Analysis Of Bushido: The Way Of The Warrior

In twelfth century Japan, a class of warriors, known as the samurai, were introduced and dominated public life and government in Japan. They were assigned to hold military duties and as guard members to the Imperial Court. The samurai would continue to dominate Japan until a code they followed would be abolished in the mid-nineteenth century. Samurai followed the idea of honor, political leadership, and personal conduct. These ideas would be translated into Bushido. Bushido was a code of behavior stressing loyalty, service, and duty that was woven into every aspect of a samurai's life. Mental and physical training focused on readiness and sacrifice. Bushido would be dubbed as “The Way of the Warrior.” In fifteenth century Japan, Shiba Yoshimasa gave guidance and instructions to inspiring samurai who get more knowledge about the Bushido code in his excerpt, Advice to Young
Samurai.
His guidance follows the Bushido code, which features eight virtues, including rectitude or justice, courage, benevolence or mercy, politeness, honesty and sincerity, honor, loyalty, and character and
self-control. Many samurai go through this code of conduct to solidify themselves as warriors with strength and determination and warriors who have a modest and humble demeanor. The advice Shiba Yoshimasa demonstrates is that although samurai might have a different attitude towards their superior and lifestyle, they should not overlook the experiences learned throughout their lifetime and they should be grateful for the opportunities given to them. The primary source, Advice to Young Samurai, was written by Shiba Yoshimasa in 1400. Shiba Yoshimasa was a well-known poet who wrote a manual of advice for the young warriors of his own lineage. Yoshimasa gained his experience from being a feudal lord, general, and an administrator. He discusses the thought of a samurai’s manner towards their superior, such as teachers, their parents, and the gods, and the example samurai present to those superior and their descendants. Samurai are expected to display honor and courage at firsthand to show that they will be reliable in battle and will not back down, and show great respect to people around them. In the Bushido code, courage is defined as the cause of righteousness and being counted on. A samurai born and bred to value the duties and privileges of his profession shows a sense of honor