"Jisei" Self-Control

"Jisei" Self Control Virtue #8 of the "8 Virtues of Bushido"

"Bushido teaches that men should behave according to an absolute moral standard, one that transcends logic. What’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong. The difference between good and bad and between right and wrong are givens, not arguments subject to discussion or justification, and a man should know the difference."

In our modern American society "self-control" can be a VERY difficult behavior first to define, secondly to understand, and lastly to execute. One of the main reasons behind this confusion on self-control is that it is acceptable, encouraged and sometimes even applauded to be "out of control". We as Americans have even come to find ourselves sometimes admiring and worshipping entertainers who purposely put on extremely inappropriate displays of being out of control. We mistake it as confidence instead of childishness.

The American who is "out of control" can find his or herself being enabled and even protected by terms such as: "freedom", "open minded", & in the heavier scenarios, "mentally ill". These statuses can function as places that those who simply may just be out of their minds, to hide safely behind, episode after episode.

With "self-control" not really being a requirement to be considered a properly functioning adult in today's modern society, it can be un-motivating to be the one who is under control when cutting loose is so much more fun. Especially, when the majority partakes in this mis-behavior. It becomes a norm and eventually a habit causing difficulty in even defining what it truly means to have self control. Well, allow me to clarify as best as I can from a warrior's point of view.

I have learned through my dealings and studies that having self-control begins with...

"NOT ALLOWING OTHERS TO CONTROL US."

We must admit that people have much to gain by forcing, convincing or tricking us to submit to their will. Unless they are an unconditionally loving parent or friend, the things that we do for another either makes them money, or brings them pleasure with very little concern towards if we are receiving a fair exchange from them. This can not only be draining to us when we allow others to control us daily, it can be self destructive.

I personally start my day with a prayer and meditation ritual that can not be distracted or interrupted by anyone. My main purpose for this procedure is to assure that I start my day with controlling myself and not allowing anyone else to control me. No one is allowed to rush me or summon me to serve their wants in front of this ritual. This sets the pace of my mind for the full day that "I" am in charge of me. It keeps me calm and at a mental state that deflects the anxiousness of others with me. This keeps me from being manipulated to serve the wants of others and more importantly, from responding emotionally with frustration, stress, haste, or anger.

When we have seized control of allowing others to control us, we can find peace and clarity in our daily thoughts. This liberates us to open our mind to options that will benefit our life and the life of others. We become confident and in charge of self instead of the neglected and abused tool of others who use us to benefit their personal desires. With self-control we can protect ourselves from others and eventually protect others from ourselves.

And THIS, ...is a "way" of the "Warrior's Edge"! -Jermaine Andre'