Eight virtues of Bushid (as envisioned by Nitobe Inazo)[edit]

[31]
The Bushid code is typified by eight virtues:

Righteousness ( gi ) ?

Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other
people, but from yourself. To the true warrior, all points of view are deeply considered regarding
honestly, justice and integrity. Warriors make a full commitment to their decisions.

Heroic Courage ( y ) ?

Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is
absolutely risky. It is living life completely, fully and wonderfully. Heroic courage is not blind. It is
intelligent and strong.

Benevolence, Compassion ( jin ) ?

Through intense training and hard work the true warrior becomes quick and strong. They are not
as most people. They develop a power that must be used for good. They have compassion. They
help their fellow man at every opportunity. If an opportunity does not arise, they go out of their
way to find one.

Respect ( rei )
?

True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. Warriors are
not only respected for their strength in battle, but also by their dealings with others. The true
strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times.

Integrity ( makoto )
?

When warriors say that they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop them
from completing what they say they will do. They do not have to 'give their word'. They do not
have to 'promise'. Speaking and doing are the same action.

Honour ( meiyo ) ?

Warriors have only one judge of honor and character, and this is themselves. Decisions they
make and how these decisions are carried out is a reflection of whom they truly are. You cannot
hide from yourself.

Duty and Loyalty ( chgi ) ?

Warriors are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said,
and all of the consequences that follow. They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care. To
everyone that they are responsible for, they remain fiercely true.
 Self-Control ( jisei ) ?

Associated virtues[edit]

Filial piety ( k ) ?

Wisdom ( chi ) ?

Fraternity ( tei ) ?

The Nine Noble Virtues: Viking Values for the Warrior Lifestyle

17 September

CATEGORIES: VIKING WISDOM

The Nine Noble Virtues

The Nine Noble Virtues are derived from the ancient Norse teachings and the
Asatru religion, which was the religious views of the Vikings. The main book
that these virtues are taken from is called the Havamal, which I have written
about in a previous blog many months ago. You may also enjoy going back in
my archive and reading some of the quotes from this short but enlightening
book. The Havamal contains a lot of wisdom and also gives insight into the
culture and values of the Vikings.

The Nine Noble Virtues fit perfectly into the warrior lifestyle, as one would
expect since they originated from a warrior culture. These virtues coincide with
the virtues of warrior cultures throughout the world, and once again proves
that true character and honor is universal. Now, lets delve into the virtues of
the Vikings

Courage

The Nine Noble Virtues start with courage. This is very appropriate because
without courage, you cannot live up to your code of honor for very long. The
word courage comes from the Latin word heart. It takes courage to stand
for your beliefs and live according to your own code of ethics. The Vikings
were known for their courage and bravery in battle, but courage applies to
more than simply being brave in battle.

Courage actually applies to every part of your life. It take courage to do what
you know is right, especially when those around you disagree with your point
of view. In our politically correct society, courage is more important than ever.
Your personal values may be challenged on a daily basis. Standing for what
you believe can take a lot of courage.

You must have enough conviction in your beliefs to stand for what you believe
and live your life by your own code. This does not mean that you act in rash
and tactless ways. There is a difference in being courageous and in being
stupid. Have the courage to live by your own code of honor, but do so with
wisdom and discretion.

The test of courage comes when we are in the minority.

Emerson
The brave and generous have the best lives.
Theyre seldom sorry.
The Havamal

Truth

You should have enough confidence in your beliefs and your actions to be
truthful. Truth is simply being honest about what you believe or know to be
true and right. Simply put dont lie. This sounds very straightforward, but
lying has become so commonplace that it is almost expected in todays world.
It shouldnt be this way for the true warrior.

Lying, in most cases, is an act of cowardice. Live according to what you

believe in your heart to be right and you will have no reason to lie about your
actions. If you do not think an action is right dont do it. If something is not
true dont say it. Whenever I write or teach this concept, I inevitably have
people argue that no one truly knows the truth, or that the truth depends on
someones point of view.

