Gi – JUSTICE
Samurai meaning: (right decision) Taken with equanimity, the right attitude, impartiality, and the truth. When one must die there is no thought to giving one’s life, if it is in Gi. Rectitude.
Modern Interpretation: Fairness. The use of authority to uphold what is right.
You: DO NOT BACK DOWN WHEN BEING WRONGED. STAND STRONG FOR WHAT IS RIGHT.
Yu – COURAGE
Samurai meaning: Bravery. Heroism. Rushing towards the point of a sword without hesitation.
Modern Interpretation: Ability to face danger or hardship and keep self-esteem.
You: NEVER WAVER. HAVE THE STRENGTH TO HOLD TRUE AND THE BOLDNESS TO SEEK GLORY.
Jin – BENEVOLENCE
Samurai meaning: Compassion. A universal love towards mankind. Generosity.
Modern Interpretation: Kindheartedness. To do 'good' and be good by your own ideals. Be charitable. Unselfishness.
You: DO NOT JUDGE. SEEK TO UNDERSTAND, SHOW COMPASSION AND HELP CHANGE FOR THE POSITIVE. BE HUMAN.
Rei – POLITENESS
Samurai meaning: A most essential quality. Reishiki etiquette is the preservation of courtesy. The samurai believed it was better to lose one’s life than to be impolite.
Modern Interpretation: Show respect and be gracious. Show sophistication by being diplomatic and treating people with equality.
You: YOU ARE NEITHER ABOVE NOR BENEATH ANYONE. TAKE PRIDE IN YOURSELF AND OTHERS.
Makoto – VERACITY
Samurai meaning: Maintain truthfulness. Sincerity.
Modern Interpretation: Honesty. Accuracy. Precision. Reliability. Dependability. Righteousness. Virtuousness.
You: ALWAYS REMAIN STEADFAST.
Meiyo – HONOR
Samurai meaning: Glory without ego.
Modern Interpretation: Adherence to principles considered right.
You: TRUE STRENGTH IS IN CHARACTER.
Chugo – LOYALTY
Samurai meaning: Devotion to ones lord and teacher.
Modern Interpretation: Faithful, obedient, committed and devout to one’s family, friends, country, and ideals.
You: DEDICATION TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. COMMIT TO YOUR DECISIONS.
The Big Picture:
IT IS BETTER TO LIVE A SHORT LIFE WITH NO REGRET THAN A LONG LIFE FULL OF REGRET.
-Ox
