The seven Virtues of Bushido

Martial Arts (Shotokan Karatedo) has been part of my life for more than 25 years now. It's been a fundamental anchor guiding me through life. As I've matured the virtues guiding this practice have served as an instruction manual of sorts. Whilst men and instruction manuals are not usual bedfellows, I pursevere to apply these rules in in my personal life.

1. Integrity (GI)

Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. All points of view are worthy of consideration regarding honesty, justice, and integrity.

2. Respect (Rei)

We have no reason to be cruel, no need to prove our strength. We are courteous even to those that challenge us. We can command respect by first freely giving it to others.

3. Heroic Courage (Yu)

Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. To live our best lives, we must have heroic courage. Take risks, replace fear with respect and caution. Heroic Courage is not blind but intelligent and strong.

4. Honour (Meiyo)

We have only one judge of honour and character and that is ourselves. Decisions we make and how these decisions are carried out reflects whom we truly are.

5. Compassion (Jin)

Through intense training and hard work, we can shape ourselves to be different and to stand out from the crowd. We can use our status to help our fellow human at every opportunity it arises.

6. Honesty & Sincerity ( Makoto)

Lying is dishonourable and cowardly. When we say that a task or action will be performed, it's as good as done. Nothing prevents us completing that which we said we would do. We do not need to 'give our word' or 'promise'

7. Duty & Loyalty (Chu)

We are responsible for everything we have done and everything we have said and all the consequences that follow. We are immensely loyal to all of those in our care.

 The way I go about that, is to take these five actionable items.

1. Never take advantage over somebody else

2. Listen to your conscience

3. Always be honest

4. Value other peoples time

5. Be authentic to your own values and morals

Next week the virtue of Respect.