The Lotus Code
I. Moral Center
The Lotus Code calls it followers to a state of moral center both in martial and personal virtue. Moral center is the strongest virtue of the Lotus Code. The Twilight Monks define it this way: ‘Moral Center is one’s power to decide upon a course of conduct in accordance with reason, without wavering; to die when to die is right, to strike when to strike is right. For in balance all things have their place. Just as bones give firmness and stature, so does being morally centered give the soul anchor. Without bones the head cannot rest on top of the spine, nor hands move nor feet stand. So without moral center neither talent nor learning can make the mortal frame into a Lotus Warrior.’ II. Courage
The Lotus Code distinguishes between bravery and courage: Courage is worthy of being counted among virtues only if it’s exercised in the cause of Righteousness and Moral Center. The Twilght monks say: ‘Perceiving what is right and doing it not reveals a lack of Courage.’ In short, ‘Courage is doing what is right.’ III. Benevolence
A man invested with the power to command and the power to kill is expected to demonstrate equally extraordinary powers of benevolence and mercy: Love, magnanimity, affection for others, sympathy and pity, are traits of Benevolence, the highest attribute of the mortal soul. The Twilight Monks say the highest requirement of a ruler of mortals is Benevolence. IV. Politeness
Wisdom spoken politely is more acceptable to the ear. For those true of soul courtesy is rooted in benevolence: Courtesy and good manners are to be practiced by all who follow the code. But politeness should be the expression of a benevolent regard for the feelings of others; it’s a poor virtue if it’s motivated only by a fear of offending good taste. In its highest form politeness approaches love. V. Generocity
Those who seek riches over truth are fools. Ask not whom shall pay you the most, but ask who among you needs the most. Give of yourself without thinking, speak not of wealth and abstain from luxury. Balance is served when mortals choose to share their blessings with one another. VI. Honor
A soul living by the Lotus Code must keep his honor ever present in his mind. To take offense at slight provocation is the mark of a fool, lies sow chaos, and those ruled by selfishness are only smiled upon by their master for a short time. Repeated disregard of the code shall leave the soul disgraced and forgotten by his peers. The Twilight Monks teach that ‘True patience means bearing the unbearable.’ VII. Loyalty
In mortal life balance and order is all that centers a soul from chaos. Therefore, loyalty to that order and all those placed in its structure shall keep you anchored to balance. Remember that though there is order Xan Yae sees no mortal above the rest. Just as the Lotus Warrior must show loyalty to his Daimyo, the Daimyo, in turn, must show loyalty to his warriors and peasants. VIII. Instruction
Codes are made into ash when those who keep them do not repeat them. With your word, your deed, and your actions you must always teach this code to others. Teach your small children, remind your elderly parents, show the visiting foreigner and in this way maintain the balance gifted to us by Xan Yae.
The Lotus Code calls it followers to a state of moral center both in martial and personal virtue. Moral center is the strongest virtue of the Lotus Code. The Twilight Monks define it this way: ‘Moral Center is one’s power to decide upon a course of conduct in accordance with reason, without wavering; to die when to die is right, to strike when to strike is right. For in balance all things have their place. Just as bones give firmness and stature, so does being morally centered give the soul anchor. Without bones the head cannot rest on top of the spine, nor hands move nor feet stand. So without moral center neither talent nor learning can make the mortal frame into a Lotus Warrior.’ II. Courage
The Lotus Code distinguishes between bravery and courage: Courage is worthy of being counted among virtues only if it’s exercised in the cause of Righteousness and Moral Center. The Twilght monks say: ‘Perceiving what is right and doing it not reveals a lack of Courage.’ In short, ‘Courage is doing what is right.’ III. Benevolence
A man invested with the power to command and the power to kill is expected to demonstrate equally extraordinary powers of benevolence and mercy: Love, magnanimity, affection for others, sympathy and pity, are traits of Benevolence, the highest attribute of the mortal soul. The Twilight Monks say the highest requirement of a ruler of mortals is Benevolence. IV. Politeness
Wisdom spoken politely is more acceptable to the ear. For those true of soul courtesy is rooted in benevolence: Courtesy and good manners are to be practiced by all who follow the code. But politeness should be the expression of a benevolent regard for the feelings of others; it’s a poor virtue if it’s motivated only by a fear of offending good taste. In its highest form politeness approaches love. V. Generocity
Those who seek riches over truth are fools. Ask not whom shall pay you the most, but ask who among you needs the most. Give of yourself without thinking, speak not of wealth and abstain from luxury. Balance is served when mortals choose to share their blessings with one another. VI. Honor
A soul living by the Lotus Code must keep his honor ever present in his mind. To take offense at slight provocation is the mark of a fool, lies sow chaos, and those ruled by selfishness are only smiled upon by their master for a short time. Repeated disregard of the code shall leave the soul disgraced and forgotten by his peers. The Twilight Monks teach that ‘True patience means bearing the unbearable.’ VII. Loyalty
In mortal life balance and order is all that centers a soul from chaos. Therefore, loyalty to that order and all those placed in its structure shall keep you anchored to balance. Remember that though there is order Xan Yae sees no mortal above the rest. Just as the Lotus Warrior must show loyalty to his Daimyo, the Daimyo, in turn, must show loyalty to his warriors and peasants. VIII. Instruction
Codes are made into ash when those who keep them do not repeat them. With your word, your deed, and your actions you must always teach this code to others. Teach your small children, remind your elderly parents, show the visiting foreigner and in this way maintain the balance gifted to us by Xan Yae.
Type
Manuscript, Religious
Comments