Japanese Philosophy

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The way of the warriors: Bushido
Part one: expansion of the argument
The Samurai were the warriors during the pre-modern Japan. Later, they became the ruling military class which eventually developed to be the highest ranking social caste in the Edo period (1603-1867). The samurai used various weapons like guns, spear, and arrows though their main symbol and weapon was the sword. They were expected to lead their lives based on the ethic code known as Bushido (the way of the warrior). Bushido was in nature Confucian and, therefore, emphasized the concepts such as ethical behavior, loyalty to the commander, respectful and self-discipline. Many samurai were also influenced by the practices and teaching of Zen Buddhism.
The samurai were not only trained assassins but also led their lives according to a strict ethical conduct identified as Bushido. The ethical conduct influenced every aspect of their lives. The code was similar to the western concept/notion of chivalry (good manners or loyalty). The samurai were fierce warriors, although firmly believed in kindness, honor, frugal living and majorly loyalty to their master. The ultimate honor of these warriors was to die in their military service to their commander. The Samurai regarded suicide known as “seppuku” as an admirable and brave alternative rather than being defeated in a battle. As the Samurai started declining and its final downfall in 1871, Bushido strengthened itself and became the moral code/standard/conduct of the Japanese culture. There are seven fundamental principles which represent the spirit of Bushido, and these include justice, courage, honor, compassion, sincerity and honesty, loyalty and duty.
The origin of the Samurai can be traced during the Helan Period, and their efforts were committed to suppressing the native Emishi people living in the Tohoku Region. In this period, wealthy landowners increasingly were hiring warriors. These wealthy landowners gained a lot of wealth, grew independent of the state government and created their own armies for the sake of their own protection.
The “Taira” and “Minamoto” were the two most powerful clans of the landowning clans. These two powerful clans (“the Taira” and “Minamoto”) challenged the state government and fought for supremacy over the whole country. The “Minamoto” became victorious and developed a new military government during 1192, led by the superior military commander (shogun). This was how the Samurai developed and eventually ruled over Japan for next 700 years.
15th and 16th centuries were the chaotic periods of the warring states. Japan split into many independent states that were continuously at war with each other. As a result, warriors were highly demanded. In the late 1500s, the country reunited again. In the Edo period, a rigid social casts system placed the samurai as the most important social group in the societal structure followed by the farmers while artisans and merchants followed that order respectively. During this period, the samurai were compelled to live in the castle, and they were the only ones permitted to possess and carry ...