Justice (義 - Gi)
The samurai is honest in his dealings with everyone. He believes in justice, but not in that which emanates from others, but in that which emanates from his own heart. For a true samurai there are no shades of gray when it comes to honesty and justice; There is only right and wrong.
Courage (勇 - Yu)
The samurai rises above the masses of people who are afraid to act. Hiding like a turtle hides in its shell is not living. A samurai must have heroic courage, accepting the risks involved in being faithful to one's principles. This leads you to live life fully, completely, wonderfully. Heroic courage is not blind, it is intelligent and strong: it replaces visceral fear with rational respect and caution.
Compassion (仁 – Jin)
Through intense training and meditation the samurai becomes fast, strong and wise. He develops a power that differentiates him from others but that he will use for the good of all. He feels compassion towards his fellow men and helps his fellow men at any opportunity. If the opportunity does not arise, the samurai goes out to look for it.
Respect (礼 - Rei)
A samurai has no reason to be cruel nor does he need to demonstrate his strength. He is respectful to his enemies because without this direct show of respect, he would be behaving like an animal. A samurai receives respect not only for his fierceness in battle, but also for his way of treating others. The true inner strength of the samurai becomes evident in difficult times.
Honesty (誠 – Makoto)
When a samurai says he will do something, it is as if it has already been done. Nothing on this earth will stop him from carrying out what he has said he will do. He does not have to "give his word", he does not need to promise or threaten, because the simple act of speaking is part of the action. Speaking and doing are the same thing.
Honor (名誉「名譽 – Meiyo)
It is the most important virtue of all. The true samurai has only one judge of his own honor, and that is himself. The decisions he makes and how he carries them out are a reflection of who he really is. He cannot hide from himself. In this sense, the samurai is existentialist, because for him there is no human or divine entity on which he can discharge guilt or shame.
Loyalty (忠義 – Chugi)
Having done or said something means that that something belongs to you. He is responsible for it and for all the consequences that arise. A samurai is intensely loyal to those under his care and always remains faithful to those for whom he is responsible. To the samurai, a man's words are like his footprints: you can follow them wherever he wants him to go.
