The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido
Morihei Ueshiba, who founded Aikido early in this century, intended that his martial art would give form to profound spiritual truth, and lead to a unification of the world's peoples. He saw Aikido not as a fighting method or as a competitive sport but rather as a means of becoming one with the laws of universal order—ki, or life energy. Unfortunately, the subtleties of Ueshiba's teachings, veiled in the esoteric terminology of Shinto, can be puzzling for even the most advanced practitioners....
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Morihei Ueshiba, who founded Aikido early in this century, intended that his martial art would give form to profound spiritual truth, and lead to a unification of the world's peoples. He saw Aikido not as a fighting method or as a competitive sport but rather as a means of becoming one with the laws of universal order--ki, or life energy. Unfortunately, the subtleties of Ueshiba's teachings, veiled in the esoteric terminology of Shinto, can be puzzling for even the most advanced practitioners. They are not passed down today, and have never been introduced to the West. Gleason, a fifth-degree (Godan) black belt in Aikido, recognizing the importance of the spiritual aspects of the discipline, researched its roots in Shinto, and in this book is able to offer a clear explanation of Ueshiba's teachings.• Unlike the common "how-to" manuals on basic technique, this is the first book to introduce the underlying spiritual principles of Aikido--the elusive concept of kototama (word souls), expressed as one spirit, four souls, three origins, and eight powers--and how they relate to the forms.• Teaches the student how to use Aikido to accomplish spiritual goals. • Reveals little-known teachings of Shinto and Aikido, relating them to Buddhism, Christianity, and other spiritual teachings.William Gleason is a widely respected teacher of Aikido who gives workshops nationwide. His initial training came during ten years of Aikido study in Tokyo at Honbu Dojo with Kisshomaru Ueshiba Doshu and Yamaguchi Seigo Sensei, considered by many to be the number one teacher in the world. As a westerner trained in Japan, he brings a unique perspective to the study of this discipline. Library Journal "If interested in a serious exploration of Japanese religion, the practice of Zen, or aikido history, this title could serve well. It thoroughly explains the basic philosophical concepts behind this martial art and the components of Shinto and Zen."
A Word of Recommendation Japanese versionA Word of Recommendation by Mitsugi Saotome-senseiAcknowledgmentsA Note to the ReaderIntroduction1. The Origins of Aikido2. The Way of Harmony3. Shinto: The Spiritual Roots of Aikido4. Kototama: The World of Ki5. One Spirit, Four Souls6. Three Origins, Eight Powers7. Practice and Principle8. The Order of the UniverseNotesGlossaryBibliography Index
\ From the Publisher\ "If interested in a serious exploration of Japanese religion, the practice of Zen, or aikido history, this title could serve well. It thoroughly explains the basic philosophical concepts behind this martial art and the components of Shinto and Zen."\ \
