Trial lawyers&the bushido code
The unwritten Samurai code of conduct, known as Bushido, held that the true warrior must hold that loyalty, courage, veracity, compassion, and honor as important, above all else. An appreciation and respect of life was also imperative, as it added balance to the warrior character of the Samurai. He was often very stoic with a deep and strong philosophical passion. He could be deadly in combat and yet so gentle and compassionate with children and the weak.Bushido, literally translated “Way of the Warrior,” developed in Japan between the Heian and Tokugawa Ages (9th-12th century). It was a code and way of life for Samurai, a class of warriors similar to the medieval knights of Europe. It was influenced by Zen and Confucianism, two different schools of thought of those periods. Bushido is not unlike the chivalry and codes of the European knights.There are seven virtues associated with Bushido:
- Gi – Rectitude (Right Decisions)
- Yu – Courage
- Jin – Benevolence
- Rei – Respect
- Makoto – Honesty
- Meiyo – Honor
- Chugi – Loyalty
The Samurai strove to achieve these attributes:
- To develop a sympathetic understanding of people
- To have correct ethics
- To show loyalty
- To respect and to care for one’s parents
- To show respect for others
- To enhance wisdom by broadening one’s knowledge
- To be truthful at all times
- to care for the aged and those of a humble station
The Japanese proverb said:”Among flowers, the cherry blossom; Among men, the samurai.”We warriors of he court can learn from some of the philiosphy of the Samurai warrior.