Probably, every second was interested in the culture of Ancient Japan. They read about oriental quirks in encyclopedias, watched documentaries about the history of the Japanese of that time ... If the history of Ancient Japan is a cake, then the culture of samurai is a cherry on a cake. After all, this is one of the most interesting topics. They are especially fascinated by the Code, which is full of statements, quotes from Japanese samurai, which remain relevant to this day.
Who are samurai?
The term "samurai" comes from the Japanese word "samurai", which means "to serve." Accordingly, a samurai is literally a "servant."
Samurai as a caste (estate) existed throughout the history of Japan. They, as a rule, served aristocrats. But centuries later, bushi (the second name of the samurai, which means "warrior"), united in large clans, gained independence and power. Therefore, they ceased to serve carriers of aristocratic blood.
Over the years, clans succeeded each other, fighting for the honorary title of shogun - the general, the head of Japan. He possessed real power, unlike the emperor. Probably the most important thing in the life of Japanese warriors is the path of the samurai. Quote from Yamamoto:
Do not let others transcend themselves on the path of the samurai.
These words emphasize their stern self-discipline. It is difficult to imagine what qualities and power you had to possess in order to become a shogun.
Samurai Code of Honor - Bushido
Japanese Bushido means "warrior's path." Initially, it was a collection of postulates about the behavior of the warrior as a whole. But under the influence of Japanese culture in the XII century, Bushido was transformed into a separate set of rules for Japanese warriors - samurai.
The main idea of the Code of Honor is that a warrior can die at any moment and must be aware of it. He must live and value every minute of his life. Samurai quote: "Only that person is ready for death, who lives a full life." Samurai's duty is to devote all his free time to self-development and helping people.
In total there are 7 basic principles of the samurai: respect, justice, courage, virtue, honor, devotion and sincerity. All these qualities are signs of a true warrior. Thanks to proper education, one could acquire these qualities.
Yamamoto Tsunetomo - The Great Samurai
Yamamoto Tsunetomo (also called Yamamoto Zete) is one of the most prominent representatives of the samurai culture of the XVII-XVIII centuries. After becoming a monk in adulthood, he shared many of his thoughts with his friend Tsuramoto Tashiro. Soon, a samurai legend left this world in 1716. His philosophical reflections were compiled and published as a separate book called "Hagakure." This treatise was almost unknown until the beginning of the 20th century. Only since the 1930s, he became one of the most famous works explaining the ideas of Bushido.
About the Hagakure Book
Hagakure translated into Russian - "hidden in foliage." This is a treatise on the Samurai Code of Honor, Bushido. The main idea that this work carries in itself is following the Code. Each samurai follows the "Path of Death" or leads "life as if the warrior was already dead." This means that he must be ready to die at any time in order to preserve his honor. According to the Hagakure Kikigaki:
If there are two ways to choose, there is only a quick and only way out - death.
This is the main point and quote of the Samurai Code.
Most of the book is devoted to the life and role of a samurai in peacetime. The most interesting thing is that in non-war times, the life of a Japanese warrior is entirely devoted to preparation: physical, moral, psychological, so that at the right time to immediately do the same thing - refusing personal gain, in an emergency, execute the order - to make hara-kiri (or do it voluntarily if the honor of the “servant” is affected).
Hagakure contains an infinite number of instructions, following which you can change your life for the better.
In a nutshell about Harakiri
Harakiri literally - "ripping open the abdomen." This form of suicide was used in cases where the honor of a warrior was affected, or by sentence - as a sign of devotion to his master - daima (and in other similar cases).
Belly wounds are the most painful, unlike other parts of the body.
When, for one reason or another, the samurai could not do the Seppuku rite, his dagger was replaced with a fan. The samurai was fanning his belly, and at that moment his assistant beheaded him.
The role of women in samurai culture
Surprisingly, women too could be samurai. Their main duty of honor - devotion to their husband is the same as loyalty of the samurai to the master. She could assume the role of the avenger for her husband, in his absence she took on the protection of the house from enemies.
The Code also allowed the weak half of humanity to master military skill. But, as a rule, the emphasis was on daggers. So, a woman always carried a short blade with her, hiding it in her hair or under clothes. They also had a special suicide rite called dzigai, which involved cutting the throat.
Quotes about Samurai
The main advantage of Bushido, "Hagakure" is that almost every sentence from them can be made to your notebooks, try to follow the notes. Of course, it is impossible to mention everything now, but we will reproduce at least the main quotes of the samurai.
- Tell us how he died?
“I will tell you how he lived.”
This is one of the most striking quotes of The Last Samurai. The death of a person depends entirely on how he lived his life.
The one who relates to the world, as if to a dream, is doing the right thing.
Indeed, it is foolish to take life too seriously, to take events in it, whether they are good or bad, to heart. Anyway, the one who was born must die, and there is no sense in holding on to his wealth and achievements in life. A vivid example is the testament of Alexander the Great: "Carry me through the city with palms open outward so that everyone can see that I am not taking anything with me." Everything passing, nothing lasts forever.
I do not know how to defeat others, I know how to defeat myself.
This is the Japanese interpretation of the proverb "if you want to change the world - start with yourself." If a person sees flaws in everything that surrounds him, then he needs to change himself, to clean his heart from the dirt that has accumulated over many long years of existence. Only by defeating yourself: your shortcomings, bad habits, flaws - you can fulfill your destiny in life - to achieve self-awareness, to find true happiness. There is no point in “building” other people, trying to change the world. Such attempts will fail.
Improve your mind, be human and show courage.
This idea is relevant not only for the warriors of ancient Japan. This is also true today. Samurai said: "If you really want to become a samurai, you should know: there is nothing that he could not do." The possibilities of man are very great. Improving your mind, you can live your life really worth it.
Verily, there is nothing but the true purpose of the present moment.
This samurai quote is noteworthy in that it encourages living in the present. After all, usually people think either about the future, or about the past. Unfortunately, most have forgotten how to live for today. So, people, dreaming about the future and grief about the past, live life without ever finding happiness.
In conclusion, we can say that the samurai were amazing people. Their military traditions and principles are truly mesmerizing. If you try to plunge into their lives, you can feel great respect and respect for them, since they were exemplary warriors and men with a capital letter.