bushido code in Shintoism
By: Nader Aboughalyoun
Religion 110, 12:00 pm
Spring 2011
One can not understand the Bushido Code without first understanding the way of the Samurai Warrior. The Samurai dedicated their entire life to follow the unwritten code of conduct known to the world as the Bushido code. Bushido literally means “warrior – samurai – ways”(TBC).
To do anything less than follow it to the key would dishonor their family, legacy, and their martial art.
Shintoism has no founder or founding date and is a polytheistic religion (RF).
It is thought to be instilled the Japanese people around 660 BC (Dr. Sprunger).
Shinto is the area in Japan where the indigenous Japanese lived. Both Buddhism and Confucianism have influence Shintoism over the years as some foreigners from China started to go to Japan (RF).
Little by little the boundaries between Buddhism and Shintoism were obliterated. Shinto almost died out as a viable religion but in the seventeenth century it was revitalized by tough-minded military leaders. A combination of Shinto and Confucianism was used to develop the warrior code of Bushido (Dr. Sprunger).
The Term Paper on The Bushido Code Samurai Japanese Battle
It is the Bushido Code and the militaristic beliefs of the ancient Japanese that shaped them as one of the most fierce and admirable civilizations in recorded history. Through their respect and honour for their enemy, the fearlessness of their warriors and their vast learning skills, beliefs and techniques, they were able to win numerous battles and succeed with not only physical skill but ...
The true Bushido code holds that the true warrior must possess loyalty, courage, veracity, compassion, and honor as important (Roger).
Shinto teaches the importance of personal cleanliness and the sense guilt. Aside of from following and service to the Emperor, Shintoism has no definite set of theological beliefs or code of morality (Dr. Sprunger).
There are core beliefs that all Shinto share. These are the belief of a mysterious creation, the harmonizing power of Kami, and the truthful way of Kami. Kami can not be fully explained in words, because Kami transcends the cognitive faculty of man (RF).
Bushido is made up of a system or standards of moral principles that became the soul of the Samurai. The seven virtues that make up the Bushido code are: Rectitude, Courage, Benevolence, Respect, Honesty, Honor, and Loyalty. Shinto ethics is purity bringing the samurais a sense of belonging through knowing one’s self, ones weaknesses and strengths (Admin).
The bushido code was centralized on honor and freedom from the fear of death. This code emphasized to the Samurais the qualities which are necessary to fulfill their duty, preserving their honor, demonstrating tremendous courage, remaining obedient, filial piety, and self sacrifice The Samurais were so determined on fulfilling their code that when they failed they would resolve to Seppuku (ritual suicide) with the belief that this would somehow be an acceptable punishment for the disgrace that they have brought upon the house (Admin).
Shintoism also influenced the Bushido of the Samurai. It taught seek honor by first looking inside the soul and confront the intimate fears that we hide from ourselves. This sense of belonging has been attributed to the patriotic and nationalistic culture of Japan even to this day (Matrasko).
Shintoism includes ancestor-worship which makes the Imperial family the head of the whole nation. It awarded the emperor with a god-like stature. He was considered the embodiment of Heaven on earth. The samurai pledge themselves to the emperor, their feudal landlords, and higher ranking samurai(Roger).
Shintoism also provides the backbone for patriotism to their country, Japan. They believe the land is not just there for their needs, but also for the spirits and souls of their ancestors. The land is cared for and protected through an intense patriotism.
The Essay on Explain The Meanings And Discuss The Concepts And Origins Of Samurai And Bushido Code
h2>Explain the meanings and discuss the concepts and origins of Samurai and Bushido code, then relate these concepts towards the modern Japanese Soldier and Leader during World War 2 and show evidence to support that the Japanese soldier treated enemy prisoners exploiting Samurai and Bushido traditions. Bushido 武士道- the feudal-military Japanese code of behavior; the way of the warrior [samurai] ...
Shintosim and the Bushido codes both follow the rule of loyalty and honor. In both it is a must to follow and obey the emperor’s every command. They each feed off each other to create a stronger foundation for itself. Shintoism influenced the Bushido code because it was considered to be a religion of the heart that pervades the life of the Japanese by a natural and real spiritual force. One of the fundamental virtues of Shinto ethics is purity bringing the samurais a sense of being through knowing one’s self, ones weaknesses and strengths (Admin).
http://www.religionfacts.com/shinto/index.htm, “Shinto” Web (RF)
http://www.aikido-world.com/articles/Bushido-Code%20of%20the%20Warrior-Origins%20of%20Bushido.htm , “BUSHIDO,WARRIOR CODE OF CONDUCT
Bushido Origins”, Cheryl Matrasko, © 2009, Aikido World, Inc. (Matrasko)
, “The Japanese Samurai’s Bushido”, Posted by Admin. (Admin)
http://urantiabook.org/archive/readers/601_shinto.htm, “An Introduction to Shinto”
Dr. Meredith Sprunger (Sprunger)
http://true-bushido-code.blogspot.com/, “True Bushido Code” Posted by Roger (Roger)
