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The Secret Teachings of Aikido
Aikido evolved from the rich martial traditions of Japan, and was developed by Morihei Ueshiba based on their profound philosophies. In this book, the author explains how Aikido is both the spirit of love and the study of that spirit. In unique and incisive language, Ueshiba discusses the arcane aspects of Aikido’s aims and techniques, as well as the central importance of breathing, ki (chi), and Aikido’s relationship to the spirit and body—these form the very essence of Aikido.
He goes on to consider the virtues of this revered martial art, urging the reader to link to the universe through Aikido, and ultimately to unify the divine and human. He also explains the essence of Takemusu aiki (valorous force of procreation and harmony), and Misogi (the ritual of purifying oneself).
The book includes many rare photos of the author—on both his techniques and his everyday life. Also included are his twenty-five doka (spiritual Japanese-style poems) in Japanese, English, and Romanization. The introduction was written by his grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba, the present Aikido Doshu.
He goes on to consider the virtues of this revered martial art, urging the reader to link to the universe through Aikido, and ultimately to unify the divine and human. He also explains the essence of Takemusu aiki (valorous force of procreation and harmony), and Misogi (the ritual of purifying oneself).
The book includes many rare photos of the author—on both his techniques and his everyday life. Also included are his twenty-five doka (spiritual Japanese-style poems) in Japanese, English, and Romanization. The introduction was written by his grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba, the present Aikido Doshu.
152 pages, Hardcover
First published February 29, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 14, 2018
Confusing yet inspiring. It sometimes reads as free-flow ramblings, mixing bits of religion and philosophy together. While broken up into chapters, there's quite a bit of repetition. Not necessarily a must read, but an eye-opening peak into the mind of O-Sensei.
Bottom line: Aikido is the way to unifying the mind, body and spirit with the universe in order to spread love and make you and the world a better place.
Bottom line: Aikido is the way to unifying the mind, body and spirit with the universe in order to spread love and make you and the world a better place.
January 6, 2009
This is not a book of martial arts techniques, rather the spirit behind one system as presented by its Founder. Aikido is a nonviolent martial art designed to "save the life of one's opponent as well as one's own."
Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido, was an expert in several forms of Japanese martial arts, and even trained Japanese soldiers in the early twentieth century. He increasingly grew disenchanted with the growing violence and militarism in his country and became part of a Shinto sect that protested Japanese militarism in the 1930's. The Japanese government sought to silence descent and drove the sect underground during World War II, sending Ueshiba Sama into a self imposed exile in the countryside of Japan. There he sought to find a better way than causing injury, and developed Aikido which he began to introduce to the world after the end of the war.
I had taken classes in other forms of martial arts and found them too violent for my taste, relying on "breaking the other guy's face" and usurped, more or less by a lot of macho strutting. Being far from the macho strutting crowd, and having long been interested in the spiritual side of Aikido, I have only recently been able to begin Aikido training. This book came to my hands and gave me reference to the basis of the Founder's approach.
Much of the background in based in Shinto scripture, namely the Kojiki, but the reader can still find an understanding of what Aikido is all about, and what Ueshiba Sama had intended, including seeking an end to violence, and making a new direction toward peace and understanding.
Even if you are not interested in martial arts, but would like to find a different and nonviolent approach to life's experiences, this is still a worth reading.
Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido, was an expert in several forms of Japanese martial arts, and even trained Japanese soldiers in the early twentieth century. He increasingly grew disenchanted with the growing violence and militarism in his country and became part of a Shinto sect that protested Japanese militarism in the 1930's. The Japanese government sought to silence descent and drove the sect underground during World War II, sending Ueshiba Sama into a self imposed exile in the countryside of Japan. There he sought to find a better way than causing injury, and developed Aikido which he began to introduce to the world after the end of the war.
I had taken classes in other forms of martial arts and found them too violent for my taste, relying on "breaking the other guy's face" and usurped, more or less by a lot of macho strutting. Being far from the macho strutting crowd, and having long been interested in the spiritual side of Aikido, I have only recently been able to begin Aikido training. This book came to my hands and gave me reference to the basis of the Founder's approach.
Much of the background in based in Shinto scripture, namely the Kojiki, but the reader can still find an understanding of what Aikido is all about, and what Ueshiba Sama had intended, including seeking an end to violence, and making a new direction toward peace and understanding.