While it is true that different people see things differently, and thus perceive
the truth in different ways, that should not affect you. You live by your truth as
best you can. Respect other peoples right to believe what they want, but you
live according to the truth as you perceive it in your life. The main thing to
consider where truth is concerned, is to always be truthful with yourself. Do
not deceive yourself anymore than you would deceive someone else.

The true warrior must make truth a part of his or her life, but as with courage, it
is important to remember that you must do so in the right way. There is a right
way and wrong way to do everything. Sometimes lying is the right thing to do.
The Vikings permitted lying if you were being lied to. The true warrior
understands that honor is not black and white. Every action must be evaluated
by whether or not it is right and it originates from pure intentions.

There is always a way to be honest without being brutal.

Author Dobrin
There should be truth in thought,
truth in speech, and truth in action.
Gandhi

Honor

Without honor, there can be no true warrior, or true human being as far as that
goes. As I just said, honor is not a black and white character trait. It is hard to
define. One could define honor as your internal integrity or dignity. Many
people wrongfully think that their honor simply has to do with their reputation,
but that is not true. It is the warrior who determines his or her honor; your
reputation is determined by other peoples thoughts, for the most part.

You determine your own honor, or lack of honor, by staying true to your own
beliefs and living according to your own code of honor. Your personal honor is
determined internally by your own commitment to live up to your
predetermined ethics. It is your intentions and your actions which determine
your honor, not what someone else thinks. The true warrior, who lives by a
code of honor, will have very few regrets in life because he will know that he
has done the best that he can to live a life of honor with truth and purity of
intention.

Honor is a harder master than the law.

Mark Twain

Our own heart, and not other mens opinion,form our true honor.
Samuel Coleridge

Fidelity

The word fidelity simply means being faithful. There are many things that you
can be faithful to, not all of them of honorable. Fidelity as used in the Nine
Noble Virtues refers to being faithful or loyal to God, to yourself and your
beliefs, to your family, and to your friends. The warrior will defend his family
and friends no matter what the cost, because of his dedication to this virtue.

Being loyal and faithful to those that the warrior loves is non-negotiable. The
Vikings knew this. If someone murdered a Vikings family, he or she would
have an obligation to seek vengeance and puts things right. This is not the
same thing as seeking revenge. There is a difference in revenge and in fulfilling
an obligation to your loved ones.

Only those with honor can be true friends because it takes loyalty, faithfulness
and honor to be a true friend. All others are mere acquaintances. The true
warrior is also a true friend once that bond has been entered into. He will take
his fidelity to his friends and family seriously, as he does his spiritual
relationship with his God.

Be your friends true friend.

The Havamal

Be slow to give your friendship,

but when you have given it,
strive to make it lasting.
Isocrates

Discipline

Discipline, as referred to in the Nine Noble Virtues, mostly means self-

discipline. These virtues or qualities are not perfected overnight. It takes
discipline to live according to your own personal code of ethics. The true
warrior lives according to his own code, rather than according to what corrupt
politicians or cultural standards dictate. This means that he must exercise a
great deal of self-discipline.

If the warrior is going to live by his own standards, he must be willing to

control his own actions. Many things that are legal go against the warriors
own code of honor, and many things that governments declare illegal may be
permitted by the warriors personal standards. In order for the warrior to stay
true to his own principles and virtues, he must develop self-discipline.

He who lives without discipline dies without honor.

Icelandic Proverb

What lies in our power to do,

it lies in our power not to do.
Aristotle

Hospitality

Hospitality is definitely a warrior trait. The warrior is expected to treat others

with respect and dignity. You must see other people as people who deserve to
be treated with respect and courtesy. The Vikings believed that sometimes the
gods would visit people in human form and that in being disrespectful to
strangers they could also be disrespecting the gods. The Bible also states a
similar belief, stating that many people have entertained angels unknowingly
when they have entertained strangers.

Whether or not angels or gods visit people in the form of strangers is

irrelevant. What matters is that you treat everyone with respect and courtesy.
The warrior does this because it is a part of his own code of ethics. You should
treat others with hospitality not because they deserve it, but because that is
how you behave towards other people. It has to do with your own principles;
what others deserve has nothing to do with it.

