Bushido History

True Bushido Code identitfies seven traits of the Samurai

Bushido, the way of the samurai, grew out of the fusion of philosophies taken from Buddhism, Zen, Confucianism and Shintoism; summarized by the following seven essential principles:

Gi: Honesty and Justice: The right decision, taken with equanimity, the right attitude, the truth. When we must die, we must die. Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. To a true samurai there are no shades of gray in the question of honesty and justice. There is only right and wrong. Rectitude or righteousness.

Yu: Heroic Courage: Rise above the masses of people that are afraid to act. A samurai must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky, it is dangerous. Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong. Replace fear with respect and caution. Bravery tinged with heroism.

Jin: Compassion: Through intense training the samurai becomes quick and strong. He is not as other men. He has compassion. He helps his fellow men at every opportunity. If the opportunity does not arise, he goes out of his way to find one. Universal love, benevolence toward mankind.

Rei: Polite Courtesy: Samurai have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. A samurai is courteous even to his enemies. Without this outward show of respect we are nothing more then animals. A samurai is not only respected for his strength in battle, but also by his dealings with other men. Right action--a most essential quality.

Makoto: Complete Sincerity: When a samurai has said he will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing on this earth will stop him from completing what he has said he will do. The action of speaking alone has set the act of doing in motion. Speaking and doing are the same action. Utter sincerity; truthfulness.

Melyo: Honor: The true samurai has only one judge of his honor, and that is himself. Decisions you make and how these decisions are carried out are a reflection of who you are truly. You cannot hide from yourself. Honor and glory.

Chugo: Duty and Loyalty: For a samurai, having done something or said something, he knows that he is a part of that thing. He is responsible for it and all the consequences that follow. A samurai is intensely loyal to those in his care. To those he is responsible for, he remains fiercely true.