often killing old farmers. Also they stole food from them. Many Samurai were beggers.
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The code/virtues of Bushido is romanticised. It wasnt like this starting thread discussion at all.
__________________ What do I know? Since I didn't post my styles or experience, I have no experience, no knowledge, no say.
That post before mine, was that for post counting? How about the one after?
Hey, my post count has the same palaverment tone as anyone elses'
Last edited by 47MartialMan; 02-27-2007 at 04:00 PM.
Styles: Shotokan Karate-do, Kobudo Bojutsu, Ju-jitsu, Kickboxing, Yumedo (a self-styled form of kenjutsu).
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Ahem
Well, as a matter of fact, not all samurai followed Bushido. In fact, there weren't many who did. So, he's right about the fact that Bushido and Chivalry are romantasized; however, these moral codes DID exist. Bushido was followed by ronin more often than not; chivalry by black knights. This is because the ronin and black knights followed only the orders they chose to follow, from whom, and so on. Feudal lords rarely followed Bushido themselves, and chose a foul victory over an honourable one. This is why regular samurai hated ronin and the common people loved them. Common people were often saved from lapdog-like samurai by ronin who followed Bushido. Again, very few samurai followed Bushido; but those who did were revered and considered the most righteous and honourable.
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Virtues of Bushido
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