It is the task of a good man to help those in misfortune.

Sophocles
We should behave to our friends as we
would wish our friends to behave to us.
Aristotle

Industriousness

Industriousness simply means the willingness to work hard at whatever you

do. If something is worth doing, do it well. Do it with pride and do it to the best
of your ability. The Vikings looked down on those who were lazy and felt that
their gods looked down on those who were lazy also. The warrior has to work
hard and smart to take care of his family.

This doesnt just apply to your vocation, but to everything you do your entire
way of life. The true warrior is a person of excellence. He or she will do
everything with care and detail. Mediocre acts are not acceptable. Warriors set
high expectations for themselves in everything that they do, and they refuse to
lower their standards in their work or their personal beliefs.

He preaches well that lives well.

Cervantes

Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than

anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself.
Henry Ward Beecher

Self-Reliance

Warriors are by nature independent beings. This doesnt mean that the warrior
doesnt like other people or enjoy being around other people, but rather that he
strives to ensure that he doesnt have to depend on others for his survival. The
warrior is responsible for taking care of himself and his family; this is his first
and foremost duty in life. He is never comfortable if his familys welfare
depends on something outside of his own control.

Being dependent on someone else for your own needs puts you in a
dangerous position. Such a position can make it very hard on the warrior as he
may be put into a position to choose between his standards and principles or
his job. For this reason, it is best to strive to be as independent of outside
influences as possible. This is hard to do in todays world. Being frugal and
financially stable is an important part of being self-reliant. Do your best not to
have to depend on other people for your welfare.

It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.

Aesop

The greatest fruit of self-sufficiency is freedom.

Epicurus

Perseverance

Without perseverance you will not be successful in applying the Nine Noble
Virtues in your life. No one is perfect and you will make mistakes. In order to
live the warrior lifestyle, you cannot simply give up and quit when you fall short
of your mark. You must persevere. You must not give up.

The warriors code of honor is too important for him to give up or give in when
the going gets tough. The warrior lifestyle is a lifelong way of living. Being a
true warrior is not something you try; it is something you are. It is a way of
living, a way of being. You dont try to be a warrior you either are a warrior or
you are not a warrior. You either have honor and integrity or you dont. For the
true warrior, falling short doesnt not mean failing, it means learning and being
determined to do better next time. Perseverance is essential to live the warrior
lifestyle.
First say to yourself what you would be;
and then do what you have to do.
Epictetus

There is nothing impossible to him who will try.

Alexander the Great

These were the ideals that the Vikings lived by and the principles that they
taught their children. The Nine Noble Virtues are still wonderful ideals to teach
children today. If you will integrate these virtues into your everyday life, you
will find that you are living a much more noble life. Think about these traits and
develop your own standards or code of honor. Live with honor!

The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world
is to be in reality what we would appear to be; all human
virtues increase and strengthen themselves by
the practice and experience of them.
Socrates

Bohdi
WarriorWisdom
The Seven Principles of Bushido

Bushid () or the Way of the Warrior describes a uniquely Japanese code of

ethical conduct adhered to by the samurai. It is loosely analogous to Western
concepts of chivalry (think Knights of the Round Table) and yet it is more. Bushido
encompasses a system of moral principles. It embodies a code of daily living for the
samurai. Those instructed in the code are expected to discipline themselves
according to it. There are seven principles of Bushido:

1. Rectitude. Correct judgment or procedure for the resolution of righteousness. To

die when it is right to die, to strike when it is right to strike.

2. Courage. A virtue only in the cause of righteousness. Death for an unworthy

cause was termed a dogs death. It is true courage to live when it is right to live, and
to die only when it is right to die.

3. Benevolence. Love, affection for others, sympathy and nobility of feeling are
regarded as the highest attributes of the soul. Benevolence brings under its sway
whatever hinder its power just as water subdues fire.

4. Politeness. A poor virtue if it is actuated only by a fear of offending good taste.

Rather it should stem from a sympathetic regard for the feeling of others. In its
highest form politeness approaches love.

