ichi
04-19-2003, 06:06
I wanted to make my 100th post something other than Spam, so I thought I would turn you all on to a book by Inazo Nitobe, titled ‘Bushido, The Soul of Japan'. ‘Bushido' means literally ‘Military - Knight - Ways', the ways which fighting nobles should observe in their daily life. I'll put it in the Monastery, or should it go in the STW Library? oh well . . .
Bushido is equivalent to the Medieval concept of ‘Chivalry', which I am sad to say is lacking in modern society and, as the numerous threads in The Org attest, online. Taunting, boasting, name- calling, gloating, overall arrogance and bad manners can be found quite readily in the GameSpy lobby and in the games.
Please do not get me wrong, there are quite a few ladies and gentlemen online - those who live by a code of honor. There are also a few punks who could learn a little - maybe even realize how they are (or at least, how they come across to the rest of the world).
First published in 1905,‘Bushido, The Soul of Japan' was written when many of the samurai traditions were still practiced.
Bushido according Nitobe, was based on Buddhism and Shintoism. Shinotism beleives in the innate goodness and Godlike purity of the human soul. Shinto shrines are devoid of objects of worship; a plain mirror hangs in the sanctuary. The human heart, which, when perfectly placid and clear, reflects the very image of the Deity. Equal to the ancient Delphic injunction ‘Know thyself'.
The principles of Bushido are: Justice, Courage, Benevolence, Politeness, Sincerity, Honor, Loyalty, and Self-Control.
Justice (or Rectitude) is the power of deciding upon a certain course of conduct in accordance with reason, without wavering; to die when it is right to die, to strike when it is right to strike. ‘Gishi' was a name for a man of rectitude and was considered superior to any that signified mastery of learning or art (the 47 Ronin are also known as Gishi).
Courage is a virtue only when exercised in the cause of Righteousness. Confucius defines courage by explaining ‘Perceiving what is right, and doing it not, argues lack of courage'. Courage should not be confused with rashness (to run unnecessary risk, to rush into the jaws of death), which leads to what was called ‘a dog's death'. Valor, fortitude, bravery, fearlessness, are the most popular virtues, easily grasped by a young man's mind.
The spiritual aspect of valor is evidenced by composure - calm presence of mind. Tranquility is courage in repose. A truly brave man is serene, never taken by surprise. In the heat of battle he remains cool.
Love, magnanimity, affection for others, sympathy, and pity are recognized to be the supreme virtues - the highest of all the attributes of the human soul. Universally true, ‘the bravest are the tenderest'. ‘Bushi no nasake' - the tenderness of a warrior, recognizes justice - to power to save or kill.
Benevolence to the weak or the vanquished was extolled as behavior becoming to a samurai. Modesty, actuated by respect for others' feelings, is at the root of politeness.
(How many times I have listened to experienced players bitch about newbies, or those less-skilled players, or the victors in an online game bad-mouthing the beaten, Gah, what crap!http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Bushido considers lying (or dishonesty) to be a weakness. Pity the poor fool who would try to cheat/hack the game to get an advantage. Obviously doesn't get it.
The sense of honor includes self-dignity and worth. It may be describes as the opposite of disgrace. A samurai's good name was of high importance. (Some of the folks online hide behind the firewall, acting any way they please because they think know one will find out it was them, or if they do find out, who cares what others think What a shame that we think that it is only what we think that matters).
Samurai were assumed to be loyal. Loyalty, in my mind, now distinguishes the great clans from the others. It is not skill, or numbers, or CWBs, but the loyalty of a clans members that most impresses me (or disgusts me, in several cases).
Finally, Self-Control. It was considered unmanly for a samurai to show his emotions on his face. ‘He shows no sign of joy or anger' was a phrase used in describing great character. Calmness of behavior, composure of mind should not be disturbed by passion of any kind. (I have heard so many mean things said at the moment of defeat, usually directed at an opponent who used ‘unfair' tactics, or at an ally that did not live up to expectations).
Buy the book, its a great glimpse into feudal Japan. The comparisons between the samurai code and chivalry are great.
I hope that we can adopt a code of chivalry or bushido online. The atmosphere here in The Org approaches this. Not to say that we can't have flame wars, or criticize others. Maybe we can be a little more kind to each other, help each other out.
The victories will come, and be forgotten, but the sense of community or friendship is the onyl thing that will last. Too bad many don't get that simple fact.
