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The purpose of Aikido is to harmonize oneself with the divine, and work for a better world. --Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido
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After years of endless devotion to the martial traditions of Japan, Morihei Ueshiba developed Aikido, drawing of the rich heritage of Japan's fighting arts and refining them into a wholly new system. In its short history, Aikido has become one of the most renowned martial arts in the world, drawing devotees of all ages and nationalities. Part of the appeal of Aikido is that it remains unique in preserving the ancient fighting traditions of Japan in modern context, emphasizing the principles of harmony and peace as the only true paths to overcoming conflict. The Secret Teaching of Aikido is a collection of the spiritual teachings of Aikido's legendary founder. In the book, Morihei Ueshiba explains how Aikido is both the spirit of love and the study of that spirit. The author reflects on the rich and varied landscape of Aikido philosophy, discussing how Aiki is the marvelous functioning of breath, known as ki(chi), and how through diligent use of Aikido's breathing techniques the practitioner can achieve true harmony. The author urges the reader to link to the universe through Aikido, to train, and ultimately to unify the divine and the human. He also explains the essence of Takemusu aiki (valorous force of procreation and harmony), and Misogi (the ritual of purifying oneself), as well as discussing Aikido's relationship to the spirit and body - these form the very essence of Aikido. This book is more of a philosophical exploration than a practical guide, and will serve as an invaluable insight into this revered martial art, and the spiritual meditations of the man behind it. The book also includes many rare photos of the author, on both his techniques and his everyday life, and contains twenty-five of Morihei's doca (spiritual Japanese-style poetry) in Japanese, English, and also in Romanization. At times challenging and provocative, The Secret Teaching of Aikido will offer both the general reader and the Aikido enthusiast alike a unique glimpse into the mind of one of budo's greatest practitioners, who strove to spread the message of peace in the world through Aikido.
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Aikido is the study of the spirit. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Aikido is the study of the spirit. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Quite simply a wonderful book. Not at all focused on the techinical aspect of aikido, but that's what you go to the dojo for. This is a book covering the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of aikido, as written by the founder, Morihei Ueshiba. The book gives insight into beautiful yet sometimes complex thoughts and views of the founder and his ideals and reasons for developing the art. Therfore this book will be exteremly helpful for anyone seeking to descover the non-practical side of aikido and spiritual development through the art. Ueshiba himself said that aikido is more than just a series of techniques and that there is indeed an important philisophical aspect as well which is often over looked, however this is necessary to complete the yin-yang concept which the art encompases. To read this book is to delve into spiritual side of aikido, which O Sensei beleived was every bit as essential as what you learn on the mat.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
It is clear from reading this book that Aikido dojo practice was but part of O'Sensei's way of life (The "Do" in "AikiDo"). This book paraphrases his writings on this way of life and as such it should be of benefit to the serious practitioner who is on a path of spiritual growth.
As a reader who has come to this book from an Indian (Yogic) and Chinese (Daoist) background, I am struck by the similarities between the practices I have been incorporating into my life from these backgrounds and O'Sensei's way - he makes mention of meditation; purification of the body, mind and heart; chanting, etc., and we can see the various branches of the science of yoga in O'Sensei's science/ mystical way: karma, bhakti, mantra, gyana, nada, and kundalini yoga, amongst others.
As O'Sensei progressed in his life his individual being opened to universal being; he realised the unity of both, and the simple fact that all creatures are of one family. Thus convinced of the futility of war and strife, he developed Aikido, often referred to as the "Art of Peace". A martial art for world peace? O'Sensei has much to say on these topics in the book!
As a reader who has come to this book from an Indian (Yogic) and Chinese (Daoist) background, I am struck by the similarities between the practices I have been incorporating into my life from these backgrounds and O'Sensei's way - he makes mention of meditation; purification of the body, mind and heart; chanting, etc., and we can see the various branches of the science of yoga in O'Sensei's science/ mystical way: karma, bhakti, mantra, gyana, nada, and kundalini yoga, amongst others.
As O'Sensei progressed in his life his individual being opened to universal being; he realised the unity of both, and the simple fact that all creatures are of one family. Thus convinced of the futility of war and strife, he developed Aikido, often referred to as the "Art of Peace". A martial art for world peace? O'Sensei has much to say on these topics in the book!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4 reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Awesome Philosophical and Spiritual Vision of the Art
30 Jan 2009
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The founder Osensei Ueshiba explains in great detail all the profound spiritual and philosophical aspects of the art. All the information in the book is from lectures that master Ueshiba did back in the past when Aikido was born. Great book for understanding the essence of this marvelous path that is Aikido. A must have for the serious practitioner.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
A "must have" for those interested in aikido
8 July 2010
Format:Hardcover
This is an extraordinary book that was recommended to me by a longtime teacher of Aikido; it's highly respected by other teachers I know who have made Aikido their life's focus for many, many years. The preface, by Moriteru Ueshiba, the son of Morihei Ueshiba, explains that this is a translation of lectures that present the inner teachings of Aikido, describing the core of the Founder's spirit and interpretation of the techniques. He says he would be very happy if those who engage in heartfelt Aikido training make this book of the Founder's lessons their daily companion and study his words often. Again - this is a translation, not an interpretation, of profound thinking. John Stevens, the translator, is a Buddhist priest, teacher of Eastern philosophy, and a high ranking Aikido teacher in Japan. He says in the book, "All serious students of Aikido must study Morihei's words and make their own interpretation of his marvelous philosophy of the Art of Peace." He added only minimal explanations in brackets, so it's quite clear that those few touches are his own - for example, the kind of thing he adds in brackets is illustrated here: "Unification of mind and body will lead to the development of fundamental techniques. Techniques that are created by the nen [single-minded concentration, direct perception of the truth] are unlimited in scope. Techniques must reflect universal principles. For this we need true nen." I would really encourage you to use the Amazon feature that lets you "look inside" and see for yourself what it's like - It's a beautiful book worth keeping out and referring to often.
Grab a highlighter
4 Oct 2010
Format:Hardcover
This book was a challenge. But in a good way. The spiritual aspect is what I was looking for, but often found myself scratching my head. You really have to open your mind and soak it all in, to understand what he means. But you can see clearly that this man was indeed a giant. A passionate man with love for everything and a truly humble servant to all. We could learn alot from O-Sensei. It was an excellent read. Couldnt put it down.
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