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Sensei Dan studied the history of the Samurai and Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei, Founder of Aikido. I recall the discussion I had with Sensei when I was over visiting his home. Sensei said O-Sensei didn’t romanticize the Samurai. The Samurai, regardless of their honor code, killed others without question. According to O-Sensei that wasn’t the profound purpose of budo, of martial arts. O-Sensei believed the noble warrior gave life. Our discussion made me wonder about the nature of virtue. What is the true warrior virtue?
Bushido literally means the Way of the Warrior. In Japanese culture that is the Way of the Samurai. In “The Art of Peace” O-Sensei wrote, “The true meaning of the ‘samurai’ is one who serves and adheres to the power of love.” The Warrior does not take a life. Morihei Ueshiba spent many years studying and training in the Way of the Samurai in his formulation of Aikido. His epiphany: The Warrior is of love and service. O-Sensei reinvented the Warrior:
The Way of the Warrior gives life to all things, to reconcile the world, and to foster the completion of everyone’s journey.
The warrior serves out of love. That’s the authentic affinity for the Way of the Warrior. The Samurai lived by 7 virtues. I’ve researched these virtues from various sources.
This is my interpretation of the 7 Samurai Virtues in context of O-Sensei’s Way of the Warrior:
1. Justice or Rectitude (義 gi)
Make the right or judicious decision in difficult times. Have the power to choose decisively for the right reasons.
2. Courage (勇yū)
Have the courage to do the right thing, regardless what others think. Act upon what you believe is the right thing to do.
3. Benevolence or Mercy (仁jin)
Balance. Fight only for the virtuous cause. Have love, sympathy and mercy at the appropriate time.
4. Respect (禮 rei)
Live with respect for your elders, of life, and for others’ beliefs.
5. Honesty (誠makoto)
Your word is your life.
6. Honor (名誉meiyo)
Above all, live and die with honor.
7. Loyalty (忠義chūgi)
Choose loyalty above mere affection. Treat those closest to you like family, with respect, and gain their respect as well.
Perhaps, the most surprising warrior virtue, at least for me, is Benevolence or Mercy (仁jin). Yet, that makes absolute sense. I find peace in O-Sensei’s words, “True victory is victory over oneself.” My greatest enemy is not anyone other than me.
Victory over me is being merciful for me. I have to selflessly forgive and accept me. Given my own experience of childhood and growing up at home, that path of surrender is often treacherous. Yet, I get my life in this training of me. I continue forward, one step at a time.
The Way of the Warrior adheres to the Way of Love. Love all people, and love me. Like Dolph Lundgren, I discovered: “You have to love yourself.” For me that means daily meditation, Aikido training, and work with therapist Lance. That’s what it takes, and probably more. What is your Way of the Warrior? What heals and grows you?
Yeah, the dedicated lifelong training is worth it. Absolutely. I acknowledge both my strength and frailty. Hopefully, I continue to evolve on the path. It’s not about getting anywhere in particular.
In the bigger picture, when O-Sensei created Aikido, he did so out of mercy for humanity. He wanted to make a profound difference for mankind. I think he did so. Training Aikido with Sensei Dan was our infinity together. It was about the Love.
Along the way, I discovered that I can make a difference, and have mercy for me. Dear Cheryl reminds, “Be kind to yourself.” The Way of the Warrior is of love, of kindness, of mercy. That’s the Warrior we all can aspire to.
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Photo credit: Pixabay
Yes, excellent! As men, we must learn to be peaceful warriors, a precious paradox! One must know oneself, cultivate personal power and strength, but also develop the wisdom to use our strength for the benefit of others, rather than to lord over and intimidate our fellow human beings. The peaceful warrior only fights when necessary, and for the defense of the peace of the world around him. Thanks for this article!
Thank you! Sounds like you have also dedicated life to martial arts. Well said. I appreciate you kind words. Our mission is to allow others to become greater.
I have studied martial arts but I wouldn’t say I’ve dedicated my life to them, at least not the physical side, hah! However, the mentality that came along with the martial arts has always stuck with me. I’ve also been inspired by depictions of men as being peaceful “life warriors.” We can include our instinct to be strong protectors in our daily lives, but in order to promote peace, not conflict. Have you ever read “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman?
No, I have not. I’ve heard of the book. The Founder of Aikido said, “True victory is victory over oneself.” This is still the challenge even after 28 years of Aikido training. Again, thanks for the reading and the kind words.