Final answer:
Japanese samurai and European knights were elite warriors bound by codes of honor, yet samurai often functioned as warrior-administrators with a strong influence from Zen Buddhism, whereas European knights were more focused on military service, influenced by Christian values and feudal loyalty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing and contrasting Japanese samurai with European knights under feudalism reveals both similarities and differences between these two groups. Both samurai and knights were members of the elite warrior class within their respective feudal systems, providing military service in return for land or stipends. They adhered to strict codes of honor and conduct, with samurai following the Bushido code and knights upholding Chivalry.
However, there were notable differences as well. For instance, the role of the samurai extended into administrative and political arenas, whereas European knights focused mainly on military functions without as much involvement in governance. Moreover, while Zen Buddhism influenced the samurai class, providing a philosophical basis that emphasized meditation and stoicism, European knights' conduct was moulded more by Christian values and feudal loyalty to their liege lords.