We feel the poem shared below, by Robert H. Cathcart, is reflective of the tenants similar to those held by Samurai warriors. We hope our readers find the same appreciation for its relevance.

I am what I am

I am what I am forever

Unless there is reason to change

In dreams to dedicate living

To expand my human range.

I seek the personal courage

To strive and work for the good,

Do best for all of my neighbors

For me, and all brotherhood.

I want my life to be fulfilled

Work to achieve my goals

Open my mind to the truth.

Act out my self chosen role.

I prize ancestral family,

For decency, virtue, and hope.

Wish to reflect integrity

Create my Kaleidoscope.

I know me flawed and imperfect

But am willing to give it my best.

My pledge is to make the effort

To rise above the unbridled rest.

By Robert H. Cathcart (Guest Blogger)

The Bushido code of frugality is an important topic in today’s world. Of course, this code related to warriors that were in public service in comparison to the higher ranked knights of the times, however, there is an important lesson to be learned in modern society about frugality.

What’s written about frugality in the translated version of the Bushido code is that “if those of lesser rank imitate those of greater rank, overspending on useless things, since they do not have any surplus yet their cravings are unjustified, no matter how much they economize they can not compensate. Eventually, they will go broke at a complete loss.” ¹

Certainly those that can afford these items do have the luxury of spending; however, there are deeper questions to be contemplated. Does the need to spend create happiness? Is the buyer looking to fulfill something that can not be satisfied by spending on material objects? Does all this excess spending cause added waste and needless spending?

Researchers have found that low self-esteem and materialism are not just a correlation, but also a causal relationship where low self esteem increases materialism, and materialism can also create low self-esteem.

It’s no coincidence that some of the richest people in the world live in modest homes with economy cars. Rather than spending money to look the part these people use frugality to save money and invest in something that will generate a return. Their money is earning money! Being rich means being as financially independent as possible – almost no life events can impact your situation – and being surrounded by the things you care the most about.

Many of us worry needlessly about money because our security lies in the things we collect and buy and the image that we portray to others. We were taught to spend our money, charge what we can’t afford and look the part of success. Those living the Bushido should help and encourage one another to save money, not be concerned with what others think about our level of success and teach children about frugality. After all, money is not happiness—compassion and understanding bring happiness.

Exercise 1:

The next time you’re tempted to buy something new, ask yourself if this is something you need. If not, put the item back on the store display and walk away. As a reward, take the exact amount of money you would have spent on this item and make a deposit of that amount into your savings account, or even a glass jar at home. Watch the money accumulate!

Exercise 2:

Take stock in how much “stuff” you have and whether you really own these things. Notice how much of this stuff is part of a repayment plan—your personal debt. Start to eliminate unnecessary spending and pay off the credit cards to reduce your debt. Save your money, plan your purchases. When you’ve saved enough money, then buy the item. You’ll actually own your stuff rather than being indebted to a corporation. You’ll feel better about yourself and the purchase in the end.

1. Thomas Cleary, Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shosinshu of Taira Shigesuke. Boston, MA: Tuttle Publishing, 1999.

What separates us from the Japanese Samurai Warriors of the past? The Samurai approached each day as if it were their last. They thought about death often and consequently lived each day with a heightened sense of awareness. They treated people with the utmost respect. If you knew that today was your last, would you initiate arguments with your brother or wife? If you only had 24 hours to live, would you spend your time watching television for hours? Would you complete a task by doing the minimal about of work or would you focus on maximum output to accomplish your goal—to be remembered for contributing something significant? Would you complete a poem, finish a painting, hug your child tightly, say you love them, feel true compassion and maybe help a friend in need.

For me, this philosophy of living as if you were dying doesn’t instill fear but rather an appreciation for each moment as if that moment is your last. In the introduction to The Book of the Five Rings the author discusses how the book is a chronicle of the thoughts and concerns of warriors, and how warriors were able to overcome the “ego” through Zen meditation and a high level of discipline and perseverance. Through Zen meditation, the warriors were only concerned with the elimination of fear, and how to engage in life in a straightforward and unwavering manner.

Facing Fears

It is not until we are able to face our fears with courage and honesty that we will learn to understand what it really means to live right now. It is at this moment that we feel a deep satisfaction and appreciation for the people in our lives and what we see, hear, smell, feel and taste in the moment. We feel a deeper level of compassion for the world and are thankful for life—and we learn to live life by developing a level of faith that helps us to stay focused on the moment and to gradually let go of our “what-if” worry patterns. If the future hasn’t arrived yet and we can’t predict the outcome, then why are we preoccupied with imagining the worst case scenario? We should enjoy the quality of life by focusing on what we have in the present.

Mediation Techniques for Beginners

The practice of Zen includes calming the mind, so thoughts of the past and future do not deprive us of the true-life experience in the here and now. “Some people criticize Zen practice because it is very strict. They say it is too much to pay careful attention to each form.”

