The life precepts of the samurai have been inherited by many martial artists. They illustrate principles that are valid for dealing with enemies or difficult situations. It is worth knowing them.
Last update: April 18, 2021
Samurai were warriors who trained not only in fighting skills, but also attached great importance to their mental and spiritual education. The life precepts of the samurai are found in Bushido.
Some of these life precepts they have been adopted by martial arts, and adapted to different philosophies. Nowadays, in fact, many of these martial arts refer to guidelines for living, whose origin dates back to the samurai.
Many of these life precepts are found, for example, in karate. They are contained in the Dojo Kun, a text that condenses these guidelines. Although they are designed for martial arts, they can be perfectly applied to anyone's life. Here's what they are.
"Learning with practice is like pushing a wagon uphill: if you slow down, you go back."
-Japanese proverb-
Respect is the first attack
The first of the life precepts of this philosophy says that everything begins and ends with respect. It is the greatest value and should be given to others as well as to 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 in the face of an attack, one should react by giving the other person time to become aware of his wrongdoing and to repent. Confrontation should be avoided until it becomes essential for self-defense.
Precepts of life: justice and knowledge
Justice comes from a serene reflection in which everyone must ask himself if what he is doing is right. When the answer is yes, it is advisable to persist in the conduct or take it as an example.
Another of the precepts of life says: "Know yourself first and then others". If we don't know ourselves, we will always be in danger. If we don't know others, it will be difficult to act in harmony with them.
The spirit, one of the precepts of life
One of the essential life precepts indicates that spiritual values ​​are above all. There is no skill, no technique that is worthwhile, if it is not inspired by solid values ​​of the heart.
In fact, there is a precept that says: "The mind must be free". This means letting it flow, learning to know and interpret it. You do not wish to control the mind, as it is useless. Cultivate it so that it goes freely where it needs to go.
Neglect and cultivate
Continuous scrutiny of our actions and prudence are key to avoiding calamities. On the other hand, it is important to cultivate all aspects of our life with the same care: mind, body, spirit, technique, etc. Skills reinforce each other.
Another of the samurai life precepts says that when you make a commitment to grow and cultivate, it is a covenant made with yourself for life. Therefore, you have to consolidate habits little by little, with the firm intention of keeping them.
Be diligent and wish not to lose
It is not enough to apply the precepts of life randomly and haphazardly. To lead a meaningful and peaceful existence it is necessary to follow the purpose with constancy and diligence. Poor commitment never leads to success.
Samurai and martial artists also insist on the concept that, before trying to defeat others, one should try not to lose. In any comparison, this is not enough. But it is enough to be out of the reach of enemies.
Adapt and trust
Another of the samurai life precepts says that in the face of an enemy, or a difficulty, the most important quality is adaptation. At what? To difficulty or to the enemy. Not all obstacles are faced in the same way.
They also argue that just because you have overcome great problems in the past, there is no guarantee that you can overcome them in the present or in the future. While experience is important, trust can be treacherous.
Be careful and be on your guard
Samurai warriors believe, metaphorically, that when a person leaves his home he is exposed to many dangers. So, especially when moving into unfamiliar terrain, it's better maintain some degree of caution.
They also say to be on guard. This is true for the mind, but not for the body. The mind must be in a state of constant attention. The body, on the other hand, must be relaxed, otherwise it will create misconceptions in others.
Focus, move and be aware of the samurai life precepts
To face difficulties or enemies it is necessary to maintain balance, always finding a point of reference. Finding a physical and mental center to avoid remaining in a weak position. It is also important to know how to move: go forward, go back or stand still. This all depends on each situation; it is an exercise in intelligence.
Finally, the last of the samurai life precepts speaks of the importance of awareness. Basically, it is what it guides all actions and gives them meaning. Not being aware is like not living.
These life precepts were meant for combat. But, as you can see, they apply to any situation, especially in case of difficulties or problems.