5. Veracity. Truthfulness. Lying was deemed cowardly, and it was regarded as

dishonorable. Indeed the word of a samurai guaranteed the truthfulness of an
assertion. No oath is necessary. Propriety carried beyond bounds becomes a lie.

6. Honor. A vivid consciousness of personal dignity and worth is implicit in the word
honor. Dishonor is like a scar on a tree which time, instead of effacing only helps to
enlarge.

7. Loyalty. Only in the code of chivalrous honor does loyalty assume importance. In
the conflict between loyalty and affection the code never wavers from the choice of
loyalty. A samurai was obliged to appeal to the intelligence and conscience of his
sovereign by demonstrating the sincerity of his words with the shedding of his own
blood.
The Samurai Code
Bushido is the proper term for the Samurai Code. It means "The way of th
The Bushido held restrictions on the Samurai, prohibiting them to do many things and to live a
good for Samurai, but for everyone as it will make each who follows a tru

There are seven virtues of the Bushido.

1. "Gi"-Integrity. To do the right thing by yourself. A Samurai must be smart in making choices and alwa
will make the right choice even if left alone. Practice Gi in everything you

2. "Yuuki"-Bravery and courage. To show courage every moment of living, in danger or not.

3. "Jin"- Kindness and compassion. To show everyone kindness and show compassion for all regardless.

4. "Rei"- Politeness. Politeness is different in Japan, politeness is more than just being kind, its about car
borders an almost love-like feeling.
 5. "Makoto"- Honesty. Be true by the actions you show, and by the words you speak. Follow the laws of
honest person.

6. "Meiyo"- To enjoy the honor. A Samurai must earn honor and enjoy it if he is to satisfying the codes o

7. "Chuugi"- To be loyal. To be trustful, loyal, and show these unconditionally to others.

The Bushido code is a unique set of codes that allowed the Samurai to be the utmost professional warriors ti
in Japan, it is popular all over the world, a book on the Bushido called Bushido, The Soul of Japan written b
Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.
The Warrior Lifestyle

What is the warrior lifestyle? The true warrior is a rare person in todays world. He lives life with a
different set of values compared with the rest of society. Even those who do share the same
values, rarely live a lifestyle which adheres to those values to the extent that the warrior does. To
most people, ethics are situational. They make decisions according to what is best for them,
instead of what is right. This is not the case with the warrior. The warrior values honor, integrity,
justice, and his sense of what is right, above all else. His ethics are not situational; they are his
way of life.

The warrior lifestyle revolves around a code of ethics which is non-negotiable. The warriors code
of ethics, or code of honor, is taken very seriously. To the warrior, distinguishing between right
and wrong is of the utmost importance. He sees right and wrong in terms of black and white. He
knows that an action is either honorable or dishonorable. This is not meant to imply that honor is
black and white; honor is not that simple.

Those who live the lifestyle of the warrior know that whether or not an action is honorable, is
determined by both ones intentions and the situation at hand. This is not to be confused with
situational ethics. The warriors ethics do not change according to the situation. His actions will
change as needed, but his ethics remain set in stone. There is a big difference between ethics
and actions. Ethics determine actions; actions do not determine ethics.

The warrior lifestyle is concerned with what is right and what is honorable. A warriors ethics
revolve around these two issues. Justice and honor are foremost on his mind. His thoughts are
centered on what is right, not on other peoples opinions of what is right. He realizes that many
people profess a belief in absolutes which they neither live by, nor truly believe in, when push
comes to shove.

The only absolute that the warrior lives by is that of what is right and wrong. If it is not right, he
doesnt do it. He determines what is right and wrong by his strict code of ethics, not some
arbitrary laws or the politically correct standards of the day. The warrior doesnt appear to be
honorable; he is honorable. Sincerity is ingrained in this lifestyle. This is a lifestyle that is meant to
be lived, not fantasized about or merely discussed.

