How Bushido Made the Samurai a Great Warrior
Bushido Gave the Japanese Warrior Courage, Loyalty, and Ethics
Nov 13, 2009 John A. Marinchek
Zen Gave the Samurai a Perfect Mental Attitude
- Emotional peacefulness (Stoicism)
- Self-Control in the face of death
- Respectful and dignified conduct in the face of death
- Respect and understanding of death
- Poverty
Zen encouraged living without anxiety and self-reliance. Great emphasis was placed on mental focus and self-discipline, similar to the discipline used in martial arts. The Samurai Warrior viewed life as an illusion and he felt that killing was no worse then other activities. Zen warriors felt the horror of battle, but found mental and emotional relief in the practice of Zen meditation and philosophy.
Inazo Nitoben pointed out in his book, Bushido, the Soul of Japan, that Buddhism "furnished a sense of calm trust in Fate, a quiet submission to the inevitable, that stoic composure in sight of danger or calamity, that disdain for life and friendliness with death".
Shintoism Contributed to the Development of Bushido and the Samurai
Shintoism emphasized the importance of introspection and facing personal fears. Additionally, Shintoism stressed the importance of respecting family and country and honoring filial relationships. Great love for country is emphasized in Shintoism. The Emperor was considered the bodily representative of Heaven on earth according to Inazo Nitoben. Patriotism and loyalty were the primary tenets of Shintoism.
Cheryl Matrasko accurately depicts the true value the Samurai represented to the Japanese ruling class; namely, "Dedication, loyalty, and true honor were the characteristics of these warriors, that made them famous as well as a sought after commodity by the ruling class".
Confucianism Grounded the Samurai with Ethical and Moral Beliefs
Confucianism bonded the Samurai's community and family relationships with ethical and moral beliefs. The Samurai served different lords during his career. Loyalty was the greatest requirement for the Samurai. His relationship was that of servant and master. The Samurai was the head of his own family and he took complete responsibility for their welfare.
Bushido and the Samurai were a Perfect Match
Zen Buddhism, Shintoism, and Confucianism gave Bushido its vitality and strength.
Zen enabled the Samurai to pursue his warrior craft with total dedication and peace of mind.
Shintoism led the Samurai towards self-acceptance and loyalty and love for his Overlord, family and country.
Confucianism gave the Samurai his ethical and moral beliefs.
Inazo Nitobe suggests that what Japan was she owed to the Samurai, "Heaven flowed through them. Though they kept themselves socially aloof from the populace, they set a moral standard for them and guided them by their example."
Sources
Bushido, the Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe
Bushido and the Samurai
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles