Bushido; The Samurai Code

[Final Flight]

I'm currently reading "Code of the Samurai ; A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke"

And I have another Bushido book to read once I'm done with this one.

I think that the Code of the Samurai, has never been such a neccessity as it is today. Let me explain, Beside the parts that are about being a Warrior and dying in battle etc (these parts have little to do with everyday life in the 21st century, unless you're a soldier, in which case, you would probably be laughed at by your comrades and comander for adhering to such a thing) The parts about treating each other with respect, even those with whom you aren't particular friendly, or close with. You needn't be 'freindly' with those upi don't like, in fact, you can even tell them to their face that you do not like them, although it's best to give a reason. All you need do is respect that they are human, and act accordingly. The parts about taking care of your family, friends, and work colleagues, especially your boss. Too many people go around without a care in the world, and procrastinate to their hearts content, I know, because I used to be one of them.

I have learnt over the past few years however, that if one continues to live without a care, treat others badly, and continues to ignore common curtosies, he/she will lead a hollow life.

 

[Reiku]

Not nessecarily, though that may be true for most people...

...while honor is always important, after a lifetime of resposibility and respectful behavior I can honestly say that it's not all it's cracked up to be. Respect should be earned, not given, and a person's only true responsibility is to survive.

A life of forced respect and resented responsibility is far more hollow...

 

[Final Flight]

But do you not think that if you do not respect that people are human as well as you, other people (quite possibly good and decent people) will look on you with disgust.
This may well result in most people thinking you are an antisocial, and arrogant person, who does not respect anyone, and does not care about anyone other than yourself.

 

[Reiku]

Personally, I care very little about what others think of me...

...and I am an antisocial, arrogant person.

Besides, there is very little about humanity that commands respect--if others look on me with disgust merely because I require others to earn my respect rather than giving it out blindly...

 

[Ewok85]

I live by "treat others how you would like yourself to be treated". If i treat people like crap I cant expect anything nice in return etc...

 

[Final Flight]

I understand what you're saying. I don't think you're wrong for having people earn your trust and / or respect.
I had a conversation with a friend of mine last night, and i came to the conclusion that Bushido does have it's flaws when applied to modern life.
But it still has many principles that I think are worth adhering to.

 

[Reiku]

I should probably point out that I don't treat people like crap--unless they've earned it--but I don't treat them good without reason either.

For some reason, most people seem to see things only in extremes: Good or Bad Respectful or Rude, ect. When I say that respect must be earned, I mean that both positive respect and disrespect must be earned--until then people get no special treatment from me either way.

 

[Ewok85]

I work in customer service, you speak nice, be polite and friendly you get a hell of alot more respect and compliance from the other party. If your not nice from the start then you have to work to get that back, which most people cant be bothered about doing.

 

[Chipi]

I havent really looked into Bushido, yet, but it does interest me nevertheless..And I _will_ search and learn it, just when ill have some more time..
But I think what Final Flight said is reasonable, and I definetly think the same way.
I admire and respect the Bushido, and also the general way how Japanese people take others into consideration, enormously..I just wish everyone would and could apply the same way of behaving and thinking - taking others into consideration a little bit more, and not beeing so selfish and blocked into their little worlds..

As an addition and example:
After I returned to scandinavia from Japan, I have been so embarrased about the way people behave here..we are so selfish and rude too many times.Every day I see these things happen..For example I was in metro yesterday, and this african woman was travelling there, at the other end of the cart, with many shopping bags..one of her bags fell to the ground with all her groceries going here and there. There was a young, business-like man standing next to her, with nothing in his hands - and he didnt do a single thing to help the woman. Just, WHAT, is wrong with us western people, really?..

 

[Timsan]

Personally, I care very little about what others think of me...

...and I am an antisocial, arrogant person.

Besides, there is very little about humanity that commands respect--if others look on me with disgust merely because I require others to earn my respect rather than giving it out blindly...

typical american viewpoint

But do you not think that if you do not respect that people are human as well as you, other people (quite possibly good and decent people) will look on you with disgust.
This may well result in most people thinking you are an antisocial, and arrogant person, who does not respect anyone, and does not care about anyone other than yourself.

ive been in karate for about 6 years now and my sensei who is an 8th degree black belt in shito-ryu from japan has ALWAYS said EVERY SINGLE CLASS "treat others the way you would like to be treated" he has always emphasized how we will attain respect by showing others respect. A very wise Tlinget (type of Alaska Native) said
"if you respect yourself people will respect you" this is very true

 

[Ewok85]

Timsan has the right idea, too many people are too selfish here too

 

[samuraitora]

The bushido has many great theories in it. Most are just theories that don't really apply to today's way of life without a little interpretation. The original posting of treating others with respect is a valuable characteristic. Reiku has a good point as well. I think I follow his interpretation more than the straight bushido way. Everyone gets a set amount of politeness, curtousy, and respect from me from the begining. Like starting with a clean slate and what they do with it directly how I respond to them.

That is my two cents, now I will shut up...LOL

 

[jieshi]

i like the ewok85 approach I live by that as well. I think life goes smoothly most of te time until someone starts taking advantage of your kindness then you have to show them you have backbone and stand up to them