Bushido by Thomas Neely

Definition of Bushido

thomasneely95 — 2013-10-21 15:13:42 UTC

Bushido refers to the ethics

that were formed among the samurai

which stressed courage, honesty, honor, loyalty, self-control, and self-sacrifice.

The spirit of the samurai or bushido

was an important factor that molded the Japanese mind.

Courage

thomasneely95 — 2013-10-21 15:27:35 UTC

Courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables

a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, and even death without fear.

The samurai prepared themselves for death at all times.

From the moment they woke up

to the moment they went to sleep,

they made themselves ready to die,

so they didn’t fear death.

And that fearlessness did permeate

throughout the rest of their lives.

Honor

thomasneely95 — 2013-10-21 15:33:09 UTC

The abstract concept that entails a perceived quality of worthiness and respectability that affects both the social standing and self evaluation of an individual.

The sense of Honor, a vivid consciousness of personal dignity and worth, characterized the samurai. He was born and bred to value the duties and privileges of his profession. Fear of disgrace hung like a sword over the head of every samurai....To take offense at slight provocation was ridiculed as ‘short-tempered.’ As the popular adage put it: ‘True patience means bearing the unbearable.

Loyalty

thomasneely95 — 2013-10-21 15:36:18 UTC

The faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause. the Japanese samurai were very loyal to their country and also very loyal to Bushido.

Loyalty to a superior was the most distinctive virtue of the feudal era. Personal allegiance exists among all sorts of men.

A gang of pickpockets swears allegiance to its leader, but only in the code of chivalrous Honor does Loyalty assume foremost importance.

Politeness

thomasneely95 — 2013-10-21 15:39:40 UTC

Is marked by or showing consideration for others, tact, and observance of accepted social usage.

Courtesy and good manners have been noticed by every foreign tourist as distinctive Japanese traits. But Politeness should be the expression of a benevolent regard for the feelings of others; it’s a poor virtue if it’s motivated only by a fear of offending good taste. In its highest form politeness approaches love.

Self-Control

thomasneely95 — 2013-10-21 15:43:06 UTC

Bushido teaches that men should behave according to an absolute moral standard and one that transcends logic. What’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong. The difference between good and bad and between right and wrong are givens, not arguments subject to discussion or justification, and the samurai knew the difference. They were taught to choose compassion over confrontation, and benevolence over belligerence, and by doing this they demonstrated ageless qualities self-control.

Closing

thomasneely95 — 2013-10-23 14:28:17 UTC

Bushido has greatly contributed to the formation of the Japanese character. Bushido spirit still dominates Japanese society in some ways. Thus, in modern Japan, some people have a strong awareness of bushido.