The
Art of Peace
Morihei
Ueshiba
Morihei
Ueshiba (1883-1969) was one of history's greatest martial artists. He was the
founder of Aikido, which can be translated as "The Art of Peace."
Morihei Ueshiba is referred to by the practitioners of Aikido as O-Sensei,
"The Great Teacher".
The following
quotations have been compiled from O-Sensei's collected talks, poems, and
calligraphy, and from oral tradition.
One
The Art of
Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of
Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in
some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here for no other purpose than
to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment. Foster
peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.
Two
One does not
need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is
right where you are standing, and that is the place to train.
Three
All things,
material and spiritual, originate from one source and are related as if they
were one family. The past, present, and future are all contained in the life
force. The universe emerged and developed from one source, and we evolved
through the optimal process of unification and harmonization.
Four
The Art of
Peace is medicine for a sick world. There is evil and disorder in the world
because people have forgotten that all things emanate from one source. Return
to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and
anger. Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.
Five
If you have
not
Linked
yourself
To true
emptiness,
You will never
understand
The Art of
Peace.
Six
The Art of
Peace functions everywhere on earth, in realms ranging from the vastness of
space down to the tiniest plants and animals. The life force is all-pervasive
and its strength boundless. The Art of Peace allows us to perceive and tap into
that tremendous reserve of universal energy.
Seven
Eight forces
sustain creation:
Movement and
stillness,
Solidification
and fluidity,
Extension and
contraction,
Unification
and division.
Eight
Life is
growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as
dead. The Art of Peace is a celebration of the bonding of heaven, earth, and humankind.
It is all that is true, good, and beautiful.
Nine
Now and again,
it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys to
restore your link to the source of life. Breathe in and let yourself soar to
the ends of the universe; breathe out and bring the cosmos back inside. Next,
breathe up all fecundity and vibrancy of the earth. Finally, blend the breath
of heaven and the breath of earth with your own, becoming the Breath of Life
itself.
Ten
All the principles
of heaven and earth are living inside you. Life itself is the truth, and this
will never change. Everything in heaven and earth breathes. Breath is the
thread that ties creation together. When the myriad variations in the universal
breath can be sensed, the individual techniques of the Art of Peace are born.
Eleven
Consider the
ebb and flow of the tide. When waves come to strike the shore, they crest and
fall, creating a sound. Your breath should follow the same pattern, absorbing
the entire universe in your belly with each inhalation. Know that we all have
access to four treasures:
The energy of
the sun and moon,
The breath of
heaven,
The breath of
earth,
And the ebb
and flow of the tide.
Twelve
Those who
practice the Art of Peace must protect the domain of Mother Nature, the divine reflection
of creation, and keep it lovely and fresh. Warriorship gives birth to natural
beauty.
The subtle
techniques of a warrior arise as naturally as the appearance of spring, summer,
autumn, and winter. Warriorship is none other than the vitality that sustains
all life.
Thirteen
When life is
victorious, there is birth; when it is thwarted, there is death. A warrior is
always engaged in a life-and-death struggle for Peace.
Fourteen
Contemplate
the workings of this world, listen to the words of the wise, and take all that
is good as your own. With this as your base, open your own door to truth. Do
not overlook the truth that is right before you. Study how water flows in a
valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy
books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees -
should be your teacher.
Fifteen
Create each
day anew by clothing yourself with heaven and earth, bathing yourself with wisdom
and love, and placing yourself in the heart of Mother Nature.
Sixteen
Do not fail
To learn from
The pure voice
of an
Ever-flowing
mountain stream
Splashing over
the rocks.
Seventeen
Peace originates
with the flow of things—its heart is like the movement of the wind and waves.
The Way is like the veins that circulate blood through our bodies, following
the natural flow of the life force. If you are separated in the slightest from
that divine essence, you are far off the path.
Eighteen
Your heart is
full of fertile seeds, waiting to sprout. Just as a lotus flower springs from
the mire to bloom splendidly, the interaction of the cosmic breath causes the
flower of the spirit to bloom and bear fruit in this world.
