Code of Bushidō: Rectitude (Gi)
The first virtue of Bushidō
Is Rectitude which means
Justice taken into all
Of your daily routines
“Just what is right?” some folks will ask
“What makes you think you know?”
“Who are you to think you can
Enlighten us and show?”
The answer is I’m just like you
And we all know deep down
The difference between right and wrong
Though some do try to drown
The voice that tells us what is right
The conscience deep within
The truth that keeps us from shortcuts
And leads to our chagrin
Therein lies the key factor
Behind true rectitude:
It’s when choices that are not
Popular are pursued
It’s when everyone else cheats
And scams and lies and steals
And you refuse to go along
And sacrifice ideals
It’s when you decide to stand
Apart from everyone
Be labeled as “pious” as
They all insult and shun
It’s when you don’t think just of
Your own comfort and gain
It’s when you don’t focus on
All that you can attain
It’s when balance, fairness and
Equality are more
Important than all of the nice
Trinkets that you can score
Without it, all your talent and
Learning will do no good
Unless the virtue of justice
Is fully understood
Making the decision that
Is not the easy one
The one that is not popular
The one that is not fun
It may elicit much unrest
And grievance from the crowd
But warriors can’t hear them ‘cause
Combined they’re not as loud
As the voice that’s deep within
Demanding rectitude
A warrior cannot ignore
That voice and can’t elude
A warrior is confident
And never loses face
As long as rectitude is something
They fully embrace
~Miro
Deep stuff you write of. I love it!
THANK YOU AGAIN MIRO -ALWAYS ALWAYS PEACE AND GRACE XO CAT …….
LOVE AND KINDNESS JUST KEEP ON GIVING – LIKE YOU DO
http://catforsley.me/2012/04/25/tons-of-sunshine-7-x-7-links-thank-you-cat-forsley/
Yes! Super awesome. I can relate to all of this very much. It is hard sometimes to do what I believe is beneficial, speak my truth…etc. I also pray for continual humility, unconditional love, and forgiveness of self and others. It is so wonderful to read your words and hear what goes on in my head/spirit. Keep spreading the light! ~ Sam
Doing the right thing is often not the easiest choice, I have been there and been an outcast as a result… we have to take strength in knowing we made the right decision in our hearts regardless of other people’s views.
You are so very correct when you say that we ALL have access to that “still, small voice” speaking to us from the center of our souls. Whether we LISTEN or not is our own choice.
I think all of us should listen to that inner voice… It has never led me far wrong… Great poem Miro..