I FEEL ALL PEOPLE SHOULD DO THEIR BEST TO LIVE BY THIS CODE.......
Following are the eight principles of bushido:
to develop a sympathetic understanding of people
to preserve the correct ethic
to respect and to care for one's parents
to show respect for others
to enhance wisdom by broadening one's knowledge
to be truthful at all times
to care for the aged and those of a humble station
to show loyalty to one's instructor
(justice, courage, benevolence, politeness, sincerity, honor, loyalty to the lord)
How Can We Cultivate and Implement
Bushido?
In order to balance the martial and societal aspects of our martial arts, we need to discover how we can cultivate and polish Bushido in ourselves. With respect to the seven key characteristics of Bushido, there is not a single progression to follow because each individual has individual needs and because each characteristics influences the others. One way to think about this is that by using our skills towards things that are just (such as helping people that are powerless), we implement justice around us and thus cultivate justice within ourselves. By confronting our limitations and fears and helping others to do the same, we increase personal courage. This is not only the courage to act, but
the courage to not act and to be honest with ourselves and others. By acting gently with the people who need our help and by doing all that is necessary and no more than is needed against those misusing their power, we cultivate benevolence. By acting politely we hone off crude behavior. In this way etiquette becomes a part of us and we are not likely to be the cause of wrong behavior. By dealing sincerely with ourselves and others makes honesty integral to ourselves and cultivates courage and just behavior too. Honorable conduct can be the only outcome of following this progression correctly and to be able to follow the progression requires honor and loyalty. This is loyalty to one's self and when others are part of the path, loyalty to them too. "Total loyalty is first making your mind correct, disciplining your body, … and in neither resenting or blaming others"
(Takuan, 1986).
VIRTUES AND PRINCIPLES OF ETHICS
I. SELF-CONFIDENCE
I will have confidence in myself and my abilities. When
the proper time comes for me to contribute, I will not
give in to uncertainty. I will have confidence in those
around me and give them my constant support and
encouragement.
II. SELF-DISCIPLINE
The key ingredient for success in life is the discipline of
mind and body. Setting goals and following them
through with full commitment and dedication builds
self-discipline. Whatever goal I set for myself, I will first
get a mental image of what it is I want to achieve, then I
will be determined and persistent enough to overcome
all obstacles that might get in my way or prevent me
from achieving my goal. Finally, will train or study
accordingly until that goal is attained.
Ill. SELF-DEVELOPMENT
I will develop myself to the maximum of my potential in
all ways. I will develop a habit of lifelong learning and
practice these principles in daily life.
IV. SELF-CONTROL
I will retain my composure and remain calm in stressful
situations, regardless of the behavior of others towards
myself. I will not lash out verbally or physically for
undue reason. It is my responsibility to control myself
and to use my special skills properly. Beginners will
mask emotions. Advanced practitioners will control and
discipline emotions and actions through self-control. I
will act, not react.
V. MOTIVATION
I will become and remain highly goal-oriented
throughout my life.
VI. HONESTY
My personal, business, academic, and family life will be
conducted honestly, and will not accommodate lying,
cheating or stealing.
VII. INTEGRITY
I will be sincere and forthright in my relationships with
others and maintain a high level of moral principles in
my daily living. I will not be manipulated or intimidated
by power, corrupted by money, nor weakened by
desire. I will demonstrate sincerity by carrying the Code
outside the school and club and into all aspects of life. I
will not be "two-faced" or hypocritical.
I will protect my skills by avoiding hurtful health
practices such as drugs and excessive use
of alcohol. I will preserve and defend the ethics of
the dojo and will never enhance my mental and
physical performance unnaturally (or to treat ailments
or injury that is medically unjustified) for the sole
purpose of taking part in a competition by using
prohibited substances prior to or during a competition
or a training.
VIII. COURAGE
I will develop courage by opposing influences that can
cause failure and defeat mentally, physically and
spiritually. I will stand up for the truth and justice. I will
not display petty bravery by engaging in meaningless
rivalry, foolish stunts or the intimidation of others.
IX. CHARACTER
I will reflect honor and respect on the martial arts and
our association by leading a clean and upstanding
lifestyle. It is not through words, but my actions, that I
will set a good example for others to follow.
X. SERVICE
I will give unselfish service by helping and encouraging
other student, participating in school or club projects
and activities, and I will show pride by maintaining a
clean and orderly place to train and learn.
XII. COURTESY
I will extend proper manners and etiquette to those I
meet.
XIII. OPTIMISM
I will always be in a positive frame of mind and convey
this feeling to others.
XIII. ENCOURAGEMENT
I will be as enthusiastic about the success of others as
I am about my own accomplishments.
XIV. OPEN-MINDEDNESS
I will maintain an attitude of open mind toward another
person's viewpoint while still holding fast to what I know
to be true and honest.
XV. NON-CRITICISM
If I have nothing positive to say about a person. I will
say nothing.
XVI. FORGIVENESS
I will forget the mistakes of the past and press onto
greater achievements in the future.
XVII. MERCY
I will always show mercy and compassion to all living
things.
XVIII. BENEVOLENCE
I will look for the good in all people and make them feel
worthwhile. I will show compassion to all living things
and nature.
XIX. LOYALTY
I will be faithful, supportive, defend and be true to
myself, my family, colleagues, friends, and the way of
the art
XX. FAMILY DEDICATION
I will continually work at developing love, happiness and
loyalty in my family and acknowledge that no other
success can compensate for failure in the home.
XXI. ENDURANCE
I will persevere through all obstacles and challenges in
life. I will not lose faith in myself or those I love in times
of physical, mental and emotional hardship.
XXIl. PATIENCE
I will not look down on those who have not reached my
level of skill or understanding. I will use others as a
positive inspiration while understanding that everyone
progresses at different rates. I will be patient with
myself and recognize that I am imperfect.
XXIII. HUMILITY
I will invest so much time towards the improvement of
myself that I will find no time to criticize others. I will
remain humble to continue my own growth.
XXIV . RESPECT
I will show respect for my dojo seniority ranking
system and structure, all members of the dojo
family and other martial artists, all human beings,
respect for society, institutions, other nations, cultures
and all aspects of life and nature.
These Codes should encourage individuals to live impeccably with
more joy, more choice, and more peace. A path is not without risk,
but is not without rewards. Living by the Warrior Code will enrich
daily living on our own terms.
RETURN TO MAIN PAGE
Email: sensei_@hotmail.com