Nineteen
Study the
teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo, and the plum blossom. The pine is evergreen,
firmly rooted, and venerable. The bamboo is strong, resilient, unbreakable. The
plum blossom is hardy, fragrant, and elegant.
Twenty
Always keep
your mind as bright and clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the highest
peak, empty of all thoughts. Always keep your body filled with light and heat.
Fill yourself with the power of wisdom and enlightenment.
Twenty One
As soon as you
concern yourself with the "good" and "bad" of your fellows,
you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing,
competing with, and criticizing others weaken and defeat you.
Twenty Two
The
penetrating brilliance of swords
Wielded by
followers of the Way
Strikes at the
evil enemy
Lurking deep
within
Their own
souls and bodies.
Twenty Three
The Art of
Peace is not easy. It is a fight to the finish, the slaying of evil desires and
all falsehood within. on occasion the Voice of Peace resounds like thunder,
jolting human beings out of their stupor.
Twenty Four
Crystal clear,
Sharp and
bright,
The sacred
sword
Allows no
opening
For evil to
roost.
Twenty Five
To practice
properly the Art of Peace, you must:
Calm the
spirit and return to the source.
Cleanse the
body and spirit by removing all malice, selfishness, and desire.
Be
ever-grateful for the gifts received from the universe, your family, Mother
Nature, and your fellow human beings.
Twenty Six
The Art of
Peace is based on Four Great Virtues: Bravery, Wisdom, Love, and Friendship, symbolized
by Fire, Heaven, Earth, and Water.
Twenty Seven
The essence of
the Art of Peace is to cleanse yourself of maliciousness, to get in tune with your
environment, and to clear your path of all obstacles and barriers.
Twenty Eight
The only cure
for materialism is the cleansing of the six senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body,
and mind). If the senses are clogged, one's perception is stifled. The more it
is stifled, the more contaminated the senses become. This creates disorder in
the world, and that is the greatest evil of all. Polish the heart, free the six
senses and let them function without obstruction, and your entire body and soul
will glow.
Twenty Nine
All life is a
manifestation of the spirit, the manifestation of love. And the Art of Peace is
the purest form of that principle. A warrior is charged with bringing a halt to
all contention and strife. Universal love functions in many forms; each
manifestation should be allowed free expression. The Art of Peace is true
democracy.
Thirty
Each and every
master, regardless of the era or place, heard the call and attained harmony with
heaven and earth. There are many paths leading to the top of Mount Fuji, but
there is only one summit—love.
Thirty One
Loyalty and
devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The
spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.
Thirty Two
Economy is the
basis of society. When the economy is stable, society develops. The ideal economy
combines the spiritual and the material, and the best commodities to trade in
are sincerity and love.
Thirty Three
The Art of
Peace does not rely on weapons or brute force to succeed; instead we put
ourselves in tune with the universe, maintain peace in our own realms, nurture
life, and prevent death and destruction. The true meaning of the term samurai is
one who serves and adheres to the power of love.
Thirty Four
Foster and
polish
The warrior
spirit
While serving
in the world;
Illuminate the
path
According to
your inner light.
Thirty Five
The Path of
Peace is exceedingly vast, reflecting the grand design of the hidden and
manifest worlds. A warrior is a living shrine of the divine, one who serves
that grand purpose.
Thirty Six
Your mind
should be in harmony with the functioning of the universe; your body should be
in tune with the movement of the universe; body and mind should be bound as
one, unified with the activity of the universe.
Thirty Seven
Even though
our path is completely different from the warrior arts of the past, it is not necessary
to abondon totally the old ways. Absorb venerable traditions into this Art by clothing
them with fresh garments, and build on the classic styles to create better
forms.
Thirty Eight
Daily training
in the Art of Peace allows you inner divinity to shine brighter and brighter.
Do not concern yourself with the right and wrong of others. Do not be
calculating or act unnaturally. Keep your mind set on the Art of Peace, and do
not criticize other teachers or traditions. The Art of Peace never restrains,
restricts, or shackles anything. It embraces all and purifies everything.
