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The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemusu Aiki
With its message of universal harmony, the martial art of Aikido is attracting an ever-expanding number of followers all around the world. There are now 1,600,000 Aikido practitioners in 90 different countries. The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemasu Aiki focuses on the human values and promotion of peace that legendary founder Morihei Ueshiba believed were at Aikido's core. Takemasu Aiki means, "the life-generating force capable of unlimited transformations," an idea that serves as the spiritual foundation on which Aikido rests.
The book, translated into English for the first time, draws on the essence of the founder's philosophy and spirituality, which was based on the Shinto religion. It presents such tenets as: the importance of harmony in the martial arts, the ultimate promotion of peace by dispelling any aggression through such harmony, and the divinity of the true self and the universe.
The Japanese version of the book holds a special place in the hearts of Aikido practitioners; the English-language edition has been eagerly awaited and is sure to be greeted with great excitement.
The book, translated into English for the first time, draws on the essence of the founder's philosophy and spirituality, which was based on the Shinto religion. It presents such tenets as: the importance of harmony in the martial arts, the ultimate promotion of peace by dispelling any aggression through such harmony, and the divinity of the true self and the universe.
The Japanese version of the book holds a special place in the hearts of Aikido practitioners; the English-language edition has been eagerly awaited and is sure to be greeted with great excitement.
- GenresMartial ArtsPhilosophy
144 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2010
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194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 28, 2022
Interesting if you practice the martial art as I do. Still hard to read and without a real structure. I don't recommend until you really are into Aikido.
May 20, 2024
My journey towards inner peace is paved with the practice of karate and judo. These dynamic and disciplined training styles have been instrumental in my quest, guiding me away from aggression and towards a more harmonious existence.
Currently, I'm immersed in the profound teachings of 'The Heart of Aikido,' The Philosophy of Takemusu Aiki. It enlightens me that Aikido is not just a martial way but a path to embodying universal truth in one's body and spirit. This universal truth is a fascinating concept that transcends any specific martial way.
Triangle, circle, and square shapes have meanings:
The triangle represents the animal realm.
The circle represents the vegetable realm.
The square represents the mineral realm.
The circle represents the gentle spirit, and the square represents the bright spirit. From a material standpoint, the triangle stands for heaven and fire, the circle is water, and the square is earth. Heaven represents the highest principle, the august virtue. Fire is the law that we call administration according to universal principles.
Water is ceremonial public behaviour with a gentle spirit. It is named a gentle spirit because it promotes harmony and employs rites and rituals to connect the top and bottom.
The triangle, circle, and square symbolize heaven, fire, water, and earth. In spiritual terms, they represent the four spirits: intelligent spirit, rough spirit, gentle spirit, and bright spirit.
Those who strive for global harmony must first establish harmony within their nation. Every family in the country must coexist peacefully. Each person has a mission to fulfill for the benefit of their nation and then for the benefit of humanity as a whole. It is essential to put one's affairs in order, as with a greater mission, it is likely possible. Loyalty and dedication to a higher purpose are crucial. Budo aims to remove negativity from one's heart and nurture sincerity, commitment, and loyalty.
True, Budo has no enemies. Its function is to bring all things to fruition. Love serves as our guardian angel and makes it all happen.
I do not need a dojo, and I do not desire fame, status, or money. I can teach anywhere—under a tree or on top of a rock. I am standing on the Floating Bridge of Heaven wherever I am, and I am always happy to explain these teachings.
Currently, I'm immersed in the profound teachings of 'The Heart of Aikido,' The Philosophy of Takemusu Aiki. It enlightens me that Aikido is not just a martial way but a path to embodying universal truth in one's body and spirit. This universal truth is a fascinating concept that transcends any specific martial way.
Triangle, circle, and square shapes have meanings:
The triangle represents the animal realm.
The circle represents the vegetable realm.
The square represents the mineral realm.
The circle represents the gentle spirit, and the square represents the bright spirit. From a material standpoint, the triangle stands for heaven and fire, the circle is water, and the square is earth. Heaven represents the highest principle, the august virtue. Fire is the law that we call administration according to universal principles.
Water is ceremonial public behaviour with a gentle spirit. It is named a gentle spirit because it promotes harmony and employs rites and rituals to connect the top and bottom.
The triangle, circle, and square symbolize heaven, fire, water, and earth. In spiritual terms, they represent the four spirits: intelligent spirit, rough spirit, gentle spirit, and bright spirit.
Those who strive for global harmony must first establish harmony within their nation. Every family in the country must coexist peacefully. Each person has a mission to fulfill for the benefit of their nation and then for the benefit of humanity as a whole. It is essential to put one's affairs in order, as with a greater mission, it is likely possible. Loyalty and dedication to a higher purpose are crucial. Budo aims to remove negativity from one's heart and nurture sincerity, commitment, and loyalty.
True, Budo has no enemies. Its function is to bring all things to fruition. Love serves as our guardian angel and makes it all happen.
I do not need a dojo, and I do not desire fame, status, or money. I can teach anywhere—under a tree or on top of a rock. I am standing on the Floating Bridge of Heaven wherever I am, and I am always happy to explain these teachings.
December 17, 2017
This book is not for the faint of heart. It goes very deep into O'Sensei's teachings and thoughts about "Ai" as both Love and Armony.
April 17, 2016
It had good parts. But on overall I was a little disappointed. A lot of the Japanese philosophies didn't make much sense. I think I will be more cautious buying a book that's ~$20 and yet so thin that it can be read in an hour.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews