Topic:
Compare and contrast between the Japanese samurai’s warrior code and the
European knight’s warrior code.
There
are many similarities between the codes of honor of the Japanese samurai and
the European knight and some distinct differences.
The Japanese samurai lived by a code of honor
called bushido or the way of the
warrior (Text 395). The ideals of bushido
came from blending the principles of Chan Buddhism (also known as Zen
Buddhism in Japan) with martial virtues. A Zen Buddhist practitioner is taught
to look within themselves, through a highly disciplined from of meditation
called zazen, to achieve a mental
state of fearlessness and spontaneous action called no-mind (Personal
experience). The result of blending Zen Buddhism with martial virtues “was the
highest expression of political leadership and personal conduct during the time
of the Samurai (Sources 414). There
are seven principles to bushido that
the Samurai would hold close to his heart: 1) Honor, 2) Courage 3) Loyalty, 4)
Wisdom, 5) Benevolence, 6) Honesty and 7) Respect . These seven principles are
evident in Shiba Yosimasa “Advice to a Young Samurai”. For example, in the
opening lines Yosimasa gives advice on the principle of honor, “[A Samurai]
should behave in a manner considerate not only of their own honor, but also the
honor of their descendents” (Sources 415). The Samurai principles of loyalty
and courage are clear in the teachings of Yosimasa; he suggests that a Samurai would
be expected to give up his life “for the sake of a sole sovereign, or serving
under military command in time of need” (Sources 415). On the principle of wisdom, Yosimasa advises,
“Warriors should never be thoughtless or absentminded but handle all things
with forethought” (Sources 414). Imagawa
Ryoshun, a Buddhist military commander, in a letter that was later used for
instruction for young Samurai, Ryoshun directly teaches on the Samurai
principle of respect, “You ought to show the utmost respect to Buddhist monks
and priests…” (Sources 416). Yosimasa also advises that a Samurai should show
respect to his parents by suggesting that a Samurai, “should emulate a bad parent
rather than a good stranger” (Sources 415). On the principles of honesty and
benevolence Yosimasa teaches that “neither deities nor buddhas will disregard a
person who’s mind is honest and compassionate” (Sources 415).
The
European knight lived by a code of honor that is called chivalry. Many knights
looked at the life and death of the biblical character Jesus Christ as the
highest form of honor and manly virtue (Class). For example, When Jesus was being
questioned by Pontius Pilate, Jesus could have denied his faith and possibly avoided
death at the hand of the Romans; however, when asked “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus boldly and defiantly replied “Yes, it is as you say” (Mark 15:2). Furthermore,
in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he teaches “Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Sources 224). European
knights also learned from Jesus’ teachings on peace and loving-kindness. Such
as, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches, “Blessed are the pure of heart…Blessed
are the merciful…Blessed are the peace keepers for they will be called sons of
God” (Sources 224). Tales of honorable knights personifying the teachings of
Jesus Christ is evident in the tale of King Arthur and his knights of the round
table (Class). One of King Arthur’s knights, Lancelot, is known for his honor,
courage, loyalty and selflessness. In the tale of King Arthur and Guinevere,
Lancelot displays the highest of chivalric values by going on a quest to save
Guinevere from the evil the black knight. Lancelot was extremely loyal to King
Arthur and willing to risk life and limb in order to appease his king. This
lesson of loyalty was not lost on the European knight, they swore allegiance
and pledged military service to greater lords or kings (Text 436). Stories of King Arthur and Lancelot were told
to many young knights and became a code of conduct for the European knight
(Class).
There
is one key difference between the Japanese samurai and the European knight. If
a samurai lost or betrayed his honor by not upholding the principles of bushido a samurai could redeem his honor
by performing the act of seppuku (ritual
suicide) (Sources 414). However, a European knight, coming from a Christian or Catholic
background, would have found the idea of ritual suicide appalling (Ecclesiastes
7:17). To my understanding, there is no advice for the European knight if he
loses his honor on how he can regain it. I would think that he simply had to
live in disgrace until an opportunity presented itself to redeem his honor by a
heroic or selfless act.
Chivalry is the flower of humanity (unknown).
By living by codes of honor, warriors of the past strived to be more than
simply killers for hire. These principles were not only good for ancient times;
but men and woman, old and young, would benefit by applying them today.