Thirty Nine
Practice the
Art of Peace sincerely, and evil thoughts and deeds will naturally disappear.
The only desire that should remain is the thirst for more and more training in
the Way.
Forty
Those who are
enlightened never stop forging themselves. The realizations of such masters cannot
be expressed well in words or by theories. The most perfect actions echo the
patterns found in nature.
Forty One
Day after day
Train your
heart out,
Refining your
technique:
Use the One to
strike the Many!
That is the
discipline of the Warrior.
Forty Two
The Way of a
Warrior
Cannot be
encompassed
By words or in
letters:
Grasp the
essence
And move on
toward realization!
Forty Three
The purpose of
training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.
Forty Four
Iron is full
of impurities that weaken it; through forging, it becomes steel and is
transformed into a razor-sharp sword. Human beings develop in the same fashion.
Forty Five
From ancient
times,
Deep learning
and valor
Have been the
two pillars of the Path:
Through the
virtue of training,
Enlighten both
body and soul.
Forty Six
Instructors
can impart only a fraction of the teaching. It is through your own devoted
practice that the mysteries of the Art of Peace are brought to life.
Forty Seven
The Way of a
Warrior is based on humanity, love, and sincerity; the heart of martial valor
is true bravery, wisdom, love, and friendship. Emphasis on the physical aspects
of warriorship is futile, for the power of the body is always limited.
Forty Eight
A true warrior
is always armed with the three things: the radiant sword of pacification; the mirror
of bravery, wisdom, and friendship; and the precious jewel of enlightenment.
Forty Nine
The heart of a
human being is no different from the soul of heaven and earth. In your practice
always keep in your thoughts the interaction of heaven and earth, water and
fire, yin and yang.
Fifty
The Art of
Peace is the principle of nonresistance. Because it is nonresistant, it is
victorious from the beginning. Those with evil intentions or contentious
thoughts are instantly vanquished. The Art of Peace is invincible because it
contends with nothing.
Fifty One
There are no
contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests
with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor
within.
Fifty Two
To injure an
opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury
is the Art of Peace.
Fifty Three
The totally
awakened warrior can freely utilize all elements contained in heaven and earth.
The true warrior learns how to correctly perceive the activity of the universe
and how to transform martial techniques into vehicles of purity, goodness, and
beauty. A warrior's mind and body must be permeated with enlightened wisdom and
deep calm.
Fifty Four
Always
practice the Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful manner.
Fifty Five
It is necessary
to develop a strategy that utilizes all the physical conditions and elements
that are directly at hand. The best strategy relies upon an unlimited set of
responses.
Fifty Six
A good stance
and posture reflect a proper state of mind.
Fifty Seven
The key to
good technique is to keep your hands, feet, and hips straight and centered. If
you are centered, you can move freely. The physical center is your belly; if
your mind is set there as well, you are assured of victory in any endeavor.
Fifty Eight
Move like a
beam of light:
Fly like
lightning,
Strike like
thunder,
Whirl in
circles around
A stable center.
Fifty Nine
Techniques
employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance,
you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water,
or as empty as space.
Sixty
If your
opponent strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and
free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against
anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly.
Sixty One
Functioning
harmoniously together, right and left give birth to all techniques. The left
hand takes hold of life and death; the right hand controls it. The four limbs
of the body are the four pillars of heaven, and manifest the eight directions,
yin and yang, inner and outer.
Sixty Two
Manifest yang
In your right
hand,
Balance it
with
The yin of
your left,
And guide your
partner.
Sixty Three
The techniques
of the Art of Peace are neither fast nor slow, nor are they inside or outside. They
transcend time and space.
Sixty Four
Spring forth
from the Great Earth;
Billow like
Great Waves;
Stand like a
tree, sit like a rock;
Use One to
strike All.
Learn and
forget!
Sixty Five
When an
opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send
him on his way.
Sixty Six
The body
should be triangular, the mind circular. The triangle represents the generation
of energy and is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolizes
serenity and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands
for solidity, the basis of applied control.
