Description
For the first time in English, the secrets of the sacred sounds that unlock the principles and spiritual strength of aikido * Explains the nature of the five vowels that govern the physical manifestations of universal consciousness * Uses more than 300 photographs to demonstrate a unique approach to aikido techniques that supports advanced spiritual practice * Author is a 6th dan aikido instructor Aikido founder Ueshiba Morihei described the discipline as one spirit, four souls, three origins, and eight powers. One spirit and four souls are the five vowel dimensions of infinite space, the source of the sacred sounds of Kototama. Now, for the first time in English, William Gleason explains how to use the sounds of Kototama in the practice of aikido. Aikido is often approached as a purely physical discipline, but it is a truly profound spiritual vehicle for those who approach it with sincerity of purpose. The five vowels represent various dimensions and stages of awareness, whose different powers are revealed through aikido practice. Using more than 300 photographs, Gleason sensei presents physical routines that provide an introduction into the Kanagi, Sugaso, and Futonorito levels of spiritual development. Understanding the sacred sounds related to each of these dimensions, the adept gains not only the ability to realize the stages inherent in spiritual mastery but also the ability to maintain health and balance in his or her own life. "When fish move through water, there is no end to the water; when birds fly, there is no end to the sky." Similarly, humans swim and fly in an ocean of sounds. Understanding Kototama allows human beings to view the world without distortion and allows the creative powers of the mind to flourish.… (more)
Library's review
'This book is a great gift to the aikido community. Gleason sensei takes us deep into the spiritual and energetic principles that underlay this marvelous art.'-George Ledyard, founder of Defensive Tactics Options
'William Gleason brings awareness to the spiritual practices at the foundation of aikido. By delving in to the essence of kototama theory, this book becomes a must for every aikido practitioner or any person looking to connect to his or her own true nature.'-Bronwen and Frans Stiene, authors of The Japanese Reiki and The Reiki Sourcebook
Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba described the discipline as one spirit, four souls, three origins, and eight powers. One spirit and four souls are the five vowels dimensions of infinite space, the source of the sacred sounds of kototama. Now, for the first time in English, William Gleason explains how to use the sounds of kototama in the practice of aikido.
Aikido is often approached as a purely physical discipline, but it is a truly profound spiritual vehicle for those who approach it with sincerity of purpose. The five vowels represent various dimensions and stages of awareness, whose different powers are revealed through aikido practice. Using more than 300 photographs, Gleason sensei presents physical routines that provide an introduction into the kanagi, sugaso, and futonorito levels of spiritual development.
Understanding the sacred sounds related to each of these dimensions, the adept gains not only the abilitiy to realize the stages inherent in spiritual mastery but also the ability to maintain health and balance in his or her own life. 'When fish move through water, there is no end to the water; when birds fly, there is no end to the sky.' Similarly, humans swim and fly in an ocean of sounds. Understanding kototoma allows human beings to view the world without distortion and allows the creative powers of the mind to flourish.
William Gleason has studied aikido and Japanese medicine and philosophy since 1969, including 10 years of study in Japan. The director of Shobu Aikido in Boston and a 6th dan instructor, he is the author of The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido and translator of Mitsugi Saotome's Principles of Aikido.
Contents
Foreword by Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan
Shobu goho: The five principles of aikido
Amatsu syllabaries-The fifty-sounds tables shown in three different orders
A note about pronunciation
Introduction
1 Aikitama: the spirit of universal harmony
In the beginning-The kototama of su
Ichirei shikan: One spirit, four souls
Classification of the vowel dimensions
2 Sangen: The unique principle of dynamic monism-Dynamic monism; The funcion of ki; The spirit and form of principle; Tate and yoko in motion and form; Tte-yoko of hachiriki
3 Iki: The breath of life-The breath of heaven, earth, and man; Three stages of kokyu; Kokyu as power and timing; What is ki?; Buddhist vs. Taoist breathing; Breath as spiritual purification: The forms of misogi; Fire, water, and earth ki; Kokyu ho; Kokyu nage
4 Shugyo: The spiritual training of technique-The ranking system of aikido; The levels of tainng; Body movement; Ukemi; The spirit of ikkyo; The spirit of irimi nage; The spirit of shiho nage; Kote gaeshi and kaiten nage
5 Inochi: Aikido as a spiritual path-Mechanical judgment: Realm of the insentient; First three instincts: The animal world; Birth of the islands: The potential of higher judment; Inochi: The path of a human being; Returning to the origin
Appendix-Itsura: The fifty sounds of the kototama
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index