Taisen Deshimaru

"Bushido, the way of the samurai, grew out of the fusion of Buddhism and Shintoism. This way can be summarized in seven essential principles:

1. Gi: the right decision, taken with equanimity, the right attitude, the truth. When we must die, we must die. Rectitude.

2.Yu: bravery tinged with heroism.

3. Jin: universal love, benevolence toward mankind; compassion.

4. Rei: right action-a most essential quality, courtesy.

5. Makoto: utter sincerity; truthfulness.

6. Melyo: honor and glory.

7. Chugo: devotion, loyalty. "

pg. 13

"We must create our lives, free ourselves, become detached, simply attentive to here and now: everything lies in that. 'The moon's reflection on the surface of the water moves incessantly. Yet the moon shines and goes nowhere; it stays but it moves.' A very short poem on the secret of Zen and the martial arts, and also a great koan."

pg. 22

The Zen Way to the Martial Arts, Penguin Compass, 1991 translated by Nancy Amphoux

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