What was the purpose of Bushido for samurai? Why was this important?
What does Bushido mean? How does this phrase relate to the purpose of the ideas?

It means way of the Warrior. Good reading on it is the Bushido Shoshinshu or Taira Shigesuke written about 400 years ago. It comes from a code of conduct or rules of the bushi class in japan, They were both a military and latter a ruling class in Japan history.

For a real samurai, it is the way they live, it is their code that they honor. In fact of the major factors is honor about death, they would rather die than face dishonor.

It does not relate to their ideas it is their idea, it is the entire life style they live.

Bushido Virtues - The Code of the Samurai (http://www.orientaloutpost.com/bushido-code-of-the-samurai.php)

This may help to explain the code.

Is there more to the question, There are few that live the code and life today.