Even if you are not interested in martial arts, but would like to find a different and nonviolent approach to life's experiences, this is still a worth reading.
January 6, 2012
This book is a great companion to "The Art of Peace". I haven't been able to train at the dojo all week due to a head cold, but this book is the next best thing to being there. Nay, it's just as good! (I've been trying to work in a nay for forever).
I read a review on this site that said this book is more for practioners of the Ki Society, but I disagree. In the book O'Sensei repeats that training must be a marriage of heaven and earth, and I think people who train with survival in mind should open up to this airy side of Aikido, and vice versa.
I didn't understand a lot of what O'Sensei talked about, but I'm thankful that I've had a few years of training in a dojo that introduced me to the philosophy of the art before starting this book. I can't imagine what it must've been like for O'Sensei's students!
I would have liked to have been around O'Sensei to get a better feel for where he was at. Was he enlightened? Was he a crazy old man? Was he just so gifted that he transcended the art? Whatever the truth is, I like the cut of his jib!
I read a review on this site that said this book is more for practioners of the Ki Society, but I disagree. In the book O'Sensei repeats that training must be a marriage of heaven and earth, and I think people who train with survival in mind should open up to this airy side of Aikido, and vice versa.
I didn't understand a lot of what O'Sensei talked about, but I'm thankful that I've had a few years of training in a dojo that introduced me to the philosophy of the art before starting this book. I can't imagine what it must've been like for O'Sensei's students!
I would have liked to have been around O'Sensei to get a better feel for where he was at. Was he enlightened? Was he a crazy old man? Was he just so gifted that he transcended the art? Whatever the truth is, I like the cut of his jib!
November 15, 2020
Somewhat mystical and esoteric in tone, this compilation of the teachings of O Sensei sheds light on the depth of the philosophy of Aikido. Compared to some other esoteric texts, O Sensei's teachings are not abstract since they are meant to be applied to every day life through the practice of Aikido. This fact makes the teachings particularly compelling and strong.
September 7, 2019
The first sentence of the translator's notes says "All of Ueshiba's senior students commented on how it was impossible to understand his lectures."
I agree. There were some nice little echos of stuff I had learnt in the dojo here but also a lot of incomprehensible stuff.
I agree. There were some nice little echos of stuff I had learnt in the dojo here but also a lot of incomprehensible stuff.
April 22, 2020
Excellent explanation of the spiritual philosophy of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.
May 4, 2010
This book is probably better appreciated by the Ki Society of aikidoka.
The last page of the book basically sums up my experience.
"All of Morihei Ueshiba's direct students have commented on how baffled they were by the talks of the Founder of Aikido. As the reader will see in this translation, Morihei's lectures are indeed challenging: they contain a heady mixture of the most profound philosophical speculations on the origin and nature of the universe, constant reference to obscure Shinto myths, mind-boggling lists of various gods and goddesses, presentations o the esoteric science of sound, discussion of the meaning of ritual purification, instruction on meditation techniques, comments on world religions, social criticism, hints for the practice of the art of Aikido, works of inspiration, as well as visions, dreams, personal asides, and historical anecdote--all jumbled together."
The last page of the book basically sums up my experience.
"All of Morihei Ueshiba's direct students have commented on how baffled they were by the talks of the Founder of Aikido. As the reader will see in this translation, Morihei's lectures are indeed challenging: they contain a heady mixture of the most profound philosophical speculations on the origin and nature of the universe, constant reference to obscure Shinto myths, mind-boggling lists of various gods and goddesses, presentations o the esoteric science of sound, discussion of the meaning of ritual purification, instruction on meditation techniques, comments on world religions, social criticism, hints for the practice of the art of Aikido, works of inspiration, as well as visions, dreams, personal asides, and historical anecdote--all jumbled together."
June 26, 2015
The book is a fine explanation of Aikido. Perhaps my problem with it was that the philosophy of Aikido is so steeped in Shinto. If you happen to understand a fair amount of Shinto mythology and metaphysics perhaps you will have a greater appreciation for this book than I did. As a secularist and with very little knowledge of Aikido this book did not really appeal to me.
February 9, 2017
Je déconseille fortement la version française de ce livre qui est remplie de fautes d'orthographe , il y en a plusieurs par page et ce jusqu'à la fin du livre ! Cela gâche le plaisir de la lecture.
The French edition of this book must be avoided as it is full of grammar and spelling mistakes.
The French edition of this book must be avoided as it is full of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews