Bushido is not a religion in the traditional sense; rather, it is a moral code that was developed by the samurai class in Japan. The term ‘Bushido’ translates to ‘the way of the warrior’ and encompasses a set of principles that emphasize virtues such as honor, loyalty, courage, and self-discipline.
While Bushido draws influence from various philosophical and religious traditions, including Shintoism, Zen Buddhism, and Confucianism, it does not adhere to a single religious framework. Instead, it can be seen as a combination of ethical guidelines and codes of conduct that guided samurai behavior and values.
In essence, Bushido reflects the samurai’s dedication to their lords, ethical conduct in warfare, and a desire for personal improvement. Thus, while it is deeply intertwined with cultural and spiritual elements, it is more accurate to describe Bushido as a code of conduct rather than a religion.