Bushido Explained by Alexander Bennett

Author:Alexander Bennett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

“It is natural for Samurai to learn the ways of war, and apply themselves to the acquisition of basic fighting skills. However, as is clearly stated in ancient military texts, without applying oneself to study [of the arts of peace], it is impossible to be a worthy ruler….” This is related to Ryoshun’s first criticism of his brother, who apparently lacked the intellectual ability required of a leader.

Nakaaki was rebuked for his fondness for roaming around the countryside and engaging in frivolous diversions such as falconry and fishing when more serious matters needed attention. Hunting was an important activity in warrior training, but Ryoshun’s warning is also related to the “purposeless taking of life.” This is further highlighted in denunciations of Nakaaki’s past deeds of putting petty criminals to death while showing favoritism to truly obnoxious individuals without discriminating between good or bad behavior in his men. “You reward them or punish them arbitrarily.”

Nakaaki never readily accepted prudent advice. Instead, he bullied his advisors or used unreasonable force to get his own way. He was a gambler and drinker who neglected clan business, but still harbored delusions of his own cleverness. Ryoshun pulls no punches and finishes by beseeching Nakaaki to look into his own behavior with as much intensity as he does of others. “Realize that good and bad resides in your own mind. It is good when people of high and low station gather around you. If you are shunned, even though you plead with them to come, know that it is because of your own wickedness.”

A negligent warrior lacking in wisdom, skill and training will be loathed by all. “A man of virtue looks for friends who are superior to he, and shies away from those who are not.” The Samurai must therefore strive to accomplish everything to the best of his ability in civil and military matters without dropping his guard for a moment, and with the “five cardinal virtues firmly entrenched in his heart.”

Ichijo Kaneyoshi (1402–81)

一条兼良

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