Bushido, Japanese Knight Code of Conduct
Bushido, Japanese Knight Code of
Conduct
Bushido (in kanji: 武士道) or what is
known as "knighthood", is a samurai code of ethics or Bushi (soldier)
that applies in pre-modern times (feudalism) Japan. The idea of bushido
itself was developed since Japan was in the Kamakura period (1192-1333), one of
which was realized as a ritual "seppuku" (ritual of tearing the
stomach with a knife or small sword). At the time the Minamoto family
established the first military government (bakufu). Japan is led by a
hereditary leader called the Shogun.
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| Bushido Japanese Knight |
The Bushido Code is marked by seven virtues:
Seriousness (义 gi)
Courage (勇 yu)
Virtue (仁 genie)
Award (礼 rei)
Honesty (诚 makoto)
Honor (名誉 meiyo)
Loyalty (忠义 chūgi)
Bushido is also influenced by Shintoism and Zen Buddhism,
which allows violence from samurai to be forged with wisdom and tranquility.
Bushido is also a representative of martial arts, including athletic and
military skills as well as courage to fight enemies in battle, frugal life,
kindness, honesty, and personal honor.
During the Edo or Tokugawa Period (1603-1867) Bushido's
thinking must be infused with Confucian ethics and made into a comprehensive
system and emphasized the obligation or task of the Samurai to be equated with
Confucian "perfect men" and teach that an important function is for
virtue for the lower classes.
Obedience to authority is emphasized, but the task comes
first even if it requires violation of the law. As far as the task is to
replace everything else it is perhaps most exemplified in the story of 47 Ronin
from the beginning of the 18th century. Samurai, who have masters (ronin) if
their master is killed. Then the samurai must take revenge for the death of
their master and after that the samurai must commit seppuku. Seppuku is done as
a form of respect and loyalty to their daimyo.
In the mid-19th century Bushido teachings were made the basis
of ethical training for all societies, with the emperor replacing the feudal
lord, or daimyo, as the focus of loyalty and sacrifice. So that the people and
the military no longer obeyed the Shogun, launched the emperor.
At the time the Shogun's power was torn down and taken over
by Emperor Tenno. Bushido contributed to increasing Japanese nationalism
following the Meiji Restoration (1868) and strengthening civilian morals during
the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) and World War II.
Japanese soldiers during World War II made bushido an honor
in carrying out their duties. If it fails, it will do seppuku (harakiri), which
is suicide as a form of reducing shame and maintaining self-respect.