Question

samurai code #1: mental & spiritual training
mastering the mind of a warrior
living honorably did not come naturally to a samurai, so a code was created called bushido. along with their warrior training in the arts of horseback bow shooting, sword fighting, and hand - to - hand combat, the warrior was encouraged to do other ceremonies and practices to help with mental and spiritual readiness to battle and die if necessary.
in addition to battle training, a samurai had to learn self - control to master his emotions and face death honorably. this was accomplished by going days without eating, hiking barefooted in the snow for hours to harden oneself to pain, and even holding stiff postures for long periods of time without complaining.
cultural involvement also aided the samurai with their mental readiness to fight for their lords. they were encouraged to write poetry and learn calligraphy, the art of writing beautifully. the haiku of modern poetry originated from the samurai culture. they also learned and participated in the famed tea ceremony, in which they meticulously prepared, served, and drank tea with honored guests before discussing important political matters. all of these practices offered the samurai disciplined and focused minds.
religion helped the samurai prepare
buddhism was a popular religious practice for most samurai. the meditation and calm that were part of the religion’s call to reach enlightenment helped the samurai concentrate and prepare for death. puzzling over complex questions further aided these goals. many samurai took up meticulous gardening so they had a place to meditate, as well as focusing on the intricate tasks involved. elaborate gardens were formed, both with rocks and plants, with artistic placements or arrangements that signified nature.
questions to consider!

1. list six ways samurai’s trained their minds.
2. how did gardening help a samurai prepare for battle?
3. what was the samurai code called?

Explanation:

1. The text mentions various mental - training methods for samurai. They learned self - control through fasting, barefoot hiking, and holding postures. Cultural activities like writing poetry, calligraphy, and participating in tea ceremonies also trained their minds. Religion (Buddhism) with meditation and gardening for meditation and focus were additional methods.
2. Gardening provided a place for meditation and required focus on intricate tasks, which helped in concentration and mental preparation for battle.
3. The text clearly states that the samurai code was called bushido.

Answer:

1. Fasting, barefoot hiking, holding postures, writing poetry, calligraphy, tea ceremonies.
2. It provided a place for meditation and required focus on intricate tasks, enhancing concentration and mental readiness.
3. Bushido.