Bushido Virtues

The Code

Benevolence – Compassion - Jin

Through intense training the Samurai becomes quick and strong. You are not as other people. You develop a power that must be used for the good of all. You have compassion. You help the people at every opportunity. If an opportunity does not arise go out of your way to find one.

 

Truth – Complete Sincerity - Makoto

When a Samurai has said they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop you from completing what you have said you will do. You do not have to “give your word.” You do not have to “promise.” Speaking and doing are the same action. Your word is your life. One is only as good as the other. Live your word.

 

Heroic Courage - Yu

Rise up above the masses of people who are afraid to act. Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A Samurai must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky. It is dangerous. It is living life completely, fully, and wonderfully. Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong. It is not being fearless. Fear exists and you can feel afraid. It is acting despite fear, acting because you must.

 

Respect – Polite Courtesy - Rei

Samurai have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. A Samurai is courteous even to their enemies. Without this outward show of respect, we are nothing more than animals. A Samurai is not only respected for your strength in battle, but also by your dealing with other people. The true strength of a Samurai becomes apparent during difficult times.

 

Righteousness – Integrity, Honesty & Justice – Gi

Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. To the true Samurai, there are no shades of gray in the question of honesty and justice. There is only right and wrong. Be true to yourself and fair with all people.

 

Honor – Meiyo

As true Samurai you only have one judge of honor, and this is you, your soul. Decisions you make and how the decisions are carried out are a reflection of who you truly are. You cannot hide from yourself.

 

Duty & Loyalty – Chu (chugo)

For the Samurai, having done some “thing” or said some “thing,” they know they own that “thing.” You are responsible for it, and all the consequences that follow. A Samurai is immensely loyal to those in their care. To those you are responsible for you remain fiercely true. It is a devotion, a calling.

 

Samurai means to be in service… to serve… to trust and be trusted.

Trust permeates all these virtues… as does love.