命
This Chinese character means life.
You can watch how to write this. - (「命」の書き順（筆順）動画 - 漢字書き順辞典)
There are 2 main ways to read this, "いのち" or "めい".
When this is combined with other Chinese character, this is often read as "めい".
"生命 (せいめい)" also means life.
"命令 (めいれい)" means order.
During Sengoku period, samurai fought for their lives.
So they were feared.
The era of peace came after their bloody battles.
It was Edo period.
By Higashi-Mikawa Kyōjindō Shujin (東三河狂人堂主人)