This lifestyle consist of much more than being trained in the art of war or the art of self-defense,
although these are an important part of the life of the warrior. It also consists of the challenge to
perfect ones character. This is a process much like the Japanese concept of kaizen. Kaizen can
be translated as constant, never-ending improvement. True warriors try to apply this concept to
every area of their life. They seek to balance and improve each area spirit, mind and body, on a
daily basis.

Each area of your life is important and should be kept in balance. Training men in the art of war or
in the art of martial arts, without regard to character, only produces a dangerous man; it does not
produce a warrior. In years past, the martial arts masters would not train someone fully until they
felt assured of that persons character. Today most schools will train anyone who can pay,
regardless of their character or lack of character. This is dangerous information to give to just any
and everyone who comes along. In my opinion, character should be a prerequisite, not only for
martial arts training, but for many of the privileges which we enjoy in this country.

I am asked often whether or not I believe that the term warrior should apply only to military men
and women who have been in war or to trained and experienced fighters. Although I realize this is
the literal definition of a warrior, I do not believe that this is the correct definition, not according to
the many accounts from past warriors anyway. This literal definition of a warrior is not the
definition that is used for our discussion of the warrior lifestyle in Warrior Wisdom . An ape can be
trained to throw punches and kick, a dog can be trained to fight, but that doesnt make either of
them warriors. Being a warrior involves more than being trained to fight or being in the military; it
involves character training as well. Character training is the true goal of Bushido, the way of the
warrior.
Please dont misunderstand me; I have great respect for our military men and women. But I
believe that anyone who has ever served in the military will agree that not every soldier lives by
the character traits which are necessary for the warrior lifestyle, anymore than every martial artist
or every person in general lives by these standards. Im not taking anything away from those who
serve our country. Every person who serves our country deserves our respect and gratitude, but
service doesnt necessarily indicate that a person is concerned with perfecting his or her
character. It is rare to find people who take their ethics seriously today. It is common to find
people who claim to take their ethics seriously, but I am referring to people who walk to the walk,

not just talk the talk.

Yes, the warrior is concerned with physical training and the martial arts, but he also knows that
character training is the cornerstone of the warrior lifestyle. The true warrior should be trained in
martial arts. His ethics require that he be ready to defend his family, friends, or himself in certain
situations. In todays world, you never know when you may have to use your martial arts skills. It
is essential that you have this training to be as self-reliant and as safe as possible, but without a
code of ethics, which is based on a deep understanding of right and wrong, there is no warrior;
there is only someone trained to fight. There is a difference. Without the character traits of honor,
integrity and justice, there is no warrior lifestyle.
In short, the warrior lifestyle is for anyone who want to live a life of excellence; a life which
adheres to a strict code of ethics. You must be willing to live your life based on honor,
preparedness and what is right. This lifestyle requires that you put your ethics before your
comfort, and that you put what is right before what is profitable. It requires filial duty, dedication to
family and friends, and a willingness to help those in need. It requires independence in thought
and action. This lifestyle is a decision, not a profession.

This is just a brief introduction to the lifestyle of the warrior. Each of these points can be greatly
expanded and I understand that not everyone will agree with my assessment. Even if you
disagree with my definition of a warrior or the characteristics of the warrior lifestyle, you will still
find the wisdom in this book to be very useful. Warrior Wisdom seeks to provide the reader with
wisdom from throughout the ages that will help him live the warrior lifestyle. This lifestyle is not a
goal to be achieved, but rather a road to be traveled. May you travel this road with honor.

Bohdi Sanders, Ph.D.

The 10 Universal Laws of the Warrior

Code

by Dawn Callan

1. Pay Attention. Stay in the present. Its the only place anything real is happening.
2. Take Responsibility. This is your life, take it back. Either you get to own it or you
get to blame someone or something else for it. Choose.

3. No Kvetching (to complain persistently). No whining, no sniveling it takes you

out of the present and lets you abdicate responsibility.

4. Dont Take Any Abuse. Its very bad for ones self esteem to take any abuse. Stand
up to your tyrants, both internal and external. The cost is too great not to.

