Read the following quote from Buddhist scripture Dhammapada.
“Well-makers lead the water (wherever they like); fletchers bend the arrow; carpenters bend a log of wood; wise people master themselves.”
What central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote appealed to samurai who practiced Zen?
(1 point)
Responses
patience
patience
self-control and discipline
self-control and discipline
purity
purity
loyalty and obedien
self-control and discipline
The central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote that appealed to samurai who practiced Zen is self-control and discipline. To understand why self-control and discipline were appealing to samurai, let's analyze the quote:
The quote highlights the skills of different craftsmen: well-makers, fletchers, and carpenters. They all possess the ability to control and manipulate their respective materials: water, arrows, and wood.
However, the quote concludes by suggesting that wise people (or wise practitioners of Buddhism) go beyond the control of external objects and instead focus on mastering themselves. This implies that true strength lies in self-control and discipline.
For samurai who practiced Zen, this aspect of Buddhism was attractive because it aligned with their warrior code, known as bushido. The samurai valued self-discipline, restraint, and the mastery of their emotions. These traits were crucial for them to perform their duties honorably, remain calm in the face of adversity, follow their moral principles, and maintain control over their actions on the battlefield.
By emphasizing self-control and discipline, Buddhism offered samurai a philosophical and spiritual framework that reinforced their warrior ethos. It provided them with guidance on how to cultivate inner strength, adhere to their moral values, and ultimately lead a fulfilling and purposeful life.
In summary, the central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote that appealed to samurai who practiced Zen is self-control and discipline due to its alignment with their warrior code and the virtues they valued.