Code of the Samurai

Hard as it is, I really try to live by this code each day.



HONESTY AND JUSTICE - GI -

Be acutly honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in Justice; not from other people, but from yourself. To the true Samurai there are no shades of grey, only right or wrong.


POLITE COURTESY - REI -

Samurai have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. A Samurai is courteous even to his enemies; without this outward show of respect we are nothing more than Animals. A Samurai becomes apparent during difficult times.


HEROIC COURAGE - YU -

Rise up above the masses of people who are afraid to act.Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A Samurai must have Heroic Courage. It is absolutely risky. It is Dangerous. It is living life completely, fully, wonderfully. Heroic Courage is not blind, it is intellegent, and strong.


DUTY AND LOYALTY - CHU -

For the Samurai having done or said something he knows he owns that thing, he is responsible for it and all the consequences that follow. A Samurai is intensly loyal to those in his care. To those he is responsible for he is fiercly true.


HONOUR - MEIYO -

A true Samurai has only one Judge of Honour, and this is himself. Decisions you make, and how these decisions are carried out, are a reflection of whom you truly are. You cannot hide from yourself.


COMPASSION - JIN -

Through intense training the Samurai becomes quick and strong, he is not as other men, he develops a power that must be used for the good of all. He has Compassion, he helps his fellow man at every opportunity, if an opportunity does not arise he goes out of his way to find one.


COMPLETE SINCERITY - MAKOTO -

When a Samurai has said he will perform an action it is as good as done, nothing will stop him completing what he has said he will do. He does not have to give his word, he does not have to promise. Speaking and Doing are the same action.