Bushido
I'm pretty sure that with the exception of about... three people every person I talk with for some length of time has asked me about bushido. What is it? Well here is the quick lesson for those of you too lazy or uninterested to look it up for yourself, and how I apply bushido to my life.
Bu-shi-do: The traditional code of the Japanese samurai, stressing honor, self-discipline, bravery, and simple living.*
I am not going to delve into a discussion of the Japanese samurai, as I would likely need an entire novel to do so. Bushido rests on seven pillars: JUSTICE, BRAVERY, BENEVOLENCE, POLITENESS, VERACITY, HONOUR, and LOYALTY. I will define each for you and explain how I apply it to my life; how I adhere to bushido.
Jus-tice: The upholding of what is just, especially fair treatment and due reward in accordance with honor, standards, or law.*
I try to be as fair as possible when I am asked to mediate a situation. And I most certainly give credit where it is due.
Brav-er-y: A quality of spirit that enables you to face danger of pain without showing fear.*
I do not claim to never be afraid, I am at least in part human and have my fears. But I do not show them readily, and I know that I am able to confront and best my fears. I will not shy away from what I know must be done.
Be-nev-o-lence: An inclination to perform kind, charitable acts.*
I do not blindly offer help to every soul I see, everyone must demonstrate at least the initiative and desire for what they want. But I will glady do what I can to help in any way I can if I am asked, and sometimes even without asking.
Po-lite-ness: Marked by showing consideration for others, tact, and observance of accepted social usage.*
I pride myself as a gentleman, and I most certainly understand and observe what is socially acceptable.
Ve-rac-i-ty: Unwillingness to tell lies; Adherence to the truth.*
Under all but the most extreme of circumstances do I tell the truth, and I very much destest lies, both from other people and when people make me into a liar.
Hon-or: Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity.*
I hold my integrity to the highest standards, for when the day is done and the sun sinks below the horizon, the true measure of a person is in his/her character.
Loy-al-ty: Faithful to a person, ideal, custom, cause, or duty.*
I am loyal to my friends and my family. I am loyal to my country and what it truly stands for. Above all else, I am loyal to myself.
I do sincerely hope this helps clarify this constantly asked question. Although I am sure that this post will render numerous comments with more questions... well, I guess all I can say is that I do what I can.
*All definitions from Dictionary.com
Bu-shi-do: The traditional code of the Japanese samurai, stressing honor, self-discipline, bravery, and simple living.*
I am not going to delve into a discussion of the Japanese samurai, as I would likely need an entire novel to do so. Bushido rests on seven pillars: JUSTICE, BRAVERY, BENEVOLENCE, POLITENESS, VERACITY, HONOUR, and LOYALTY. I will define each for you and explain how I apply it to my life; how I adhere to bushido.
Jus-tice: The upholding of what is just, especially fair treatment and due reward in accordance with honor, standards, or law.*
I try to be as fair as possible when I am asked to mediate a situation. And I most certainly give credit where it is due.
Brav-er-y: A quality of spirit that enables you to face danger of pain without showing fear.*
I do not claim to never be afraid, I am at least in part human and have my fears. But I do not show them readily, and I know that I am able to confront and best my fears. I will not shy away from what I know must be done.
Be-nev-o-lence: An inclination to perform kind, charitable acts.*
I do not blindly offer help to every soul I see, everyone must demonstrate at least the initiative and desire for what they want. But I will glady do what I can to help in any way I can if I am asked, and sometimes even without asking.
Po-lite-ness: Marked by showing consideration for others, tact, and observance of accepted social usage.*
I pride myself as a gentleman, and I most certainly understand and observe what is socially acceptable.
Ve-rac-i-ty: Unwillingness to tell lies; Adherence to the truth.*
Under all but the most extreme of circumstances do I tell the truth, and I very much destest lies, both from other people and when people make me into a liar.
Hon-or: Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity.*
I hold my integrity to the highest standards, for when the day is done and the sun sinks below the horizon, the true measure of a person is in his/her character.
Loy-al-ty: Faithful to a person, ideal, custom, cause, or duty.*
I am loyal to my friends and my family. I am loyal to my country and what it truly stands for. Above all else, I am loyal to myself.
I do sincerely hope this helps clarify this constantly asked question. Although I am sure that this post will render numerous comments with more questions... well, I guess all I can say is that I do what I can.
*All definitions from Dictionary.com