3. Benevolence (Jin)
The principle of benevolence (jin) called samurai to show compassion and mercy, even toward their adversaries. Many tales recount samurai sparing defeated foes or intervening to protect the vulnerable, seeing it as a warrior’s duty to balance strength with empathy. This virtue mirrors the chivalric ideals found in medieval Europe, where knights were also expected to defend the weak. Benevolence elevated the samurai, making them not just fighters, but guardians of justice.