Sixty Seven
Always try to
be in communion with heaven and earth; then the world will appear in its true light.
Self-conceit will vanish, and you can blend with any attack.
Sixty Eight
If your heart
is large enough to envelop your adversaries, you can see right through them and
avoid their attacks. And once you envelop them, you will be able to guide them
along the path indicated to you by heaven and earth.
Sixty Nine
Free of
weakness,
No-mindedly
ignore
The sharp
attacks
Of your
enemies:
Step in and
act!
Seventy
Do not look
upon this world with fear and loathing. Bravely face whatever the gods offer.
Seventy One
Each day of
human life contains joy and anger, pain and pleasure, darkness and light,
growth and decay. Each moment is etched with nature's grand design—do not try
to deny or oppose the cosmic order of things.
Seventy Two
Protectors of
the world
And guardians
of the Ways
Of gods and
buddhas,
The techniques
of Peace
Enable us to
meet every challenge.
Seventy Three
Life itself is
always a trial. In training, you must test and polish yourself in order to face
the great challenges of life. Transcend the realm of life and death, and then
you will be able to make your way calmly and safely through any crisis that
confronts you.
Seventy Four
Be grateful
even for hardship, setbacks, and bad people. Dealing with such obstacles is an essential
part of training in the Art of Peace.
Seventy Five
Failure is the
key to success;
Each mistake
teaches us something.
Seventy Six
In extreme
situations, the entire universe becomes our foe; at such critical times, unity
of mind and technique is essential—do not let your heart waver!
Seventy Seven
At the instant
A warrior
Confronts a
foe,
All things
Come into
focus.
Seventy Eight
Even when
called out
By a single
foe,
Remain on guard,
For you are
always surrounded
By a host of
enemies.
Seventy Nine
The Art of
Peace is to fulfill that which is lacking.
Eighty
One should be
prepared to receive ninety-nine percent of an enemy's attack and stare death right
in the face in order to illumine the Path.
Eighty One
In our
techniques we enter completely into, blend totally with, and control firmly an
attack. Strength resides where one's ki is concentrated and stable; confusion
and maliciousness arise when ki stagnates.
Eighty Two
There are two
type of ki: ordinary ki and true ki. Ordinary ki is coarse and heavy; true ki
is light and versatile. In order to perform well, you have to liberate yourself
from ordinary ki and permeate your organs with true ki. That is the basis of
powerful technique.
Eighty Three
In the Art of
Peace we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run
away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an
opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with
them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind
it.
Eighty Four
Seeing me
before him,
The enemy
attacks,
But by that
time
I am already
standing
Safely behind
him.
Eighty Five
When attacked,
unify the upper, middle, and lower parts of your body. Enter, turn, and blend with
your opponent, front and back, right and left.
Eighty Six
Your spirit is
the true shield.
Eighty Seven
Opponents
confront us continually, but actually there is no opponent there. Enter deeply
into an attack and neutralize it as you draw that misdirected force into your
own sphere.
Eighty Eight
Do not stare
into the eyes of your opponent: he may mesmerize you. Do not fix your gaze on his
sword: he may intimidate you. Do not focus on your opponent at all: he may
absorb your energy. The essence of training is to bring your opponent
completely into your sphere. Then you can stand where you like.
Eighty Nine
Even the most
powerful human being has a limited sphere of strength. Draw him outside of that
sphere and into your own, and his strength will dissipate.
Ninety
Left and
right,
Avoid all
Cuts and
parries.
Seize your
opponents' minds
And scatter
them all!
Ninety One
The real Art
of Peace is not to sacrifice a single one of your warriors to defeat an enemy. Vanquish
your foes by always keeping yourself in a safe and unassailable position; then
no one will suffer any losses. The Way of a Warrior, the Art of Politics, is to
stop trouble before it starts. It consists in defeating your adversaries
spiritually by making them realize the folly of their actions. The Way of a
Warrior is to establish harmony.
Ninety Two
Master the
divine techniques
Of the Art of
Peace,
And no enemy
Will dare to
Challenge you.
