The Way of the Warrior.
This code was to dictate virtually every aspect
of their lives and influence the total culture of the country until modern
times.
The essence bushido
was total loyalty to the
lord, a willingness to give their lives in the defense of their lord
, his honor, and their own; a strict regimen of martial training; and
a sternly refined etiquette that governed their actions and behavior
in all things.
Part of the code of
the samurai was to commit suicide rather than be
captured in war or dishonored by failure. The code of the samurai applied
to the women, as well as the men, in this elite class.