5. Do It Anyway. Hard choices temper our strength and our integrity; they make the
difference between a life of excellence and a life of mediocrity.

6. Dont Quit. Look at what stops you, at where you give the effort up. That is the
edge between becoming a victim or a warrior.

7. Keep Your Agreements. A warrior is only as good as his or her word. The way we
build self-trust and trust in others is by making and keeping agreements.

8. Keep Your Sense of Humor. Otherwise whats the point? Humor helps us to stretch
beyond our own limits and ourselves.

9. Love One Another. Otherwise wheres the meaning? Its the way we remember
were not alone in the universe.

10. Honor Your Connection To The Source. There is a force in the universe, greater
than ourselves that creates us, provides for us, cares for us, guides us, and loves us.
It speaks to us from within. Trust it.

HONESTY AND JUSTICE

Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people.

Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself.
To the true Exemplar, there are no shades of gray in the
question of honesty and justice. There is only right and wrong.

POLITE COURTESY
A Warrior has no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove
their strength. AnExemplar is courteous even to his enemies.
Without this outward show of respect, we are nothing more than
animals.

HEROIC COURAGE

Rise up above the masses of people who are afraid to act.

Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A Fighter
must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky, It is
dangerous. It is living life completely, fully, wonderfully.
Heroic courage is not blind, it is intelligent and strong.

HONOR

A true person of honor has only one judge of honor, and this is
him/herself. Decisions you make and how these decisions are
carried out are a refection of whom you truly are. You cannot
hide from yourself.

COMPASSION

Through intense training the Fighter becomes quick and strong.

He is not as other men. He develops a power that must be used
for the good of all. He has compassion. He helps his fellow man
at every opportunity. If an opportunity does not arise, he goes
out of his way to find one.

COMPLETE SINCERITY

When a Warrior has said he will perform an action, it is as

good as done. Nothing will stop him from completing what he has
said he will do. He does not have to give his word. He does
not have to promise.

DUTY AND LOYALTY

For the Warrior, having done some thing or said some thing,
he knows he owns that thing. He is responsible for it, and
all the consequences that follow. A Warrior is immensely loyal
to those in his care, to those he is responsible for, he
remains fiercely true.

Warrior Quotes

The path of the Warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on
the path. Richard Strozzi Heckler, In Search of the Warrior Spirit
My life is simple, my food is plain, and my quarters are uncluttered. In all
things, I have sought clarity. I face the troubles and problems of life and
death willingly. Virtue, integrity and courage are my priorities. I can be
approached, but never pushed; befriended but never coerced; killed but
never shamed. Admiral Yi Sun-shin, Last letter to an old friend.
1. Be loyal to your king.
2. Be obedient to your parents.
3. Be honorable to your friends.
4. Never retreat in battle.
5. Make a just kill.
Hwarang Warriors Code of Conduct

1. Do not think dishonestly.

2. The Way is in training.
3. Become acquainted with every art.
4. Know the Ways of all professions.
5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.
6. Develop intuitive judgment and understanding for everything
7. Percieve those things which cannot be seen.
8. Pay attention even to trifles.
9. Do nothing which is of no use.
Musashi Miyamoto, A Book Of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho)
Focus on your one purpose
Japanese motto
The Way of a Warrior is based on humanity, love, and sincerity; the heart
of martial valor is true bravery, wisdom, love, and friendship. Emphasis on
the physical aspects of warriorship is futile, for the power of the body is
always limited.
Ueshiba Morihei, The Art Of Peace
The man who would be a warrior considers it his most basic intention to
keep death always in mind, day and night, from the time he first picks up
his chopsticks in celebrating his morning meal on New Years Day to the
evening of the last day of the year. When one constantly keeps death in
mind, both loyalty and filial piety are realized, myriad evils and disasters
are avoided, one is without illness and mishap, and lives out a long life. In
addition, even his character is improved. Such are the many benifits of this
act.
Daidoji Yuzan, Budoshoshinshu: The Warriors Primer (William Scott
Wilson translation)

