Stories of the Japanese 01468 [Muromachi/Saigoku/Eve of the Great Rebellion] The Family Precepts of the Ise Clan

Now that Ise Sadachika has appeared, let us introduce the "Ise Sadachika Kyokun" (Precepts of Ise Sadachika) that he left for his son, Ise Sadamune (1444–1509). This document explains the mindset required of a shogun's close aide and consists of 38 articles and a concluding paragraph.
Sadachika's teachings can be broadly divided into the following four points.
1. Reverence for the Gods and Buddha
As a close aide to the shogun, he would have had many opportunities to interact with the monks of the Gozan (Rinzai sect monks), who were the greatest pressure group on the Muromachi Shogunate. It would have been impossible to perform his duties without a sense of reverence for the gods and Buddha.
2. Thoroughness in Master-Servant Relationships
He advocates for the strict observance of the hierarchy and master-servant etiquette among his clan and retainers. At the same time, he instructs that one should not fail to show consideration, such as by granting rewards to those who serve with loyalty and observe the etiquette of a retainer. Sadachika likely noticed the trend of gekokujo (the lower overcoming the higher) that was beginning at this time and sought to prevent it.
3. Cultivation of Martial Arts and Education
After stating that one should never neglect the way of the bow and horse, he mentions the importance of acquiring an education. He says that performing arts are fine as long as they are not too conspicuous, and he specifically warns against going overboard with inuoumono (dog-hunting archery) and sarugaku.
The Ise family was a family of financial administrators and would have had few opportunities to fight themselves, but that is precisely why he says not to forget one's primary duty. He is saying that martial arts come first, education second, and performing arts should be kept in moderation.
4. Strict Observance of Etiquette
He states that one should observe daily etiquette, explaining that "especially since the Ise clan is the head of the Mandokoro (Administrative Board) and the head family of buke kojitsu (the etiquette and ceremonial procedures within the samurai class), valuing etiquette is important for maintaining one's position within the shogunate." He is very specific on this point, also stating that "not making guests feel uncomfortable is necessary for gaining many political allies."
The Ise family were Mandokoro stewards, and their official rank was not as high as that of the powerful shugo (military governors). He likely realized that although they were powerful figures in control of finances, their status was by no means high, and he sought to ensure they behaved in a way that deferred to others.
This document of precepts contains content applicable to daimyo families in general, and like the "Akahashi Family Precepts" by Gokurakuji Shigetoki of the Kamakura period (see episode 00669), it had a great influence on later generations.
However, Sadachika eventually caused conflict with other powerful shugo families and ended up falling from power through an unexpected turn of events. Perhaps Sadachika himself was unable to strictly follow these precepts.