BUSHIDO (Way of the Warrior)

Bushido was the samurai’s code of honor, their spiritual and ethical code of conduct. Bushido was influenced by Zen Buddhism,
Taoism and Neo-Confucianism. The future samurai grew up with bushido, which came to characterize his entire life upbringing and adult life.

The samurai’s profession was a bloody craft and he would serve his master with an unwavering loyalty until death. Bushido developed the courage and necessary self-confidence. Bushido includes that one
through so-called acts of resistance, the will strengthens.

Bushido can be described as a form of personality development based on the following seven virtues:

• Gi: to make the right decision and make correct ethical values, even if it meant death to oneself. There was no gray area, just right or wrong.
• Yu: courage, the courage of the samurai in battle.
• Jin: goodness (benevolence). To show tolerance towards fellow human beings, to show compassion.
• Rei: proper behavior and action, etiquette, respect for others.
• Makoto: total sincerity. A samurai was straight-backed and did not have to ”give his word” or ”promise”.
• Meiyo: honor and glory.
• Chugi: loyalty, ie. the immense loyalty to his master, his master.

It is claimed that the seven folds on the samurai’s traditional trouser skirt (hakama) represent the seven virtues. This may be considered a myth, as the hakama is considerably older as a garment than Bushido is as a concept.

As a budoka (budo practitioner), one should know what bushido means, as its principles are important for the development of
a good personality and strength of character. Even in today’s society, these virtues could be important guidelines for all the people.