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THE SEVEN TENANTS OF
BUSHIDO (BUDO)
These
are brief explanations of these seven virtues.
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Yuki (Valor) |
Possessing the bravery/courage
to face all of life’s challenges squarely with a resolute
and moral heart. It is important that bravery and courage
should not be confused with pride. Bravery and courage are
necessary to identify and achieve life’s goals and the
setbacks that surround them. |
Jin (Benevolence) |
A feeling of good will to all,
a magnanimous and compassionate state founded on the
understanding that we are all the same and should be treated
with the same respect regardless of station or situation.
This requires lifelong practice and discipline (shugyo) to
counter the more current and prevalent sentiments of
judgment, separatism, mistrust, etc. |
Gi (Rectitude) |
Right behaviour, conduct and
character. Gi is closely linked to justice and a person that
possesses the character to act swiftly and resolutely for
the cause of justice. This type of character is not borne of
mere intellectual understanding. It is much more an
instinctive and intuitive understanding of that which is
naturally good and just. |
Rei (Etiquette) |
Rei is refers to the courtesies
and conduct required to be a functional contributor to
family, dojo, society, etc. This type of conduct, or right
action, is not practiced because one may be ostracized if
not adhering to such conduct. It is much more important to
realize that courtesy is a fundamental right of each
individual, a major facet of the Iemoto system, and
fundamental to the successful transfer of the lessons of
Budo. |
Makoto (Truth & Honesty) |
The foundation of right action,
makoto, or truth
and honesty, is comprised of acting and communicating in an
honest and rigorous manner as well as possessing the virtue
of integrity. Integrity: being truthful, keeping our word,
and cleaning up the mess when we do not, is an integral
factor in the establishment and nurturing of successful
relationships. |
Chugi (Loyalty) |
The primary application of
Chugi is detailed in the character Gi or duty. Duty to
family, based on filial piety (Ko) is a fundamental aspect
of this virtue. Duty and obligation must then transferred to
relationships in the dojo and all of life’s endeavours. We
must also be loyal to our own goals, plans, objectives and
the realistic path of attainment. Here, makoto, being
absolutely honest with ourselves, is imperative in defining
such a realistic path. |
Meiyo (Honour) |
Meiyo could be considered to be
the sum – total of the previous six virtues. One practiced
in and possessing the above listed virtues would certainly
emerge from this disciplined lifestyle as an honourable
individual. The self-esteem and honour of such an individual
would be consistently above reproach. Like the samurai of
old, a stain on one’s honour/name, should be a sense of
great shame for the Budoka and avoided at all cost. |
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