In Small Circles of 5 Animals Jujitsu the 7 Virtues of Bushido are taught, meditated on and upheld. It is no good to just to be able to memorize the names of each and recite them. In the true essence of Bushido, one must go deep within the self and find the foundations upon which each virtue lives and grows. Each foundation is like an herb garden. Herbs contain powerful medicinal value, as do the 7 Virtues. The herb garden must be tended and cultivated for the herbs to grow and flourish with the optimal potency. The internal foundation for each Virtue is like that. It is a way of life.
It is important to remember that during the feudal times of the samurai these codes did not exist in the way they are looked up to today. The early samurai were ruthless and primitive in the ways of these virtues. It is thought by historians that these virtues came about in the latter years of the samurai and even afterwards through spiritual seeking of self refinement. Hollywood movies of great samurai codes of conduct based upon these 7 virtues clash drastically with actual historical writings. Nevertheless, as with many things in life, an aim to refine and master is a continual process of slow cultivation founded within the roots of the past. Whether or not the samurai of old actually adhered to such codes is heavily debated. What is clear is these codes grew out of lifestyles that preceded their structure.
Along with the 7 main Virtues, the associated Virtues are also taught.
Each Virtue is focused on in detail with each student and within each class. It is a way to live by and cultivate in all levels of one’s life. The hakama, worn by the masters and Elders of the art during special occasions and practices, contain the structure of the Virtues and is taught in-depth to those starting to wear the traditional hakama.
~~~
Side-by-side with the Bushido Virtues is also taught the Warrior Code of 23 attributes. Since one stems from the other, we believe that one should study both to gain and more complete understanding. The Virtues are a more refined and condensed version of the 23 attributes of a warrior.
Each of those attributes are detailed in training and explained in the fullness of their meanings throughout the context and levels of life and a warrior. Without the deeper wisdom of each, they are nothing more than an empty and ambiguous list of words.
~~~
The Native American Warrior Code of Ethic is also deeply adhered to, taught and cherished within the philosophy of this art.
A warrior is to protect the Elders, Life Givers, Children and the Land with strength, courage, steadfast support and wisdom until their last breath. A warrior stands fast to honesty, courage, compassion, integrity, loyalty, honor, respect and love.
~~~
The 9 Norse virtues represented by the symbol Valknut are also fully addressed. Why Norse? As laid out in Elder White Wolf's 4th Interview, he has strong genetic lines connected to Norse, Dane, Teutonic, Saxon, and Helvetian. The old Scandinavian ways of life and belief are strong within him. Therefore the 9 virtues found in ancient "Viking" eddas are strongly upheld by him and presented in his art. The first 5 deal primarily with the self in relation with self. The last 4 deal with our relationship with others and thus community.
~~~
Each student must be able to bring every virtue and piece of the code into their awareness, understanding and life in order to elevate through the art. The student must prove they understand each virtue and code through their actions in class and in their daily life as well as write various reports upon each. These practices bring heart, mind and spirit together as one in the unification of understanding and eventual wisdom. If a student embraces these virtues and allows them to transform their life, every movement, intent and practice within the art will reflect it from within the student. Any student who does not honor the pursuit of these virtues and codes cannot hope to progress in the art, because the art is life and these virtues are the foundations of quality of life and living.
- Rectitude - it is the very marrow of our path
- Courage - doing what we feel is "right" in a moral code ~ Bravery - facing one's personal demons and coming to terms with them
- Benevolence - showing mercy when mercy can be shown
- Respect/Politeness - action driven from love and compassion rather than fear of what others think and feel
- Honesty - attention to simplicity and sincerity rather than convoluted, luxurious and ambiguity
- Honor - sharp awareness of personal dignity, worth and integrity
- Loyalty - a personal and chivalrous fidelity to those you hold dearest
It is important to remember that during the feudal times of the samurai these codes did not exist in the way they are looked up to today. The early samurai were ruthless and primitive in the ways of these virtues. It is thought by historians that these virtues came about in the latter years of the samurai and even afterwards through spiritual seeking of self refinement. Hollywood movies of great samurai codes of conduct based upon these 7 virtues clash drastically with actual historical writings. Nevertheless, as with many things in life, an aim to refine and master is a continual process of slow cultivation founded within the roots of the past. Whether or not the samurai of old actually adhered to such codes is heavily debated. What is clear is these codes grew out of lifestyles that preceded their structure.
Along with the 7 main Virtues, the associated Virtues are also taught.
Each Virtue is focused on in detail with each student and within each class. It is a way to live by and cultivate in all levels of one’s life. The hakama, worn by the masters and Elders of the art during special occasions and practices, contain the structure of the Virtues and is taught in-depth to those starting to wear the traditional hakama.
~~~
Side-by-side with the Bushido Virtues is also taught the Warrior Code of 23 attributes. Since one stems from the other, we believe that one should study both to gain and more complete understanding. The Virtues are a more refined and condensed version of the 23 attributes of a warrior.
- A warrior must die
- must be educated
- must be filial
- must be extraordinary
- must respect the offensive
- must know right and wrong
- must be brave
- must know respect
- must respect nature
- must study combat
- must be thrifty
- must study weapons
- must know shame
- must understand friendship
- must carefully choose friends
- must remember reputation
- must not slander
- must consider the last charge
- must have discretion
- must deny thievery
- must deny laziness
- must be cautious showing feelings
- and must be loyal
Each of those attributes are detailed in training and explained in the fullness of their meanings throughout the context and levels of life and a warrior. Without the deeper wisdom of each, they are nothing more than an empty and ambiguous list of words.
~~~
The Native American Warrior Code of Ethic is also deeply adhered to, taught and cherished within the philosophy of this art.
A warrior is to protect the Elders, Life Givers, Children and the Land with strength, courage, steadfast support and wisdom until their last breath. A warrior stands fast to honesty, courage, compassion, integrity, loyalty, honor, respect and love.
~~~
The 9 Norse virtues represented by the symbol Valknut are also fully addressed. Why Norse? As laid out in Elder White Wolf's 4th Interview, he has strong genetic lines connected to Norse, Dane, Teutonic, Saxon, and Helvetian. The old Scandinavian ways of life and belief are strong within him. Therefore the 9 virtues found in ancient "Viking" eddas are strongly upheld by him and presented in his art. The first 5 deal primarily with the self in relation with self. The last 4 deal with our relationship with others and thus community.
- Courage
- Truth
- Honor
- Troth or Fidelity
- Discipline or Self Rule
- Hospitality
- Industriousness
- Self Reliance or Independence
- Perseverance or Steadfastness
~~~
Each student must be able to bring every virtue and piece of the code into their awareness, understanding and life in order to elevate through the art. The student must prove they understand each virtue and code through their actions in class and in their daily life as well as write various reports upon each. These practices bring heart, mind and spirit together as one in the unification of understanding and eventual wisdom. If a student embraces these virtues and allows them to transform their life, every movement, intent and practice within the art will reflect it from within the student. Any student who does not honor the pursuit of these virtues and codes cannot hope to progress in the art, because the art is life and these virtues are the foundations of quality of life and living.
