Where does the concept of Bushido come from?
The word "Bushishidao" is a combination of two words: "bushi", meaning "warrior", "do", meaning "method". Many people have simplified this into a "warrior's way, although this is too simplistic. It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to understand this concept. Although it cannot be summarized as a way to maintain peace through wise use, it can be considered as a kind of Way. force
Until the middle of the 20th century, when Yamazaki Soko wrote it down in 1965, the Bushido ethics clearly did not even write down. Prior to this, this was an unwritten code based on some of the "house codes" of the feudal lords. The Bushido culture is attributed to the rise of the samurai. In the book "Bushishi: The Soul of Japan" published in 1908, the author points out that Japan attributes its essence to samurai, who "are not only the flower of the nation but also its root cause." Although the samurai separate themselves from the population, they are the ethical standards bearers of the example.
What is the impact of culture on Bushido?
Obviously, samurai directly affects the development of Bushido and its impact on Japanese culture. The samurai carries two swords: the samurai sword and wakizashi, a smaller weapon used to decapitate the enemy and commit suicide by a ceremony called seppuku. If Samurai thinks their house is not glamorous, they will perform seppuku. Sometimes, this form is actively looking for death through fighting, sometimes even suicide. This is a legal, institutional and ceremonial act that was the invention of the Middle Ages.
Through seppuku, warriors can get rid of shame and atone for their mistakes. Nitobe calls it "the refinement of self-destruction."
Bushido is also influenced by Asian religions, especially Zen, Shinto and Confucianism. In particular, Zen denies the concept of attachment and emphasizes avoiding lingering. In other words, Zen emphasizes the elimination of attachment to desire, because desire is the cause of suffering. This concept also has the same meaning on the battlefield, because the lingering sword can easily lead to the collapse of the warrior. The influence of Confucianism can be seen in the moral standards of the samurai in daily life. Confucianism and Shintoism, with their concept of filial piety, influenced the necessity of Bushido's pious rules and obligations, and even reached the level of death.
As for the influence of humans on Bushido, Miyamoto Musashi may be the most important. He wrote the "Book of the Five Rings" on the Japanese Kendo, providing the soldiers with the guidelines for the correct use of the sword and the dominant position in the battle. Although little is known about Musashi, it is said that he has remained undefeated in battle throughout his life.
What does Bushido mean today?
The word Bushido seems to be difficult to understand in a society. In this society, failure usually causes people to apologize and say that they will do better next time. On the other hand, Bushido requires a person to commit suicide after committing a serious violation. Bushido is closely related to six other Japanese virtues, including integrity, courage, kindness, respect, honesty, honor and loyalty.
In modern Western culture, Bushido is used as the name of a mixed martial arts competition, and the concept of "Warrior's Way" is justified. In Japan after the Second World War, commercial families became the new guardians of the Bushido Code, and loyalty to the company became Japan's main modern value. It is not uncommon for high-ranking Japanese officials and executives to resign when they are caught in unethical or corrupt behavior.
Although Westerners in high positions sometimes do so, they often do not recognize responsibility, but rather hint at new priorities, such as the popular statement "Want to spend more time with your family". That is not a Bushido. Bushido has established high ethical standards and publicly acknowledges that mistakes are an honor. In this sense, it seems that many Westerners can use some of the foundations in the "Warrior Road" concept of Bushido.
Orignal From: Japanese Samurai Road Code - Samurai Road
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