Final answer:
The samurai code of behavior, known as bushido, emphasized loyalty, honor, and self-discipline. It was a commitment to serve one's master faithfully and such devotion could require a samurai to sacrifice their own life if necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The samurai code of behavior, also known as bushido, is best described by option a) Loyalty, honor, and self-discipline. This code was deeply rooted in the culture of the samurai, a member of the elite warrior class in Japan. Historically, during the Sengoku period, the samurai served as foot soldiers and later became bureaucrats or ronin in the Tokugawa regime.
The bushido code placed supreme value on loyalty, where a samurai was expected to serve their master unconditionally, even at the cost of their life. Ritual, known as seppuku, was seen as an honorable fate for any samurai who failed in their duties. The principles of bushido were later used as a cultural means to instill loyalty and order among the Japanese population. Moreover, the samurai were known to practice and support the arts, and many were adherents of Zen Buddhism which emphasized meditation and stoicism.