Fancy living life according to the Way of the Samurai?
1. Gi – Rectitude or Integrity
Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself.
To the true warrior, all points of view are deeply considered regarding
honesty, justice and integrity.
Warriors make a full commitment to their decisions.
2. Yu – Courage
Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky. It is living life completely, fully, and wonderfully.
Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong.
3. Jin – Benevolence or Compassion
Through intense training and hard work the true warriors become quick
and strong. They are not as most people. They develop a power that must be used for good. They have compassion. They help their fellow man at every opportunity.
If an opportunity does not arise, they go out of their way to find one.
4. Rei – Respect
True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove
their strength. Warriors are courteous even to their enemies. Warriors are not only respected for their strength in battle, but also by their dealings with others.
The true strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times.
5. Makoto – Honesty
When warriors say that they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop them from completing what they say they
will do. They do not have to “give their word.” They do not have
to “promise.”
Speaking and doing are the same action.
6. Meiyo – Honour
Warriors have only one judge of honour and character, and this is
themselves. Decisions you make and how these decisions are carried out are a reflection of whom you truly are.
You cannot hide from yourself.
7. Chugi – Loyalty
Warriors are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said, and all of the consequences that follow. They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care.
To everyone that they are responsible for, they remain fiercely true.
