7-5-3 Code

In the interests of disclosure, I was inspired by another artists illustration and this is a reproduction. I don’t remember where it came from (my apologies). If anyone knows where this came from, please let me know so I can attribute the original to the proper person.

I love the Japanese Bushido culture. The 7-5-3 code interests me the most. It’s a balanced set of ideas meant to bring together mind, body and spirit.

7 Virtues of a Warrior

1 – Rectitude

Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.

2 – Courage

The ability to do something that frightens one. Strength in the face of pain or grief.

3 – Benevolence

The quality of being well meaning. Kindness.

4 – Proprietary Politeness

The state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals

Behavior that is respectful and considerate of others.

5 – Sincere Honesty

Being free of deceit, pretense. Coming from genuine feeling

Telling the truth. Integrity, ethical.

6 – Honor

Adhere to what is right. To have a code of conduct.

7 – Loyalty

To be faithful, to remain allied

The 5 Keys to Health

1 – Rational Nutrition

Rational nutrition is about food intake in balance with energy expenditure taking into consideration the main food. Knowing how to balance your food intake in moderation maintains over all well-being and healthy habits.

2 – Sensible Exercise

Sensible exercise is about increasing your general activity in each and every day and finding things to do that you enjoy. Regular exercise can have beneficial effects to general health and well-being, increase energy levels, reduce stress and lift the mood.

3 – Efficient Rest

Efficient Rest is about balancing what sleep you need according to your activity and food intake. Being able to balance active time with inactive time and knowing when to recognize the need for sleep appropriately helps heal the body and mind.

4 – Proper Hygiene

Proper Hygiene refers to maintaining cleanliness of one’s body and clothing to preserve overall health and well-being. Doing this lifts mood, self-worth and maintains mental and emotional health as much as physical health.

5 – Positive Attitude

Positive Attitude can impact every aspect of your life. People who maintain a positive approach to life situations and challenges will be able to move forward more constructively than those who become stuck in a negative attitude. Your mental and physical health can be improved by learning how to hold a positive state of mind.

The 3 States of Mind

1 – Zanshin – Alert Awareness

Always be alert and aware of your environment and the people in it and how you affect that environment and those people, including yourself. Rocks in a pond ripple outward from the center and back at you.

2 – Mushin – Clear Mind

The ability to combine clarity with flexible, rational thinking, so that not only does one see things as they are, without the obscurity and distortion caused by preconceived notions and beliefs, but sees everything in its proper context – as a part of a greater whole – and always considers the likely consequences of what one sees, and of actions that one might take. It is a deep awareness and focus on the practical and being grounded before speaking and acting.

3 – Fudoshin – Emotional Balance

The ability of the mind and body to maintain equilibrium and flexibility in the face of challenge and change. To act and react with a balance of logic and emotion, mind and heart.