BUSHIDO : THE WAY OF THE SAMURAI BY: YAMAMOTO TSUNETOMO

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13 min readFeb 4, 2024

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In this article we have taken a detailed lesson from Your book: YAMAMOTO TSUNETOMO : THE WAY OF THE SAMURAI

In the book The Way of the Samurai written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Samurai of the Edo Period, written in 1800. 1716 Lord Yamamoto Tsunetomo at the age of 72. This introduction describes the basic concepts and principles of Bushido, or the way of the samurai.

Let’s start by mentioning that the origin of Bushido comes from the concepts of Confucianism and Zen. Buddhism, which emphasizes the values of honesty, courage, kindness, and justice.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo explains that Bushido is more than just martial arts practice, but a whole way of life. A samurai must train his body and mind to be strong, adhere to morality, and be ready to sacrifice for what is right.

The introduction outlines several key principles of Bushido as follows:

● Honesty (忠義, chūgi) A samurai must be loyal to his lord, friends, and family.
● Courage (勇気, yūki) A samurai must be courageous in facing challenges without fearing death.
● Mercy (仁, jin) A samurai must be merciful to others and not harm others.
● Justice (義, gi) A samurai must uphold justice and protect what is right.

It ends by mentioning the importance of Bushido to Japanese society. Bushido has helped Japan have a strong and stable society. Samurai are moral leaders and are good role models for people in society.

The introduction to The Way of the Samurai is a classic of Japanese literature that is still popular today. It outlines the basic concepts and principles of Bushido, a way of life that is still relevant today. currently available

The Way of the Samurai describes the philosophy and practices of the samurai, the professional warriors of ancient Japan. The book is considered a Japanese classic and is studied by people from all over. world

And from here on, each “philosophy and lesson” in The Way of the Samurai is explained in detail.

Lesson number 1: Know yourself

Get to know yourself, Mr. Yamamoto Tsunetomo discusses the importance of self-awareness for a samurai. A samurai must understand his strengths, weaknesses, and abilities in order to be able to use himself most effectively.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo begins by explaining that a samurai must understand his “true nature” (honrai), which is the basic nature of a person. This true nature is something that cannot be changed. A samurai must accept his true nature and work towards it. To develop their strengths and correct their weaknesses.

Then Yamamoto Tsunetomo discusses the importance of “constant practice” (shizen). A samurai must continually train himself both physically and mentally in order to develop his skills and abilities. Regular practice helps the samurai understand his limits. their own and learn to overcome those limitations

Finally, Mr. Yamamoto Tsunetomo discusses the importance of “mindful self-cultivation” (jiriki). A samurai must consciously cultivate himself, which means being aware of what he is doing and truly striving to improve himself. Mindful self-cultivation It would help the samurai understand himself and achieve his goals.

This lesson is important for the samurai because it helps the samurai understand himself and be able to use himself to the utmost efficiency. A samurai who knows himself well will be able to develop his skills and abilities to their fullest potential and will be able to achieve. their own goals

As for the meaning of this lesson today, we can interpret that the importance of knowing oneself is not limited to just samurai, but is important for everyone, every profession, every gender, every age. Everyone should know themselves well so that Will be able to use themselves with maximum efficiency, develop themselves to their full potential and achieve their goals.

Here is an example of how this lesson can be applied in real life.

● Students should know themselves about their interests, abilities, and weaknesses so that they can choose subjects they like and are good at and can improve their skills.
● Employees should know what skills they have. What are its strengths and weaknesses? In order to be able to work efficiently and be successful in your job.
● People in general should know what kind of personality they have, what kind of attitude, and what goals they have in order to be able to live happily and successfully.

Knowing yourself is an important thing that everyone should focus on because it helps us understand ourselves and be able to use ourselves most effectively.

Lesson number 2: Be honest with yourself and others.

Be honest with yourself and others. This lesson was especially important for samurai because they had to live by the principles of Bushido, the samurai code of honor.

Being true to yourself means adhering to your principles and values. A samurai had to stay true to his beliefs and ideals even in the face of obstacles or hardships.

Loyalty to others means respecting and trusting others. A samurai must be faithful to his covenants and promises and must treat others with fairness and kindness.

This lesson can be applied to everyday life in that we should adhere to our own principles and values, treat others with respect and trust, and treat others with fairness and kindness.

The following is an example of how to apply this lesson to everyday life.

● If you believe in the value of hard work, you should work hard and strive for success even in the face of obstacles.
● If you believe in the value of friendship, you should maintain your friendship despite disagreements.
● If you believe in the value of fairness, you should treat others fairly regardless of their status or status.

Staying honest with ourselves and others helps us to be trustworthy and respected by others. It also helps us to live a life of value and meaning.

Lesson number 3: Be brave and resolute.