Hopefully the punks can learn that it is important to, as Krast says ‘Cut Heads Off', but also to behave decently. Not only online, but in the game of life as well.
ichi
Bushido is equivalent to the Medieval concept of ‘Chivalry', which I am sad to say is lacking in modern society and, as the numerous threads in The Org attest, online. Taunting, boasting, name- calling, gloating, overall arrogance and bad manners can be found quite readily in the GameSpy lobby and in the games.
Please do not get me wrong, there are quite a few ladies and gentlemen online - those who live by a code of honor. There are also a few punks who could learn a little - maybe even realize how they are (or at least, how they come across to the rest of the world).
First published in 1905,‘Bushido, The Soul of Japan' was written when many of the samurai traditions were still practiced.
Bushido according Nitobe, was based on Buddhism and Shintoism. Shinotism beleives in the innate goodness and Godlike purity of the human soul. Shinto shrines are devoid of objects of worship; a plain mirror hangs in the sanctuary. The human heart, which, when perfectly placid and clear, reflects the very image of the Deity. Equal to the ancient Delphic injunction ‘Know thyself'.
The principles of Bushido are: Justice, Courage, Benevolence, Politeness, Sincerity, Honor, Loyalty, and Self-Control.
Justice (or Rectitude) is the power of deciding upon a certain course of conduct in accordance with reason, without wavering; to die when it is right to die, to strike when it is right to strike. ‘Gishi' was a name for a man of rectitude and was considered superior to any that signified mastery of learning or art (the 47 Ronin are also known as Gishi).
Courage is a virtue only when exercised in the cause of Righteousness. Confucius defines courage by explaining ‘Perceiving what is right, and doing it not, argues lack of courage'. Courage should not be confused with rashness (to run unnecessary risk, to rush into the jaws of death), which leads to what was called ‘a dog's death'. Valor, fortitude, bravery, fearlessness, are the most popular virtues, easily grasped by a young man's mind.
The spiritual aspect of valor is evidenced by composure - calm presence of mind. Tranquility is courage in repose. A truly brave man is serene, never taken by surprise. In the heat of battle he remains cool.
Love, magnanimity, affection for others, sympathy, and pity are recognized to be the supreme virtues - the highest of all the attributes of the human soul. Universally true, ‘the bravest are the tenderest'. ‘Bushi no nasake' - the tenderness of a warrior, recognizes justice - to power to save or kill.
Benevolence to the weak or the vanquished was extolled as behavior becoming to a samurai. Modesty, actuated by respect for others' feelings, is at the root of politeness.
(How many times I have listened to experienced players bitch about newbies, or those less-skilled players, or the victors in an online game bad-mouthing the beaten, Gah, what crap!http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Bushido considers lying (or dishonesty) to be a weakness. Pity the poor fool who would try to cheat/hack the game to get an advantage. Obviously doesn't get it.
The sense of honor includes self-dignity and worth. It may be describes as the opposite of disgrace. A samurai's good name was of high importance. (Some of the folks online hide behind the firewall, acting any way they please because they think know one will find out it was them, or if they do find out, who cares what others think What a shame that we think that it is only what we think that matters).
Samurai were assumed to be loyal. Loyalty, in my mind, now distinguishes the great clans from the others. It is not skill, or numbers, or CWBs, but the loyalty of a clans members that most impresses me (or disgusts me, in several cases).
Finally, Self-Control. It was considered unmanly for a samurai to show his emotions on his face. ‘He shows no sign of joy or anger' was a phrase used in describing great character. Calmness of behavior, composure of mind should not be disturbed by passion of any kind. (I have heard so many mean things said at the moment of defeat, usually directed at an opponent who used ‘unfair' tactics, or at an ally that did not live up to expectations).
Buy the book, its a great glimpse into feudal Japan. The comparisons between the samurai code and chivalry are great.
I hope that we can adopt a code of chivalry or bushido online. The atmosphere here in The Org approaches this. Not to say that we can't have flame wars, or criticize others. Maybe we can be a little more kind to each other, help each other out.
The victories will come, and be forgotten, but the sense of community or friendship is the onyl thing that will last. Too bad many don't get that simple fact.
Hopefully the punks can learn that it is important to, as Krast says ‘Cut Heads Off', but also to behave decently. Not only online, but in the game of life as well.
ichi