Ninety Three
In your training
do not be in a hurry, for it takes a minimum of ten years to master the basics and
advance to the first rung. Never think of yourself as an all-knowing, perfected
master; you must continue to train daily with your friends and students and
progress together in the Art of Peace.
Ninety Four
Progress comes
To those who
Train and
train;
Reliance on
secret techniques
Will get you
nowhere.
Ninety Five
Fiddling with
this
And that
technique
Is of no
avail.
Simply act
decisively
Without
reserve!
Ninety Six
If you
perceive the true form of heaven and earth, you will be enlightened to your own
true form. If you are enlightened about a certain principle, you can put it
into practice. After each practical application, reflect on your efforts.
Progress continually like this.
Ninety Seven
The Art of
Peace can be summed up like this: True victory is self-victory; let that day
arrive quickly! "True victory" means unflinching courage;
"self-victory" symbolizes unflagging effort; and "let that day
arrive quickly" represents the glorious moment of triumph in the here and
now.
Ninety Eight
Cast off
limiting thoughts and return to true emptiness. Stand in the midst of the Great
Void. This is the secret of the Way of a Warrior.
Ninety Nine
To truly
implement the Art of Peace, you must be able to sport freely in the manifest,
hidden, and divine realms.
One Hundred
If you
comprehend
The Art of
Peace,
This difficult
path,
Just as it is,
Envelops the circle
of heaven.
One Hundred One
The techniques
of the Way of Peace change constantly; every encounter is unique, and the appropriate
response should emerge naturally. Today's techniques will be different tomorrow.
Do not get caught up with the form and appearance of a challenge. The Art of Peace
has no form - it is the study of the spirit.
One Hundred Two
Ultimately,
you must forget about technique. The further you progress, the fewer teachings there
are. The Great Path is really No Path.
One Hundred Three
The Art of
Peace that I practice has room for each of the world's eight million gods, and
I cooperate with them all. The God of Peace is very great and enjoins all that
is divine and enlightened in every land.
One Hundred Four
The Art of
Peace is a form of prayer that generates light and heat. Forget about your
little self, detach yourself from objects, and you will radiate light and
warmth. Light is wisdom; warmth is compassion.
One Hundred Five
Construction
of shrine and temple buildings is not enough. Establish yourself as a living buddha
image. We all should be transformed into goddesses of compassion or victorious buddhas.
One Hundred Six
Rely on Peace
To activate
your
Manifold
powers;
Pacify your
environment
And create a
beautiful world.
One Hundred Seven
The Divine is
not something high above us. It is in heaven, it is in earth, it is inside of
us.
One Hundred Eight
Unite yourself
to the cosmos, and the thought of transcendence will disappear. Transcendence belongs
to the profane world. When all trace of transcendence vanishes, the true person—the
Divine Being—is manifest. Empty yourself and let the Divine function.
One Hundred Nine
You cannot see
or touch the Divine with your gross senses. The Divine is within you, not somewhere
else. Unite yourself to the Divine, and you will be able to perceive gods
wherever you are, but do not try to grasp or cling to them.
One Hundred Ten
The Divine
does not like to be shut up in a building. The Divine likes to be out in the
open. It is right here in this very body. Each one of us is a miniature
universe, a living shrine.
One Hundred Eleven
When you bow
deeply to the universe, it bows back; when you call out the name of God, it echoes
inside you.
One Hundred Twelve
The Art of
Peace is the religion that is not a religion; it perfects and completes all
religions.
One Hundred Thirteen
The Path is
exceedingly vast. From ancient times to the present day, even the greatest
sages were unable to perceive and comprehend the entire truth; the explanation
and teachings of masters and saints express only part of the whole. It is not
possible for anyone to speak of such things in their entirety. Just head for
the light and heat, learn from the gods, and through the virtue of devoted
practice of the Art of Peace, become one with the Divine.
One Hundred Fourteen
The divine
beauty
Of heaven and
earth!
All creation,
Members of
One family.
Excerpted from
The Art of Peace, translated by John Stevens.
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