Saiken

***Saiken*** (塞恳; *sāikěn*, lit. "way of the warriors") is a collective term for the many codes of honour and ideals that dictated the *sai* way of life. It came into official existence in the late 9th century, more than two hundred years after the first emergence of the warrior class into society.

The general concepts of the "way" descend from original moral values of the *sai*, most commonly stressing loyalty, devotion, honesty, wise judgement, and honour until death. Born from the basic idealogies associated with early Qiren faith, the way allowed the violent existence of the *sai* to be tempered by serenity, patience, learnedness, and purity of self.

Most sources cite *saiken* as being a set of codes which controlled not only the actions and responsibilities of a warrior on the battlefield, but also in his personal life. The venerated warrior Angshan de Zhiukou is quoted as stating:

> *"Saiken* is, fundamentally, the code of moral principles which the *sai* are required or instructed to observe...more frequently it is regarded as an unwritten but oft-referenced code. In order to become a true warrior, this code has to be fully realised and mastered in all facets of one's life."
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## Concepts

*Saiken* expanded upon and formalised the earlier codes of the warrior class, and stressed loyalty, devotion, honesty, wisdom and honour. Under the *saiken* ideal, if a *sai* failed to uphold his honour he could only regain it by taking part in *yueqin* (跃芩), a ceremony of repentence and purification.

Standardised *saiken* commonly includes compassion for those of lower status, and for the preservation of one's name. Many *sai* often stated the importance of maintaining composure and stoicness in the face of hardship, of holding justice and fairness above all else, and most importantly remaining pure of body and mind. The rituals surrounding purification are often a test of these qualities in a man, pushing the limits of his endurance and offering him the chance to prove his worth. The ultimate goal in *saiken* was to die a good death with one's honour intact, and leave behind a strong, lasting legacy. The definition of a 'good death' was essentially a demise which greatly benefited one's lord or clan, which left one's family in comfort (i.e. financial stability and a clean name), and which did not leave the body and soul in an impure state. A state of impurity might come about from a suicide, a death which occured on the enemy's side of the battlefield, or dying of illness.

### Seven virtues of *saiken*

The standardised *saiken* code is held within eight ideas or virtues:

* Loyalty (忠; *zhōng*)

Be acutely devoted to your lord, so that he may recognise your loyalty and grant you acknowledgement in return. Do not turn from him in battle; do not turn down your eye in the court; stand before his face and never at his back. Warriors make a full commitment to their lords, to last as long as they may serve them.

* Honesty (竹; *zhú*)

When warriors say that they will perform an action, it can be considered already done. A promise is empty to a warrior, as he does not require words to confirm the truth of his intention. Speech and action are the same act, and should never be held in separation.

* Courage (改; *gǎi*)

Weighing up every action is not living at all; a true warrior must know just by instinct that he is right to make a move. Perhaps he will take risks; that is the root of the enjoyment of life. True courage is never blind, but always shows intelligence and strength of mind.

* Compassion (练; *liàn*)

True warriors have no reason to be cruel; they do not need to prove their strength or ability through the hardship endured by a weaker being. Through purification, the true warrior becomes enlightened to the intentions and practices of others. In this way he understands the meaning behind their words and actions, and can see through their eyes.

* Respect (荣; *róng*)

Warriors are responsible for their own legacy, and must work to cultivate the respect of others. In accordance, they must also practice respect with all beings, regardless of hostility or kindness, and realise that everything comes from the same source energy. To their betters, they are always deferential. To their retainers, they are well-spoken and do not use their position to others' detriment.

* Honour (芒; *máng*)

Warriors have only one judge of honour, and that is themselves. Decisions made and actions carried out are a reflection of their true character. One cannot hide from himself. In addition, no warrior can hide from the shame of cowardice or guilt. To repent for one's sins and purify oneself of shortcomings is to follow the path of self-enlightenment.

* Wisdom (忍; *rěn*)

To keep one's mind in calmness and order, it must be kept clear and wise. True warriors know that the greatest wisdom comes from within oneself. Therefore, if one has trained to keep a purified, open and serene state of mind, he will find that wisdom and insight is ever-flowing.