Bushido Virtue #3 : Jin or Benevolence

Whoa!  Benevolence is not a word we see on a day-to-day basis!  It brings up images of religious saints, philanthropists, and Boy Scouts helping someone cross the street.  It seems to be reserved for those special people that do not get caught up in the rat race of trying to keep up with the Jones’. 

The World English Dictionary defines benevolence as “inclination or tendency to help or do good to others”.  It stems from Latin – meaning disposition to do good.  Similar words are altruism, amity, compassion, generosity, kindness, charity, mercy.  Benevolence is one of the five tenets of Confucius, perhaps the most fundamental.  It has also been translated as selflessness, good will toward humanity, and brotherly love.  The kanji itself is described as a man and the number two – implying the unity of two human beings.    

Mencius, a follower of Confucius, sums it up, as “a benevolent man is ever mindful of those who are suffering and in distress”.  Nitobe theorizes that benevolence is seen as the tenderness of a warrior giving mercy intentionally when justice demands payment, and the warrior has the power to exact the payment. 

If gi (rectitude) is the compass that points north, and yu (courage) is the gut-level decision and action to GO north, then jin (benevolence) might be the mindframe of helping others on their journey north with you.

There is a distinct difference between being benevolent and doing something benevolent.  Every time a new person comes to our dojo, we make an extra effort to introduce ourselves and make them feel welcome.  It’s not something we have to think about, we just do it.  Think of how many dojos out there treat newcomers like dirt until they survive their first belt test, or even far beyond that.  When we go to tournaments, we help each other and our competition with getting gear on, knowing where to go, and what to expect.  We step in to coach kids we don’t know whose instructor is tied up simply so they can do well in their sparring match.  Our dojo and its members operate from a base of benevolence, not cutthroat rivalry.  It isn’t a one-time event; it is our mode of operation.

Step outside the dojo doors in your mind and ask yourself – what opportunities do I face every day to be benevolent?  Bushido is a way of life and can’t simply be checked in and out at the dojo door.  Nitobe urges us, “The cultivation of tender feelings breeds considerate regard for the sufferings of others.”  We must work at it constantly – especially in today’s culture that drives us to focus only on ourselves.

On a scale of 1 to 10, low to high, how would you rate your level of benevolence overall?  Does it vary depending on what life situation you’re in?  Is it easy for you to be selfless?  Has any one ever been benevolent to you when you didn’t deserve it?  Do you see the suffering around you or do you turn your eyes from it?

Think of what you can do to increase your own benevolence level.  Think of someone you know who seems to always see where there is need and suffering.  Think of someone you know who is overly selfish.  How can you strive to cultivate mercy toward others and selflessness in yourself?