Secrets of Aikido

by John Stevens MD

Overview

Aikido is the Way of Peace, a martial art aimed at harmonizing body and spirit with the natural forces of the universe. Developed in the late 1920s by martial artist and spiritual leader Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is unique among martial arts for its emphasis on peace and philosophical and spiritual development. Though Aikido is a fighting system, its goal is not destruction and injury, but rather protection and harmony for all parties involved in the struggle. "Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake," says Morihei, "The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter -- it is the Art of Peace, the power of love."

In Secrets of Aikido, John Stevens -- esteemed Aikido instructor and author of over 30 books on Aikido and its founder) -- delves into the hidden teachings and deep, multi-dimensional spiritual wisdom offered by this unique martial art. Divided into two broad sections on "The Mysteries of Aikido" and "The Practice of Aikido," this book explores,

Practices for the purification of mind and body
The tantric dimensions of Aikido, unifying masculine and feminine
The Aikido science of sound and how it parallels the use of mantras and similar practices in other spiritual disciplines
Breathing techniques for calming the spirit and returning to the source of life
The six pillars of Aikido: physical techniques based on spiritual principles that link us to a higher realm of being

For beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, Secrets of Aikido presents honest and inspirational insight into a harmonious and peaceful way of life.

John Stevens lived in Japan for 35 years, where he was a professor of Buddhist studies at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai. A widely respected translator, ordained Buddhist priest, curator of several major exhibitions of Zen art, and an aikido instructor, he has authored more than thirty books and is one of the foremost Western experts on aikido, holding a ranking of 7th dan Aikikai.

Readers interested in related titles from John Stevens will also want to see: Abundant Peace (ISBN: 1626543232), Aikido: The Way of Harmony (ISBN: 1626543275), Sacred Calligraphy of the East (ISBN: 162654994X), The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei (ISBN: 1626549958), The Philosophy of Aikido (ISBN: 1626549931), Extraordinary Zen Masters (ISBN: 1626549923).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626543256
Publisher:	Echo Point Books & Media
Publication date:	07/29/2016
Edition description:	Reprint ed.
Pages:	162
Sales rank:	664,960
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

John Stevens is Professor of Buddhist Studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. He is the author or translator of over twenty books on Buddhism, Zen, Aikido, and Asian culture. He has practiced and taught Aikido all over the world.

Table of Contents

Contents

Preface ... ix

Part One

Study of the Way

The Mysteries of Aikido

Aikido: The Way of Harmony ... 3

Kototama: The Language of the Gods ... 15

Kami: The Divine Alchemy of Fire and Water ... 27

Ki: Universal Energy ... 36

Kokyu: The Breath of Life ... 44

Chinkon-Kishin: Calming the Spirit, Returning to the Source ... 53

Misogi: Purification of Body and mind ... 62

Rei: Gratitude and Respect ... 70

Sangen: Triangle, Circle, Square ... 77

Ma-Ai: The Right Place ... 81

Tengu: The Master Teachers ... 87

Ryu-o: The Dragon King ... 95

Masakatsu Agatsu Katsuhayabi: True Victory ... 104

Part Two

Walking the Path

The Practice of Aikido

Shugyo: Constant Training ... 111

The Six Pillars ... 119

Shiho-Nage: Gratitude ... 120

Irimi: Entering ... 122

Kaiten: Open and Turn ... 125

Kokyu: Breath Power ... 129

Osae-Waza: Firm Control ... 133

Ushiro-Waza: Sixth Sense ... 137

Riai: The Integrated System ... 139

Appendixes

Kototama

The Secret Sounds of Aikido ... 145

Suggested Reading ... 149

Credits ... 150