Zen is a practice that focuses on living in the present. There are many books written about the art of Zen. All of them have one common theme, which is to completely engross yourself in the activity that you are doing in that moment with focus and a heightened awareness. When we let our minds remain in the moment, we realize there are treasures to be found and an inner peace that feels very natural. We pay attention to details and are better at recalling information, names, dates, and anything that triggers our senses.

One of the best exercises for helping our minds to relax and stay focused on the moment is by learning to meditate. By taking some quiet time every day to relax and practice rhythmic breathing, we learn to trust our natural pulse in harmony with the universe. “In the same way that a river keeps itself clean by staying in motion, let negative thoughts and emotions flow away as quickly as they come.”

Beginners Meditation Tip1: Allow yourself to take 3-5 minutes in the morning before starting your day. Find a quiet comfortable place and sit in a relaxed posture, preferably on a pad or pillow with legs crossed, back straight and hands on top of your knees facing upward. Inhale slowly, allow your breath to fill the lungs and allow your abdomen to expand—like a baby breaths. Hold the breath for a count of three, and then exhale slowly for a count of 10-12 seconds. Repeat this breath three times, while paying attention to the energy flowing through your body. Try to focus on just only your breath. If thoughts come to mind, release them and remain focused on the breath. If you feel anger, negativity or anxiety, then take in a breath and exhale the negativity. I like to think of bright spiritual light when I inhale and imagine when I exhale that I’m letting go negative black energy—like burnt coal or soot.

This is a great way to learn how to meditate consistently, which helps lead to a deeper meditation experience over time.

“Gi”

Be acutely honest
throughout your dealings
with all people. Believe
in justice, not from other
people, but from yourself.
To the true warrior,
all points of view are deeply considered regarding
honesty, justice
and integrity.

The reason why Integrity is the number one virtue is because it’s who you are and what you represent. Everyone you meet judges you on your integrity. Sadly, this is the number one virtue that is the most compromised in today’s society.

Has anyone ever made a promise to you, but never fulfilled the promise? I’ve had people say they’ll call me back yet they never follow-up. Others have shown up 30 minutes late for an appointment without even calling–if they show up at all. How many New Year’s resolutions are distant memories by January 31^st? What kind of impression do you hold of those individuals? You probably don’t respect them at all.

What is Integrity?

Integrity, in it’s simplest and purest form, is about living up to your commitments. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines commitment as:

“‘Commitment’ is used as a broad umbrella term covering many different kinds of intentions, promises, convictions and relationships of trust and expectation.”

In other words, your personal integrity is defined by following through with what you tell people you’ll do. I know that this sounds simple enough, but this can actually be difficult in today’s society for many reasons.

Four Reasons Why People Don’t Maintain a High Level of Integrity

1. People over-commit: Life today is moving at a pace far greater than any other time in our history. In order to keep up, many people are forced to take on more than they can possibly handle. People can’t live up to these expectations because they are over extended.
2. It requires discipline: A lack of discipline will be a subject that will be covered in subsequent blogs. Simply stated having discipline is hard work. You have to plan, remember all of your commitments, and do everything in your power to deliver on the expectations you set based on your commitments’. For many, it is just too much effort.
3. People were never taught: Many people were never educated by their parents or in school about the significance of maintaining their integrity or the importance of being trustworthy. They have a “what’s in it for me” attitude and don’t have a concept of how their actions will impact others.
4. Some people just don’t care: These individuals are out for themselves and you rank a distant second. This type of person will make commitments at the drop of a hat, fully knowing they never intend on living up to them. They are the “excuse” kings and queens. They will always have some reason why they couldn’t follow through. In addition, they usually have someone or something other than themselves to blame. You should avoid these people and refuse to deal with them. Your life will be a lot less frustrating!

Integrity Has Its Rewards

There is no arena where having a high level of integrity is more appreciated than in the workplace. Employees who meet deadlines, show up on time, follow through on all their commitments, and are trustworthy are the ones who move up the ladder with greater ease. Employers trust them with their most important projects and responsibilities. The result is that the employee is of higher value and, therefore, is paid a higher wage.

Personal Action Items

1. Take a moment to look at some areas where having a higher level of integrity would benefit you in your life. Resolve to maintain the highest amount of integrity in all aspects of your life.
2. Bring this high level on integrity to where you work. Perform your current tasks and responsibilities in a diligent, timely manner. Volunteer for the biggest, most high profile projects if you can. Be known as the person who gets things done. However, make sure that you DO NOT OVER COMMIT!
3. From this day forward, strive everyday to:
   1. Always be on time. (If you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re already late!)
   2. Live up to all of your commitments. (If you know you cannot keep a commitment, don’t make it.)
   3. Be trustworthy. (Recognize when people are counting on you. Live up to those expectations.)