Description
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.… (more)
Library's review
The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemusu Aiki takes the reader on a spiritual journey straight to the essence of Aikido, in the words of the great Founder himself. Ueshiba, affectionately known as O'Sensei, or 'Great Master, ' devoted imself to the promotion of peace and expression of universal human values, and spent a substantial part of his life imparting and teaching these values. Taken largely from transcripts of lectures he gave, The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemusu Aiki draws on the essence of the Founder's philosophy and spirituality based on the Shinto religtion, and his beliefs on the divinity of the true self and the universe. His teachings also emphasize the importance of harmony in Aikido, and how ultimately humans can foster a peaceful society by dispelling aggression through such harmony.
The long-awaited English version is a translation of the original Japanese classic. Among the many Aikido books that exist today, this book will stand out for its heartfelt focus on the spiritual message of the Founder, and how that message resonates with equal urgency in today's world.
Morihei Ueshiba was born in Western Japan in 1883. After devoting himself to mastering classical styles of judo, kendo, and jujutsu, he created Aikido, an entirely original martial art, based on the spiritual teachings of the Omoto-kyo religion. After the Second World War, Morihei established the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo to promote the dissemination of Aikido throughout the world. Morihei died in 1969.
Moriteru Ueshiba was born in 1951, grandson of Morihei Ueshiba and son of the late Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the second Aikido Doshu. He graduated from Meiji Gakum University in 1976. In 1999 he became Aikido Doshu, and the permanent chairman of the International Aikido Federation.
Hideo Takahashi was born in Tokyo in 1932. He served under Masahisa Goi as chief editor and director of publications of Byakko Shinko Kai, and until his retirement he also served as the organization's vice presdient. He has authored numerous works of prose and poetry on world peace.
John Stevens, Buddhist scholar and Aikido instructor, is the translator and compiiler of Morihei's The Essence of Aikido, and author of many other books on Aikido, Buddhism, and East Asian Art.
Contents
Preface by Moriteru Ueshiba
The divine incarnate: in praise of morihei ueshiba by Masahisa Goi
Introduction by John Stevens
I What is aikido?
II Aikido is a universal principle
III Aikido is the truth of the universe and the function of takemusu aiki
IV Aikido is the way of harmony within the universal scheme
V Perfecting oneself in aikido
VI The essence of technique
VII Doka, songs of the spirit
Glossary of key terms