In this lesson, Yamamoto Tsunetomo spoke about the importance of samurai courage and determination. A samurai must have the courage to face challenges and dangers without fear. They must have the determination to stand up for what is right. Even in the face of difficulties

Yamamoto Tsunetomo said that a true samurai must have courage that comes from the heart, not courage that comes from fear. True courage does not depend on the situation but on the samurai’s attitude. True people are not afraid of death, they will die to protect what they believe is right.

Determination is also important for a samurai. A samurai must have the determination to stand up for what is right even in the face of many obstacles. They must have the determination to do the right thing even if it means sacrifice.

Many samurai, for example, demonstrated courage and determination, such as the samurai named Yoshitomo. Motochika was willing to die to protect his master even though he was a traitor. The samurai Saito Musashi trained hard to become a great swordsman even though he lost his eye. on one side

Yamamoto Tsunetomo said that every samurai should learn from the bravery and determination of previous samurai in order to be a good example for later samurai.

This lesson can be applied to our own lives as well. We all should have the courage to face life’s challenges. We should also have the determination to stand up for what is right. Even if faced with difficulties

The following is an example of how this lesson can be applied to real life.

● Students should have the courage to ask questions in class. Even if that question seems stupid.
● Workers should have the courage to express their opinions, even if they differ from those of others.
● Leaders should have the courage to make the right decision even if it is unpopular.

Courage and determination are important qualities that everyone should have. These qualities will help us succeed in life.

Lesson number 4: Stay calm.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo spoke of the importance of seijaku in being a samurai. A good samurai should have a calm mind and not be shaken by external events, whether they experience success or failure.

Being calm and cool was important to a samurai because it allowed them to make careful and correct decisions in tight situations. An impatient or anxious samurai easily made wrong decisions, which could lead to dire consequences.

Keeping cool also helped the samurai stay calm. A calm samurai was able to control his emotions and not let his emotions take over. This was especially important for samurai in battle because if they lost their cool they would lose their cool. You may be at a disadvantage to your opponent.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo explains the benefits of stillness and calm as follows:

● “Keeping cool and calm is important for a samurai because it helps them to make careful and correct decisions in critical situations. An impatient or anxious samurai can easily make wrong decisions, which can lead to dire consequences. can”
● “Calmness also helps a samurai stay calm. A calm samurai is able to control his emotions and not let his emotions lead him. This is especially important for a samurai in battle because if they lose, Consciousness can be at a disadvantage to your opponent.”

There are many ways to practice calmness and calm, such as:

● Meditation
● Tai Chi or Karate training.
● Spending time in nature.

Regularly practicing calmness and coolness will help us develop a stable and strong mind, able to face various situations mindfully and carefully.

Lesson number 5: Always keep learning.

“Always Learn” This lesson emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning for a samurai. Samurai believed that stopping learning would make them obsolete and unable to protect themselves or others.

Lord Yamamoto Tsunetomo explains that a samurai should learn from everything around them. They should learn from their own experiences, the experiences of others, and from nature. Tsunetomo believes that learning helps a samurai develop the skills and knowledge necessary for life. Live with dignity and success.

This lesson is still relevant today. Our world is changing rapidly and it is important to keep learning new things so that we can adapt to these changes and succeed.

Here are some examples of ways we can stay learning:

● Read books and articles on various topics.
● Attend a course or seminar.
● Practice new skills.
● Talk with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
● Observe things around us.

Keeping learning helps us grow and develop as individuals, it also helps us to better understand the world around us.

Lesson number 6: Be respectful of others.

“Be Respectful of Others” This lesson is extremely important for a samurai because a samurai must have respect for others, whether they be their lords, friends, or even enemies.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo explains that a samurai should respect others because everyone has equal worth and dignity. A samurai should not look down on or belittle others simply because of differences in class, race, or religion.

A samurai should show respect for others through his actions and words. A samurai should treat others with gentleness, kindness, and help others without expecting anything in return.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo gave many examples of samurai who respected others, such as the samurai who sacrificed his life to protect his lord, the samurai who helped a wounded enemy, and the samurai who protected the weak from danger.

This lesson is still relevant today because respect for others is the basis of good relationships. People who respect others are more likely to be respected by others as well.

Here are some examples of actions that demonstrate respect for others.

● Speak politely and gently.
● Helping others without expecting anything in return.
● Listening carefully to others.
● Accepting the opinions of others.
● Non-judgment of others.

If you want others to respect you, start by respecting others first.

Lesson number 7: Follow the Dhamma

There is a lesson that says “Follow Dhamma.” This lesson talks about the importance of following Dhamma principles in life, especially for samurai. Samurai were considered a warrior class in ancient Japanese society and had to adhere to principles. Dharma and ethics in life

Yamamoto Tsunetomo explains that Dharma is something beyond good and evil, the highest thing that humans should adhere to. Samurai must follow Dharma in every aspect of their lives, whether in thought, action, or speech. A samurai must be honest, courageous, kind, and selfless in order to live a virtuous life and be accepted by society.

