At the core of Bushido lies a set of principles that guided the samurai in their conduct. Central to this code were virtues such as righteousness, loyalty, courage, and honor. Bushido emphasized the importance of self-discipline, mastery of martial skills, and unwavering loyalty to one’s lord. For the samurai, death in battle was preferable to a life of dishonor, and they adhered to a strict moral code even in the face of adversity.