What is Bushidō?
Bushidō can be translated to mean “the way of the warrior.” It is a Japanese moral code concerning Samurai behavior, attitudes, and lifestyle—an overarching term for all the codes, practices, philosophies, and principles of Samurai culture.
Samurai were the warrior class in Japan who enjoyed high prestige and special privileges, and many military historians consider them some of the best swordsmen the world has ever seen.
This code of conduct began to take shape over a thousand years ago during the Heian period (794-1185) and was more formally defined and applied into law during the Edo period (1603-1867).
Bushido formalized earlier Samurai moral values, most commonly stressing a combination of Eight Primary Principles:
- Justice: reflecting on what is fair and upholding upstanding moral character.
- Courage: the strength not only to perceive right and wrong but to act on it, especially when hard.
- Compassion: manifesting love and sympathy through patience, seeing the world from another’s perspective.
- Respect: acknowledging regard for the experiences and feelings of others.
- Integrity: living honestly and sincerely.
- Honor: upholding a sense of self-worth and acknowledging your moral responsibilities.
- Loyalty: staying true to yourself and not abandoning your word even under difficult circumstances.
- Self-control: adhering to this code under all circumstances, remaining calm when others around you are not.
These principles were required to be observed and mastered in order to become a Samurai. The Samurai ruled Japan for over a thousand years using these principles to live—how might you incorporate them in your own life?
Strive to live (and invest) the Bushidō way.
-Paul R. Rossi, CFA