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The word Bushido (武士道) literally translates as “The Way Of The Warrior” and encompasses an entire philosophy with origins in Zen Buddhism, Shintoism and Confucianism.
The conceptual origins of the Bushido ideal appear in the earliest of Japanese historical literature – the Kojiki written in 712. The son of Emperor Keiko is described as skillful with the sword, sincere, loyal and unyielding whilst also being poetic, artistic and compassionate. With this artistry came chivalry – a sense of service with respect, politeness, beauty and honour.
However, the roots of the word itself are found in the text Shoku Nihongi (a book describing the early history of Japan written in the year 797). In this text, “bushi” referred to the educated warrior poet and “bushido” became the “warrior -way” (bushi-do). By the 12th century, the order of and the word meaning Samurai was well established in Japanese phraseology and became almost synonymous with “bushi”. Influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism the ideals of “Bushido” developed into a more formal code over time. Initially this code was unwritten but understood amongst those of “bushido”. Literature from the 13th – 16th centuries clearly depict the “cultivated warrior” and by the 17th century formal expressions of the philosophy of Bushido from great masters became well documented.
Bushido expanded and formalized the earlier code of the Samurai and encompassed a number of virtues often summarized in 7 tenets. Although these tenets do not describe the totality of Bushido, it nonetheless captures the spirit and characteristics of the philosophy.
- 義 – Gi – Rectitude (moral righteousness)
- 勇 – Yū – Courage
- 仁 – Jin – Benevolence
- 礼 – Rei – Respect / Politeness
- 誠 – Makoto or 信 - Shin– Honesty
- 名誉 – Meiyo – Honour, Glory
- 忠義 – Chūgi – Loyalty
Others sometimes added are:
- - Kō - Filial piety
- 智 - Chi - Wisdom
- 悌 - Tei - Care for the aged
Along with these virtues, Bushido holds justice, love, sincerity and self control in high regard.
In the modern world, expression of these virtues may find forms other than that classically thought of as “warrior like” leading to contemporary writings on the concept of “Modern Bushido”.
Such writings emphasise that the warrior protects and defends because he / she recognises the value of others and so serves his / her community. This may be expressed in a simple action such as ensuring one’s companion reaches their car or home safely in the night; or perhaps serving the needs of others not well positioned to help themselves. Rather than prey on the vulnerable or ignore them leaving them to risk their own way, the modern “bushi” is there to help, serve and protect according to the ancient virtues encompassed by “the way”, with chivalry, artistry and beauty.
By: Ahmad Aly |
