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Bushido
Eight Ways on How to Become a Samurai
13
Jan
Jan
How to Become a Samurai
The legends of the Japanese warrior or the Samurai has interested many. They’re famous for stories about their military prowess. They’re also renowned for their political involvement. Indeed, it takes a lot of guts to become a Samurai.
The Samurai originated from the word ‘Saburai’ that means one who serves. The rise of these warriors from mounted warriors to nobility takes a lot of interests.
Also, they are famous for their acts and literary traditions. These are their successes as leaders of Japan. In the end, their legacy left great impressions on contemporary culture. They have influenced modern writers and filmmakers working on diverse genres.
The Samurai were then compared to the chivalry of the European knights. Today, medieval swords are famous, too. Moreover, it attracts a substantial interest in different countries and cultures. Many young people find the Samurai as a source of historical curiosity.
Today, the tale of the Samurai translates to the genre called Japanese animation. Countless anime shows present the adventures of the Japanese warriors. It delights millions around the world. The truth is, it leads many to share a secret desire to be one.
Many ponder and ask how does one become a Samurai? Soon, we will find out the answers about these enigmatic Japanese warriors.
To Become a Samurai, One Must Meditate
First, the Samurai is a special kind of warrior. He is a meditative warrior. Life and death are equal to him. But honor and dignity are higher than anything else. If dishonored and questioned, he commits Hara-Kiri. He uses meditation, swordsmanship, archery, and all his other skills to keep his place.
Through meditation, a Samurai uses a form of self-hypnosis. It helps his spiritual beliefs or awareness transcend. The daily practice of Zen and breathing exercises improve his physical condition.
History is a witness to the longevity of Zen masters. So they practice meditation despite their simple mode of living.
Meditation develops their self-control. Because they know it is a subduing factor, they continue to harness inner control. It makes them capable of tempering anger, jealousy, and hatred.
Also, it awakens man’s positive emotions like sympathy, mercy, and generosity. Thus, making him a well-rounded person both in the physical and the spiritual context. That’s one step on how to become a Samurai.
One Must Practice the Virtues of Bushido
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Second, justice is the strongest virtue of Bushido. A well-known Samurai defined it as the power to decide. Their motto is “to die, is to die right, and to strike, when it’s right to strike.” Bushido defines the entire being of a Samurai.
It is not laws but virtues that preserve the purity of a warrior’s chosen path. Bushido guides the conduct of a Samurai. It is similar to how a warrior places the blade of his katana to his hiding place.
Likewise, it determines his moral authority. It defines his soul. In short, the Bushido is the reason for the warrior’s existence.
One Must Physically Be Fit and Agile
Early on the development of Japanese swordplay, to become a Samurai means using different training techniques. Training with a real sword was not an option. Because of its threat to inflict wounds that will lead to death, they used wooden swords.
So, they used fake swords and other materials in their practice sessions. Eventually, this contributed to the vast improvement in their combat techniques. It also improves most of all to their physical development. A trained mind must have a trained body.
One Must Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
In medieval Japan, the usual meal for a peasant is vegetables, rice, and fish, which are to make pottage. Pottage is a thick stew often served among the low-income class.
The Samurai has a wider array of food than the peasants. Their diet mainly consists of rice, fruits, soy products, vegetables, seafood, and meat.
In contrast, the upper class was wealthy in medieval Japan. They could afford to eat food like Tempura, Miso, Khaki, Zoni, and many more types of meat. Saki and tea were also popular drinks for the emperor, Shogun, and Daimyo. Later, it included the Samurai class. The balanced diet of vegetable, seafood, and meat was present in their meals.
Again, together with physical rejuvenation, a healthy diet is required to get the strength to become a Samurai.
One Must Prioritize Service
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To be in service to the command of their lords and loyalty is the heart and soul of the Samurai, even if he has to face death. His entire day, weeks, and years are all spent in service. It revolves around the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of his master.
Today, service to others is a value he carries. It is through service to others that one can live a good life.
One Must Be Mindful At All Times
One of the main aims of a Samurai is the improvement of physical and mental health. If practiced, it will improve physical and psychological health.
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Similarly, it increases one’s well-being. It helps achieve concentration and clarity of mind. This is why mindfulness is so important to them. It means paying attention to an internal focus, just like the focus in preparing a flower arrangement for a Japanese tea ceremony. Indeed this leads to how one can become a Samurai.
One Must Practice A Form Art
The Samurai were not only warriors, but they were also innovative artists, skillful in different art forms such as calligraphy, painting, music, and poetry. Generally, they see life as a major component of art. Eventually, it was as important as their physical training and spiritual practice.
Even so, their contribution was not only to Japan’s history of warfare. These warriors gave exceptional contributions to Japan’s magnificent craftsmanship, history, and art. They even gave significant contributions to the Kabuki theater.
To Become a Samurai, One Must Not Stop Learning
Lastly, educated warriors are important. Most of the time, the degree of a Samurai is dependent on the wealth of his family. For the poor ones, it doesn’t stop them from learning. The commoners would send their sons to traditional schools for basic education. They receive most of their training from their parents or other relatives. And young boys belonging to affluent families go to academies.
Training for martial arts was crucial to the life of a young Samurai. Thus, it starts at an early age. They learn the finer things in art and literature and military strategy. Aside from military skills, they learn to be well-versed with history. During the peaceful time of Tokugawa era, their skills as a warrior were not needed. It is at this point that their academic knowledge became useful.
To become a Samurai is definitely not easy. But it shows us that it isn’t just about learning the ways of the sword or the ability to fight. It is about living the life of an intelligent and disciplined being.