This lesson can be applied to life today. Everyone should follow Dhamma in their lives in order to live a happy life and be accepted by others. Dhamma is a good thing that everyone should adhere to. No matter what society we live in.

The following is an example of how this lesson can be applied to today’s life.

● Thinking: We should think well, do good, think about others, think logically and think creatively.
● Actions: We should do good, help others, speak the truth, keep promises, and keep our words.
● Speech: We should speak well, speak the truth, speak politely, and speak constructively.

If we all followed Dharma in our lives, the world would be a better place.

Lesson number 8: Keep your honor.

“Preserve your honor” is of utmost importance to a samurai. Samurai believe that honor is the highest priority in their lives and they will be willing to die to preserve their honor.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo explains that a samurai’s honor depends on three things:

● Courage: A samurai must be courageous and courageous in the face of danger.
● Honesty A samurai must be honest with himself and others.
● Samurai justice must be fair and just.

If a samurai did anything that harmed their honor, such as surrendering to the enemy, lying, or doing something unfair, they were condemned by society and considered dishonorable.

Lord Yamamoto Tsunetomo believed that a samurai should maintain his honor in all situations, even difficult or dangerous situations. He said, “A samurai should conduct himself with honor even in hopeless situations.”

This lesson is still relevant today, no matter what culture we live in. Everyone wants to be respected and accepted. Maintaining our own honor is one important thing that helps maintain it. Respect and trust from others

Here are some examples of how we can preserve our honor.

● Always tell the truth. Even though it’s hard
● Do the right thing. Even though it’s inconvenient
● Take responsibility for your actions.
● Admit your mistakes.
● Apologize when we make mistakes.

Maintaining our own honor is essential to helping us become better people.

Lesson number 9: Help others

In The Way of the Samurai, there is a lesson: “Help others.” This lesson is especially important for samurai because it is their duty to protect and help others.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo believed that a samurai should help others regardless of social status or class. A samurai should help others who are in distress or in need. A samurai should help others without expecting anything in return.

For example, samurai in the past helped many others, such as the samurai who helped the poor provide shelter, the samurai who helped the wounded to heal, the samurai who helped the distressed escape from danger.

Lord Yamamoto Tsunetomo believed that helping others was important for a samurai because it showed kindness and selflessness. A samurai who helped others showed that they were virtuous and socially responsible individuals.

This lesson is still relevant today: everyone should help others, regardless of social status or class. Helping others demonstrates kindness and selflessness, which are important virtues for everyone.

Lesson number 10: Be happy with your life.

“Be happy with life.” This lesson may seem simple, but it has a profound meaning.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo believes that happiness is important for samurai. Samurai must be happy with their lives because happiness will give them the strength to fight and continue living. Happiness also makes samurai conscious and able to make informed decisions. correct

In the book The Way of the Samurai, it is explained that happiness can be found in every moment of life. A samurai should be happy with everything they have, whether it be food, clothing, shelter, or friends. A samurai should be happy with everything they have. He does it whether it’s fighting, training or working.

Lord Yamamoto Tsunetomo believed that a samurai should be truly happy with his life, not just pretend to be happy. A samurai should be happy from within, not just from outside.

This lesson can be applied to everyone. Everyone should be happy with their life. Happiness will make us live a fuller, happier life.

Here are some examples of ways to enjoy life:

● Spend time with the people you love.
● Do things you enjoy.
● Help others.
● Appreciate the good things in life.

These lessons teach us the values of honesty, courage, and kindness. They also teach us how to live a meaningful and happy life.

In the concluding chapter of The Way of the Samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo spoke of the importance of living a life of honor and courage. He said that a samurai should adhere to the principles of Bushido, or “The Way of the Samurai,” which consists of five virtues:

● Integrity (Gi)
● Courage (Yu)
● Kindness (Jin)
● Justice (Mei)
● Modesty (Rei)

Lord Yamamoto Tsunetomo said that samurai should conduct themselves according to these principles in all situations whether they were on the battlefield or in everyday life. He also said that samurai should be prepared to die when necessary to preserve their honor.

Lord Yamamoto Tsunetomo concluded his conclusion by saying that samurai should live their lives consciously and realize the meaning of life. He said that samurai should live their lives with value and achieve their highest goals.

The book’s concluding chapter, The Way of the Samurai, is a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion. It gives samurai advice on how to live an honorable and courageous life. This conclusion is still meaningful and relevant today. For everyone who wishes to live a full and rewarding life.

The following are some examples of Yamamoto’s teachings. Tsunetomo’s final summary:

● “A samurai should adhere to the principles of Bushido in all situations.”
● “A samurai should be prepared to die when necessary to preserve his honor.”
● “A samurai should live consciously and realize the meaning of life.”

These teachings formed the basis of Bushido and remain meaningful and relevant today for all those who desire to live a full and worthwhile life.

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