Bushido: Code of Conduct

1. Samurais were expected to be honest, brave, and intensely loyal to his lord.

2. “Samurai” means “those who serve.”3. They were fearless fighters that often kill themselves than lose honor.

If samurais failed to follow bushido, they perform seppuku.

Seppuku is a form of ritual suicide.

Samurais were more than warriors. They were educated in art, writing, and literature. They were devout Buddhists also.

Even though emperors continued to rule, shoguns (commander-in-chief), were more powerful.

Medieval Japan

Samurai’s Armor and Weapons

Wearing a sword was a privilege and right of a samurai.

Swords were passed down to families or given as prizes to loyal warriors.

Military Training and Fighting:

Archery Swordmanship Martial Arts

Mental Training

1. They had to learn self-control. a. They meditated

everyday to overcome the fear of death.

b. They think of themselves as already dead before battle.

Samurais were expected to be students of culture. They were trained in calligraphy - a beautiful form of writing.

They also created a form of poetry called haiku. 5,7,5 = 17 syllables.

Tea Ceremony: it fosters a spirit of harmony, reverence, and calm.

This is how samurais ally with each other.

Spiritual Strength:

1. Amida Buddhism: They believed that

they will reach a Pure Land when they die.

2. Zen Buddhism: They believed in self-reliance and meditation. It helped samurais focus their minds and discipline.

Japanese Women in the 12th century:Women could also become samurai.

Samurai women enjoyed considerable status, they-managed the household

-Inherited property when the husband died

-Fought when needed and were expected to be as loyal and brave as men.

What can you say about Japanese women in the the 17th century?