BU -Military or combat
SHI -Knight or warrior
DO -Way or path
Bushido then literally means Military - Knight - Way or more
commonly referred to as the "Way of the warrior".
Bushido originated in its elementary from at the time of the Yamato
period (400-645) the oldest truly Japanese society- was an
unwritten, tact code of behaviour held in the minds and hearts of
the military class. In the closing years of the Heian period (794-
1185) it evolved into an expression of the morality and spirit of
the classical warrior. At this time Bushido was known by the term
Kyuba-No-Michi or way of the horse and bow. In the Kokon Chomonshu
(a study concerning the Heian period) there are mentioned "seven
Cardinal Virtues" of the very simple kind of moral consciousness
developed among those fighting men of ancient times. Briefly stated,
the seven virtues urged the warrior to shun violence, to keep his
sword sheathed, and to live in peace and amity with his fellow men.
Later during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) Yoritomo's Bakufu (the
first military government) demanded that Loyalty be the supreme
virtue especially to Yoritomo the shogun himself. During the
following century the country was constant turmoil from the civil
wars. The warrior's knights whose duty it was to fight, must have
felt keenly the uncertainty of life. For such an attitude is clearly
reflected in the way in which he regards the ethics of his
privileged class, which were now permeated by a Zen flavour. This
gave a trust in fate, a quite submission to the inevitable, that
nonchalant composure in sight of danger or calamity, that distain
for life and friendliness with death.
In the 1603 the Tokugawa Bakufu appeared, it heralded a period of
prolonged peace spanning practically to the 20th century Bushido
needed to evolve at this time to fit in this new type of warrior
knight who was no longer constantly engaged in warfare. Bushido
acquired a complex, highly idealistic from and the major doctrines
of the code were committed to writing during this period in many
famous works.
The main tents were:
LOYALTY- absolute, both to ones lord and master and in the
performance of duty.
RECTITUDE- In the word of a well-known Samurai "rectitude is the
power of deciding upon a certain course of conduct in accordance
with reason, without wavering; - to die when it's right to die, to
strike when to strike is right".
COURAGE- doing what is morally right with no thought of losing.
BENEVOLENCE- mercy, respect, love understanding, tenderness, pity.
POLITENESS- not simply to show good taste, but a sympathetic regard
for the feelings of others, and respect to social positions.
FILIAL PIETY- not only that absolute devotion to the parents but to
the family line. Others tents that feature strongly in the code are
Veracity, Sincerity, Honesty, Propriety, Valour, Righteousness,
Honour and Self-control.
The code of Bushido is represented in the seven folds of the Hakama
(5 at the front and 2 at the rear) and their meanings are:
1. YUKI Courage, Valour, Bravery.
2. JIN Humanity, Charity, Benevolence.
3. GI Justice, Righteousness, Integrity.
4. REI Etiquette, Courtesy, Civility.
5. MAKOTO Sincerity, Honesty, Reality.
6. CHUDGI Loyalty, Fidelity, Devotion.
7. MEIYO Honour, Credit, Glory, Reputation, Dignity.
*note-info from a website
--- In
samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com, "Saitoh Hajime"
wrote:
> The Book of Five Rings either states the most important codes of
the
> Way or gives what Musashi thinks as the true codes a warrior
should
> follow, either way it's a good insight into what the codes are.
>
> Speaking of which, I have a doubt on whether the word "bushido"
was
> used prior to the 17th century or not, anyone here knows?
>
> The Wolf of Mibu
>
> --- In samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com, Dave Jackson
> wrote:
> > Hi
> > There isnt an actual written code but it varys depending on the
> source as to what is in it, but its main points are loyalty to
> > ones lord above everything else even ones own family. And you
must
> be ready to die on a moments notice. there are also
> > many sources that speak of keeping your armour and weapons in
good
> repair and to practice your martial skills.
> > I hope this helps.
> >
> > regards
> > Dave Jackson
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Myumi
> > To: samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Friday, August 01, 2003 4:01 PM
> > Subject: [samuraihistory] Bushido
> >
> >
> > hi! just wnat to ask if anybody here could help me about the
code
> of
> > ethics of the samurai and if there are any contents of the
> bushido?
> > thank you.
> >
> >
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> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]