Beyond Bushido

The 7 virtues of Bushido are only the basic framework for being a better warrior and for being the best you can be. There is much more to being a good warrior and being a good person than just these virtues, they are just a starting point. 

To begin with, the 7 virtues (Honour, Benevolence, Rectitude, Sincerity, Courage, Loyalty & Respect) are how to interact with others and the world. The below list is another 5 virtues that are for internal development.

Self-Respect

A vital part of your own image is self-respect. This is the starting point of your self-worth, confidence, honesty in thought and integrity. It is truly the deepest roots of your Honour. Self-respect is not to be confused with overconfidence or arrogance; these come from the opposite of self-respect.

Self-Control

Self-control is exactly as it sounds, control over yourself. It is arguably the most important virtue for any martial artist to have. With no self-control none of the outward virtues can be held, especially rectitude, courage or loyalty.

A Positive Mindset

This is a requirement for any substantial development and/or improvement as a martial artist. There is no greater hindrance to anything than your own negative thoughts. Also, it is much more difficult to be a benevolent person if you are negative on the inside.

Wisdom

Wisdom is something that we all should seek and can always be something to work on, no matter how wise you truly are. Wisdom only comes with much knowledge, time, continued effort, understanding and experience.

 

A Calm Disposition

This is linked to self-control (as self-control is a requirement for it) but is also separate to it. Bushi Matsumura once said:  “If you have an unconquerable calmness, you can overcome the enemy without force, with the ferocity of a tiger and the swiftness of a bird.”
Staying calm might be the most difficult virtue of all 12 virtues, but only with a calm head can you be wise, positive, in control, honest with yourself and maintain confidence.

While the original 7 virtues of Bushido are how to ‘act’ these are how to ‘be’. In order for the outward 7 virtues to be natural and second nature, these inward 5 virtues should be developed. These virtues are very personal (as no one else can see them), they are only for you and your own peace of mind. Others will see the result of the development of the inward virtues in your actions, your actions includes the outward 7 virtues.


These 5 virtues are what I came up with for myself, you may not even agree with some or all of them. The overall point still remains, the 7 virtues of Bushido are not absolute, they are only a starting point. 

The idea is that it's all about continual self-development. There is never an end point. We must always learn and grow. For me, the next logical step beyond Bushido were these 5 virtues in order to continue to work towards being the best that I can be.

What will you work towards in order to be the best you can be?

Comment below to share any thoughts or opinions you might have.  :)

Thanks for reading.
Derm

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