MODERN DAY SAMURAI

Modern Day Samurai is a concept to shed light and bring attention to disciplines, practices that assist the follower in their mind, body, and spiritual growth, while raising fascinating discussions for the need to once again parallel and mold our lives and societal structures to that of a Samurai. Perhaps it is time to rekindle a new age Renaissance within a world wildly in need of renewed morals, values, principles, and actions on every doorstep. While we may not be preparing for battle in the traditional sense, what could be more important, rather necessary, than learning and living a life of discipline, honor, respect and walking a line of Spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical aptitude, balance, and awareness?

9 Ways to become a Modern Day Samurai:

Meditation:

The Samurai culture was strongly influenced by Zen Buddhist and Confucian philosophies (The philosophy of Confucius, also known as Confucianism,?emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity); so, meditation formed a key part of their practice. It likely served as a way to clear the mind and prepare the Samurai for the stress of battle. Similarly, as a modern-day samurai?you can?use mediation?to help manage your response to modern day?stress.?Set aside some time every morning to uncage thoughts and observe breathing, try carrying this state throughout your day. It’s not about perfection – if you find yourself failing, that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.?

Develop Your Warrior Code:

The Samurai observed and followed the Bushido, ‘The Way of the Warrior’ was a warrior code of conduct that dictated how they led their lives. Honesty, respect, loyalty, compassion, and courage were some of the important values they abided by. To be a modern-day samurai, it may be worth determining your own set of values, ones that are specific to you, and strive to live your life according to them.

Train Your Body:

The Samurai endured intense physical training. They practiced diligently from a young age, and were skilled not only in swordsmanship, but also archery, hand to hand combat, and grappling.?Martial arts such as Judo,?Jujitsu, Karate, and Kendo are all influenced by the Samurai.?The benefits of regular training stretch far greater than just the physical and can include important life lessons. Whether you choose martial arts or not, make some form of exercise a regular habit. Raise that delicate balance of strength,?activity, and endurance.

Eat Healthily:

Diet was an integral aspect in the Samurai’s way of life, helping to maintain their health and gear up their bodies for the adversities of war. The Samurai’s diet consisted of vegetables, rice, and fermented foods like miso (paste made from fermented soya beans and barley or rice malt, used in Japanese cooking), with small quantities of fresh seafood and poultry. Nutrition is often made out to be quite a complicated subject, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Simply choosing home-cooked meals, prioritizing whole foods, and eating mindfully can go a long way.?

Serve Others:

The name Samurai can be translated as ‘those who serve’. As well as being warriors, the Samurai were loyal servants to the emperor, to their masters, even to the public. We can translate this into modern day living by developing a vision that is larger than ourselves. What contribution do we make to create the world a better place to live in? This could include volunteering, donating to charity, or simply helping strangers to the best of our capabilities.

Practice Mindfulness:

The Samurai took part in the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, which created a balance between the classes. They remained aware all throughout the ceremony to carry out the elaborate steps, and to make sure it was an enlightening experience for all involved. Mindfulness is essentially an extension of your?meditation. Slow down and simplify your life wherever you can. Be careful, aware, pay close attention to what you are doing.?Unchain yourself from the past, stop worrying about the future, and instead do your best to live in the moment. Easier said than done, but it’s a worthy pursuit!

Foster Creativity:

All the Samurai were devoted artists, practicing calligraphy, poetry, music and painting. They viewed art as a part of life that was just as essential as their physical training and spiritual practice. We all have this ability to express ourselves in our own unique way. It might be writing, playing an instrument, painting, or gaming. Whatever medium you select, let your creativity flow naturally and openly. It can also be an active form of meditation.

Keep Learning:

The Samurai considered education of great importance. It’s said that they strived for the ‘harmony of fighting and learning’, which sounds pretty cool to me. Often in the modern world, we finish up with our regular schooling and assume we’re done with learning for life. Instead, keep searching, keep growing. At the same time, do not dismiss any of your achievements, appreciate what you already have achieved.

Strive for Mastery:

Whatever the Samurai practiced, they did so to their ultimate ability. Whether it was martial arts, calligraphy, the tea ceremony, or meditation; they devoted themselves to be experts. Mastery is not an end goal, however the many lessons we learn in the pursuit of it are the goal we are building up to.

• With the tools of the Modern Day Samurai, comes the opportunity for YOU to discover your own Spiritual Truths, honoring your Spirit and honing your physical or as the Greek Temple of Apollo at Delphi states:

“Know Thyself

and Thou Shalt Know All of the Secrets of the Gods and the Universe.”