Bushido Code – The Seven Virtues Of The Warrior

The Bushido Code is an old list of moral principles from Japan. Originally, this set of guidelines was followed by the Japanese samurai. The word “bushido” can be translated to “warrior’s way” in Norwegian.

For the Japanese samurai, the Bushido Code was not just a list of precepts to follow. As the translation above suggests, it is actually more like a road, a path. Or put more simply, a process. They saw it as a guide that would help them become better people, not an undeniable set of laws or rules.

The main goal of this code was to create warriors who could fight for what they believed in, without losing their humanity. It was also about knowing how to lead other people in a good way. In some cases, the values ​​of the code were more important than the actual battles they fought. Read on to discover the seven virtues that are part of this ancient moral doctrine.

The Bushido Code – Seven Virtues

1. Justice and fairness

The Bushido Code links the concept of “righteousness” to making honest covenants, or promises to people, and to fulfilling them. It means being true to the word you have given and delivering the promises you have made. In a way, one can say that all human conditions are based on this: a constant covenant.

The samurai also linked the concept of justice to their own self-awareness. There was no law that determined what was right or wrong. The idea was that people should stick to their own sense of what is right. But even though it may seem like a spacious concept, and as if this led to everything remaining in a gray zone, things were still black and white.

2. Mot

Courage basically means being willing to take a risk to get what you want. The Warrior’s Way says that you should not hide in your shell like a turtle.

Samurai should take risks and put themselves in danger. However, they would not do this blindly. They were always careful and respectful. Courage was about living full, wonderful lives.

3. Compassion in the Bushido Code

Unlike today’s warriors, the samurai tried to be good and compassionate people. They saw it as an expression of their inner and outer strength. They did not think that taking part in battles and wars stopped them from feeling compassion or being able to put themselves in other people’s situation.

In fact , compassion made their efforts and achievements more legitimate. For them, taking pleasure in other people’s pain and suffering was a disgusting and immoral thing.

4. Courtesy

Politeness is also associated with compassion. It basically means avoiding unnecessary displays of strength, and never being vicious.

For a true warrior, not showing courtesy and respect in battle would put you on an equal footing with an animal. The Bushido Code says that politeness arises as much from courage in battle as it does from respect for being empathetic to an enemy, even after you have defeated them.

5. Honor: A basic part of the Bushido Code

Almost all the philosophy behind this moral doctrine has its origins in honor. The samurai, but also the Japanese in general, consider honor an essential value. To be honest means to behave properly, to follow good ethical principles and to fulfill one’s duties.

Once again, the samurai placed great emphasis on having self-awareness. They believed that everyone must take responsibility for their own decisions and actions. It does not matter what others say or what is written elsewhere. Finally, we must all be able to answer for ourselves.

6. Absolute sincerity

This virtue has to do with the enormous value that samurai placed on their words. For example, they have a saying that “speech and action are the same”.

Therefore, it is not just about honesty, but about being consistent. Giving someone a promise, standing by what you say and talking are all just minor actions. A true warrior knows that their word is also a weapon because they use it to convey respect.

7. Duty and loyalty

Duty is not something anyone imposes on you. Duty is something you choose. That’s why it’s so important to stick to your word. If you do not keep your promises, you are dishonoring yourself and giving shame to everyone above and below you.

According to this code, a true warrior must also be completely loyal to those who follow them. Their words and actions are the blueprint for the people who follow them. This means that they have a great responsibility to other people, and should always honor this by acting with honor and honesty.

As you can see, the Bushido Code is easy to use even in our modern world. We experience many things in our daily lives that require us to bring out our inner warriors. As the ancient samurai have taught us, the warrior should be brave, compassionate, and honorable.