Bushido means “warrior way” in Japanese.

My brother and I grew up being heavily influenced by our AMAZING grandmother Kazue McMaster (Takahashi). She grew up in Japan until a few years after World War 2 until she fell in love with my grandfather and came to the states. She taught us many great lessons about honor, respect, and bushido (as well as origami lessons, sushi making sessions, and watching sumo). I have found that the closer I live to bushido in my own life the more optimal it got.

Bushido was meant for the samurai of Japan, however, it can be applied by anyone to obtain optimal function of mind/body/spirit. There are 7 virtues of bushido one may apply to their life and specifically to their own temple (body) to become a modern day samurai:

Gi (Integrity): to pursue any and all things with your best effort and with the utmost nobility.

Rei (Respect): no matter status or hierarchy, everyone should be treated with love and high regard (including yourself)

Yu (Courage): even if you are not good at something or scared; to act bravely out of motivation of heart, relying on God’s love and protection

Meiyo (Honor): despite adversity or evil; to act in accordance to moral code and to uphold justice

Jin (Compassion): having empathy to yourself and others so that you may see things multidimensionally

Makoto (Honesty): be truthful at all times (especially to yourself)

Chu (Loyalty): to uphold duty of service, love, and relationship with others, yourself, and God