Yamamoto Tsunetomo, author of the passage quoted from the Hagakure, quoted below, said that a samurai should recite four vows each morning:
1. Do not fall behind in bushido!
2. Be of use to my lord!
3. Be filial toward my parents!
4. Arouse great compassion, and be of use to other people!
Bushido's literal translation is "way of the warrior," and in the context of the Hagakure, means that one must train in the martial arts daily. Master Tsunetomo's four vows have ready application to lawyers -- Indeed, we need only slightly modify the vows:
1. Study tactics and advocacy daily!
2. Be of use to my clients!
3. Be filial toward my parents!
4. Take cases pro bono!
