Warriors have only one judge of honor and character, and this is themselves.
Decisions they make and how these decisions are carried out are a reflection of whom they truly are.
True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. Warriors are courteous even to their enemies.
Warriors are not only respected for their strength in battle, but also for their dealings with others.
Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself.
To the true warrior, all points of view are deeply considered regarding honesty, justice, and integrity.
Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A true warrior must have heroic courage.
It is absolutely risky. It is living life completely, fully, and wonderfully.
When warriors say that they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Noting will stop them from completing what they say they will do.
They do not have to “give their word”. They do not have to “promise.
Warriors are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said, and all of the consequences that follow.
They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care.
Through intense training and hard work, the true warrior becomes quick and strong. They are not like most people. They develop a power that must be used for good. They have compassion.
They help their fellow man at every opportunity.
The difference between good and bad and between right and wrong are givens, not arguments subject discossion or jistification, and a man should know the difference.
The first objective of samurai education was to build up character. Man should behave according to an absolute moral standard, one that transcends logic.
What Was the Bushido Code?
The Bushido Code was the “Way of the Warrior,” a set of rules that samurai in old Japan lived by. These warriors followed virtues like loyalty, courage, and honor, which helped them make tough choices and stay disciplined. The code mixed ideas from Buddhism and Confucianism (two ancient philosophies) and still inspires people today, from martial artists to leaders.
Key Facts:
Started in the Kamakura Period (1185–1333): Samurai became a powerful class and needed rules to guide them.
Famous Books: Hagakure and Bushido: The Soul of Japan explain the code’s values.
8 Core Virtues: Rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, loyalty, and self-control.
Samurai Loyalty: Why It Mattered
Loyalty was the #1 rule for samurai. They pledged their lives to their lords (called daimyo) and would even die to protect them. This kept Japan’s feudal system stable for centuries.
Real-Life Example:
The 47 Ronin are legendary. After their lord was killed, these samurai waited years to get revenge, knowing they’d die afterward. Their story is still celebrated today.
These proverbs distill the essence of Bushido—honor, loyalty, courage, and mindfulness—offering timeless guidance for both ancient warriors and modern seekers of wisdom.
The 8 Samurai Virtues (Easy Explanation)
Here’s what every samurai lived by:
- Rectitude (義 Gi) – Justice and Moral Integrity
- Definition: Acting with ethical correctness and unwavering principles. A samurai’s decisions align with reason, even if it means death.
- Example: A samurai refusing to betray their lord, even under torture.
- Courage (勇 Yū) – Bravery with Righteousness
- Definition: Facing danger or adversity without fear, but never recklessly. Confucius linked courage to acting on what is right.
- Example: Defending the weak despite personal risk.
- Benevolence (仁 Jin) – Compassion and Mercy
- Definition: Using strength to protect others and show kindness. Samurai were expected to balance power with empathy.
- Example: Sparing a defeated enemy who surrenders honorably.
- Respect (礼 Rei) – Politeness and Courtesy
- Definition: Treating others with dignity, even adversaries. Politeness was seen as an extension of love and self-discipline.
- Example: Bowing to an opponent before a duel.
- Honesty (誠 Makoto) – Sincerity and Truthfulness
- Definition: Keeping one’s word as an unbreakable promise. Samurai avoided written contracts, relying on trust.
- Example: Admitting a mistake publicly to maintain integrity.
- Honor (名誉 Meiyo) – Personal Dignity
- Definition: Upholding reputation through ethical conduct. Dishonor was worse than death, often leading to seppuku (ritual suicide).
- Example: A samurai committing seppuku to atone for failure.
- Loyalty (忠義 Chūgi) – Devotion to Duty
- Definition: Prioritizing loyalty to one’s lord or community above all else. This virtue stabilized feudal Japan’s social hierarchy.
- Example: The 47 Ronin avenging their lord’s death despite certain execution.
- Self-Control (自制 Jisei) – Mastery of Emotions
- Definition: Maintaining composure in adversity. Samurai trained to suppress fear and anger, ensuring clear judgment 1911.
- Example: Remaining calm during a tea ceremony, even in wartime.
Highlights adaptability and emotional control. Samurai aimed to remain calm in adversity, mirroring water’s fluidity—a key aspect of self-mastery
Kyoto’s Role in Samurai History
Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years and a hotspot for samurai battles and culture.
Why Kyoto Matters:
- Political Battles: The Onin War (1467–1477) started here, leading to 100 years of chaos.
- Cultural Hub: Samurai practiced tea ceremonies and Zen Buddhism here, which shaped their calm, focused mindset.
Bushido Code in Modern Martial Arts
Samurai values live on in martial arts like judo and karate. Trainers today teach:
- Discipline: Practice until you master a skill.
- Respect: Bow to your opponent before a match.
- Self-Improvement: Always aim to be better, not just stronger.
Loyalty vs. Death: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Samurai who failed their lords often chose seppuku (ritual suicide) to regain honor. This extreme act showed how seriously they took loyalty.
Famous Case: After losing a battle, a samurai might write a death poem and stab himself to avoid shame.
Why the Bushido Code Still Matters
Today, Bushido isn’t just about swords—it’s about living with purpose. People use its virtues to:
- Lead teams at work (loyalty + respect).
- Stay calm under pressure (self-control).
- Stand up for others (courage + benevolence).
The Samurai Creed
I have no parents; I make the Heavens and the Earth my parents.
I have no home; I make the Tan T’ien my home.
I have no divine power; I make honesty my Divine Power.
I have no means; I make Docility my means.
I have no magic power; I make personality my Magic Power.
I have neither life nor death; I make A Um my Life and Death.
I have no body; I make Stoicism my Body.
I have no eyes; I make The Flash of Lightning my eyes.
I have no ears; I make Sensibility my Ears.
I have no limbs; I make Promptitude my Limbs.
I have no laws; I make Self-Protection my Laws.
I have no strategy; I make the Right to Kill and the Right to Restore Life my Strategy.
I have no designs; I make Seizing the Opportunity by the Forelock my Designs.
I have no miracles; I make Righteous Laws my Miracle.
I have no principles; I make Adaptability to all circumstances my Principle.
I have no tactics; I make Emptiness and Fullness my Tactics.
I have no talent; I make Ready Wit my Talent.
I have no friends; I make my Mind my Friend.
I have no enemy; I make Incautiousness my Enemy.
I have no armour; I make Benevolence my Armour.
I have no castle; I make Immovable Mind my Castle.
I have no sword; I make No Mind my Sword.