Whenever you meet difficult

situations dash forward bravely and joyfully.
Tsunetomo Yamamoto, Hagakure
Take arrows in your forehead, but never in your back.
Samurai maxim

You can prevent your opponent from defeating you through defense, but
you cannot defeat him without taking the offensive.
Sun Tzu
The fighter is to be always single-minded with one object in view: to fight,
looking neither backward nor sidewise. To go straight forward in order to
crush the enemy is all that is necessary for him.
Daisetz Suzuki

If you walk, just walk. If you sit, just sit. But whatever you do, dont
wobble.
Master Ummon

Go to the battlefield firmly confident of victory and you will come home
with no wounds whatsoever.
Samurai general Kenshin Uesugi (1530-78)

The warriors intention should be

simply to grasp his sword and to die.
Kiyomasa Kato (1562-1611)
He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.
Friedrich Nietzsche

First see to it that you, yourself, are all right, then think of defeating an
opponent.
The Way of the Spear
 If you know the art of breathing you
have the strength, wisdom and courage of ten tigers.
Chinese adage
The focused mind can pierce through stone.
Japanese maxim

When attacking, dont be careless.

The Way of the Spear
Tomorrows battle is won during todays practice.
Samurai maxim

The end of our Way of the sword is to be fearless when confronting our
inner enemies and our outer enemies.
Tesshu Yamaoka, 19th century Kendo master

To fight and conquer in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To
subdue the enemy with no fight at all, thats the highest skill.
Sun Tsu

Its a difficult thing to truly know your own limits and points of weakness.
Hagakure

If the enemy stays spirited it is

difficult to crush him.
Musashi Miyamoto
A warrior must only take care that his spirit is never broken.
Shissai

Dont always think in a straight line.

The Way of the Spear
Katte, kabuto no o o shime yo!
After victory, tighten you helmet cords!
Samurai battle cry
I am a Shawnee. My forefathers were warriors. Their son is a warriorFrom
my tribe I take nothing. I am the maker of my own fortune.
Tecumseh

Only as a warrior can one withstand

the path of knowledge. A warrior cannot complain or regret anything. His
life is an endless challenge, and challenges cannot possibly be good or
bad. Challenges are simply challenges. Carlos Castaneda
Whenever a warrior decides to do something, he must go all the way, but
he must take responsibility for what he does. No matter what he does, he
must know first why he is doing it, and then he must proceed with his
actions without having doubts or remorse about them. Carlos Castaneda

Theres no way to put a limit on what one may accomplish individually if

the intent is an impeccable intent. Don Juans teachings are not spiritual. I
repeat this because the question has come to the surface over and over.
The idea of spirituality doesnt fit with the iron discipline of a warrior. The
most important thing for a shaman like don Juan is the idea of
pragmatism. Carlos Castaneda

A warrior considers himself already dead, so there is nothing to lose. The

worst has already happened to him, therefore hes clear and calm; judging
him by his acts or by his words, one would never suspect that he has
witnessed everything. Carlos Castaneda

A warrior must learn to make every act count, since he is going to be here
in this world for only a short while, in fact, too short for witnessing all the
marvels of it. Carlos Castaneda
 The two worst strategic mistakes to
make are acting prematurely and letting an opportunity slip; to avoid this,
the warrior treats each situation as if it were unique and never resorts to
formulae, recipes or other peoples opinions. Paulo Coelho
A warrior of light who trusts too much in his intelligence will end up
underestimating the power of his opponent. Paulo Coelho

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go
to war first and then seek to win. Sun Tzu

A man flattened by an opponent can get up again. A man flattened by

conformity is down for good. Thomas J. Watson, Jr.

Always hold your head up, but be careful to keep your nose at a friendly
level. Max L. Forman

Contempt is the weapon of the weak and a defense against ones own
despised and unwanted feelings. Alice Miller

Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance. Samuel

Johnson
Holding on to anger only gives you tense muscles. Joan Lunden

The only one who can beat me is me. Michael Johnson

I do not know with what weapons World War 3 will be fought, but World
War 4 will be fought with sticks and stones. Albert Einstein