Pros And Cons Of Being A Samurai

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Unlike the cultures of the west where religions generally view suicide as a negative sin, in Asia it has long been a way to preserve the families honor. Amongst many Asian cultures it is seen as means of atoning for a disgrace, defeat or any other dishonorable acts or events. The tradition of suicide instead of defeat, capture, or observed shame has been ingrained in the Japanese military. In deed since the time of the samurai who followed the Bushido code of loyalty and honor until death, was also known as the way of the warrior. Bushido was an ethical system rather than a religious belief, the ideal samurai was supposed to be immune from the fear of death, and only the fear of dishonor and loyalty to his daimyo, or lord. If a samurai felt that he had lost honor according to the rules of bushido he could regain his standing by committing seppuku. What would cause a samurai to choose Ronin over Seppuku, and which would I choose if I was placed in this situation? To fully answer this I will have to explain the difference between being Ronin and Seppuku.
Ronin is the Japanese term for a master less samurai, with no master the Ronin and his family would have to see alternative employment. These were men who were out of work, armed and willing to flock to any banner that would pay to …show more content…

The Japanese believe that with the dishonored individual deceased restitution and honor restoration can then be returned to the family. This suicide was seen as a means for atoning for their disgrace, defeat or other dishonorable events or actions. Samurai who committed seppuku would not only regain their honor they would actually gain prestige for their courage for facing death calmly, as it was a slow means of suicide and an effective way to demonstrate courage, self-control and the strong resolve of the

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