Bushido derived from both Buddhism and Shintoism. There are seven important principals that can summarize Bushido. Although simple, they were each and every one of them, absolutely essential for these warriors.

Gi: this refers to rectitude, or justice. It is the power of deciding upon a certain course of conduct in accordance with reason, and without wavering; that is to die when it is right to die, to strike when it is right to strike. This principle also held the warriors responsible for choosing at all times, the correct decision from the heart rather than from the mind.

Yu: this referred to courage and bravery. “Courage is doing what is right” That is, a warrior’s bravery came after rectitude, and courage was only courage when the warriors were doing what was right. This last part was very important, for if a warrior died for a cause that was unworthy of death, it was known as a “dog’s death”.

Jin: This referred to benevolence, love, and magnanimity. This was an extreme virtue. The warrior had to display love and commission, and a stone heart made for a terrible samurai. The warrior had to “show universal love to all mankind” or he was not truly a warrior.

Rei: this referred to courtesy, etiquette, and urbanity of manners. This principle was extremely important, as the samurai believed that it was better for one to die than be impolite. The warrior had to be polite and courteous at all times.

Makoto: this referred to honesty, veracity, sincerity, and truthfulness. There is nothing worse that a dishonest warrior. “Sincerity is in the end and the beginning of all tings, without sincerity there would be nothing.” The warrior had to be honorable in thought, word, and deed, always.

Meiyo: This referred to honor, pride, and glory. There are no better words to characterize the Samurai, these characteristics stood out above all because Samurai were born and bred to value the duties and privileges of their profession. The Samurai had to display glory without ego, and promised to be honorable in thought word and deed.

Chugo: This referred to the Samurai duty of Loyalty and devotion. Samurai displayed complete loyalty to their lords. Life for the Samurai was regarded as a means to serve a lord, and everything (education, and training) were conducted accordingly Warriors had to be loyal to any superiors.

These are the seven principles that made up the whole of Bushido. These are also the virtues that a samurai must have and display daily. In he simplest terms, this was the “Way of the Warrior”. This, in retrospect, defeats the perception that “warriors do nothing but fight”. It proves on the other hand, that warriors led a notably moral and honest life.