The Precepts Of Life Of The Samurai

The samurai were warriors who were trained not only in combat skills, but also attached great importance to their mental and spiritual education. They developed a series of precepts of life, some of which are in the Bushido.

In addition, others have been adopted by some martial arts , adapting them to the philosophy of each of them. This is how currently several of these martial arts contain guides to live, whose origin dates back to the samurai.

Karate, in particular, adopted a number of these precepts of life. Today it is contained in the Dojo Kun, a text that condenses these orientations. Although they are designed for martial arts, they are perfectly applicable in the life of any person. Such precepts are as follows.

Respect and the first attack

The first of the precepts of life in this philosophy says that everything begins and ends with respect. This is the highest value and must be lavished on others as well as on oneself. If respect is not the guiding principle, chaos ensues.

The second precept says that “the first attack does not exist.” It refers to the fact that when faced with an attack, the reaction should be to give the other time to become aware of their wrongdoing and to repent. Any confrontation must be avoided, to the point where it is essential for legitimate defense.

Justice and knowledge

The justice comes from a serene reflection in which everyone must ask whether what he does is right. When the answer is affirmative, it is advisable to persist in the behavior or take it as an example.

Another of the precepts of life says: ” Know yourself first and then others. ” If you don’t know yourself, you are always in danger. If you don’t know others, it will be difficult to act in tune with them.

The spirit, one of the precepts of life

One of the essential precepts of life indicates that spiritual values ​​are above many others. There is no skill or technique that is worth it if it is not inspired by solid values ​​of the heart.

Complementing the above, there is a precept that says: “You have to set your mind free. ” This means letting it flow, learning to know it and interpret it. Avoid the desire to control it, since it is useless, and cultivate it so that it freely goes where it belongs.

Carelessness and cultivation

Continuous examination of our actions and prudence are essential to avoid calamities. On the other hand, it is important to cultivate with equal care all the aspects that are part of our life: the mind, the body, the spirit, the technique, etc. The skills mutually reinforce each other.

Another of the precepts of life of the samurai says that the commitments of growth and self-cultivation are pacts that are made with oneself for life. For this reason, habits must be consolidated little by little, with the firm intention of maintaining them.

Diligence and the desire not to lose

It is not enough to apply the precepts of life randomly and eventually. To lead a meaningful and peaceful existence it is necessary to print perseverance and diligence for that purpose. Lack of commitment never leads to success.

Samurai and martial artists also insist on the idea that rather than trying to defeat others, what one must seek is not to lose. In any confrontation this is enough. It is enough to be out of reach of the enemies.

Adaptation and confidence

Another of the precepts of life of the samurai says that in the face of an enemy, or a difficulty, the most important quality is adaptation. To what? To the way of being of that difficulty or of that enemy. Not all obstacles are faced in the same way.

Likewise, they point out that because they have not overcome major problems in the past, there is no guarantee that they can be overcome in the present or the future. While experience is important, trust can be treacherous.

Prudence and be on guard

Samurai warriors point out, metaphorically, that when a person leaves his home he is exposed to many dangers. Thus, particularly when moving in unfamiliar terrain, it is best to maintain a certain point of caution.

They also talk about being on guard. They recommend that this applies to the mind, but not to the body. The mind must be in an attitude of constant attention. The body, on the other hand, must be relaxed, or else it will create misconceptions in others.

Focus, move and be aware

To face difficulties or enemies it is necessary to maintain balance, constantly updating the foothold. Return to that physical and mental center to avoid remaining in a weak position. It is also important to know how to move: forward, backward or stay still. All this depends on each situation; it is an exercise in intelligence.

Finally, the last of the samurai life precepts talks about the importance of consciousness. This is finally the one that directs all our actions and gives meaning to them. Not being aware is like not living.

These precepts of life were designed basically for combat. But, as you can see, they apply to any situation, especially if they represent a difficulty or a problem.