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Sho
Etiquette
While
Jojii may be the main philosophical influence on the Sho, there
is no doubt what influenced our personal etiquette the most:
centuries of warfare before our ancestors were able to unite
into a nation. Sho etiquette, therefore, displays a military-style
hierarchy, as well as an acute awareness of combative possibilities.
Following is a portion of the famous "Musings of the Path
of the Retainer", which for many years was circulated among
the noble Sho families in Ispar. The author, Takemoto Seiryu,
was a minor warrior-turned-hermit who was later highly regarded
in philosophical circles. It is said he is one of the teachers
of the young Murasaki Tanka.
CODE
OF ETIQUETTE FOR RETAINERS
| 1. |
Remembering
always the honor of your family and people, act with proper
deference to those above you. |
| 2. |
Remembering
thus again, act with compassion and generosity to those
below you. |
| 3. |
Address
persons politely. Do not be familiar. |
| 4. |
Maintain
proper distance. |
| 5. |
Sheathe
your sword indoors, if it is a place of safety. |
| 6. |
Remove
your helmet before your superiors. |
| 7. |
Your
training is moment to moment. Do not be careless. Do not
lie down in front of your elders. |
| 8. |
In
standing, sleeping or sitting, find the strategic place.
"The seven enemies." 1 |
| 9. |
Bow
when it is time to bow. Do not raise your head too soon.
Do not jump, laugh, or act like a drunken Alluvian fool.
2 |
| 10. |
Kneel
before your lord, or other great lords. |
| 11. |
Respect
the elderly. Your grandfathers and grandmothers have much
to teach. Revere them. |
| 12. |
Give
without being asked. Serve without asking. |
| 13. |
Remember
always your death. Thinking thus, live completely and
bring honor upon yourself and others. |
NOTES
| 1. |
This
refers to the Sho proverb, "When you leave your gate
in the morning, seven enemies await." In other words,
be ready! |
| 2. |
In
Ispar, Takemoto fought in the wars against the Alluvian
sea-raiders, and so may be excused this prejudice. |
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