A Critique of Bushido: "Do not Ask Them How I Died. Ask Them How I Lived."

As someone who has emigrated twice in my life, first to Canada (from Ireland) and then to Japan (from Canada), I have always sat between worlds - never quite at 'home in any but enjoying the benefits of all. Although I consider myself "Irish," I am not sure what that even means, for I know much of how I think and problem-solve I do via a Canadian or Japanese lens - it depends on the desired outcome. However, I hold the idea that a lived life matters dear. Not perpetually preparing for old age or death but rather as the quote proclaims to live deeply. This is how I have approached my life, for better or worse, since I became conscious that I could shape my destiny. The quote from Henry David Thoreau. 
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms."
{This is from his book "Walden," specifically from the chapter "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For."}

So when it comes to Bushido, or was it considered Bushido in the common press, I have serious reservations. However, let me explain.

Firstly, it is crucial to debunk the myth of a monolithic Bushido code. Contrary to popular belief, Bushido is not a single, unchanging doctrine but a collection of various codes that evolved over centuries, tailored to the needs and values of different clans. The term 武士道 (Bushidō), often romanticised in modern interpretations, obscures a complex historical reality. For instance, the Tokugawa clan's interpretation emphasised loyalty and obedience to the shogunate, while the Shimazu clan valued cunning and strategic thinking. These divergent codes reflected their respective times' and leaders' practical needs and philosophical foundations.

From a European perspective, the glorification of death, as seen in specific interpretations of Bushido, contrasts starkly with Western philosophies that celebrate the virtues of living. Thinkers such as Michel de Montaigne and Marcus Aurelius have long emphasised that the quality of life and the wisdom gained through experience are paramount. Montaigne's essays, for instance, often explore the richness of human experience, urging us to live fully and reflectively. Similarly, the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius values rational living and personal virtue over the mere fact of death. This stark contrast underscores the need for a balanced and reflective approach to living, drawing on both Eastern and Western philosophies.

Moreover, it is essential to contextualise the samurai's esteemed position within Japanese society. Unlike in Japan, where the warrior class was revered, Confucian societies typically viewed warriors as the lowest rung of the social hierarchy. Confucius regarded scholars and sages as the pinnacle of society, relegating warriors to a status beneath farmers and artisans. This distinction highlights a significant cultural divergence: the Japanese warrior's honour-bound existence was not universally esteemed across East Asia. This cultural context is crucial to understanding the unique position of the samurai and the values they upheld.

To illustrate this point further, consider the Kanji 忠義 (chūgi), representing loyalty and righteousness, pivotal to many samurai codes. While this concept was indeed crucial, its interpretation and application varied. The Asakura clan, for instance, might have prioritised 忠義 (chūgi) in the context of familial loyalty and fealty to their immediate lord. In contrast, the Tokugawa shogunate might have interpreted it in a broader, more political context, demanding loyalty to the overarching state.

The romanticised notion of Bushido as a single, rigid code does a disservice to the rich, diverse history of the samurai. It oversimplifies a complex array of values into a caricature, often used to propagate anachronistic ideals. Understanding the multiplicity of Bushido codes allows us to appreciate the breadth of samurai thought and the pragmatic realities of their lives.

In conclusion, while the notion of a glorious death might hold some allure, the lived experiences, the wisdom gained, and the virtues cultivated over a lifetime truly define a person. As a practitioner and teacher of traditional martial arts, my focus remains on how we live our lives, drawing on both Eastern and Western philosophies to inform a balanced and reflective approach to living.

The samurai's life, replete with duty, honour, and personal growth, offers lessons far beyond the battlefield. By focusing on "how I lived" rather than "how I died," we can honour the samurai's legacy more authentically. This perspective encourages us to lead lives of purpose and virtue, grounded in the wisdom of varied traditions.