The Art of Peace

by Morihei Ueshiba, John Stevens (Translator)

Overview

Inspirational teachings on fearlessness, compassion, and nature by the founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido

The real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. So taught the great Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Aikido is a mind-body discipline Ueshiba called the “Art of Peace.” It offers a nonviolent way to victory in the face of conflict, and Ueshiba believed that Aikido principles could be applied to all the challenges we face in life—in personal and business relationships, as well as in our interactions with society.

This edition is a much-expanded version of the original miniature edition that appeared in the Shambhala Pocket Classics series. It features a wealth of new material, including a biography of Ueshiba; an essay by John Stevens that presents Ueshiba's views on “The Art of War versus the Art of Peace”; newly translated doka, didactic “poems of the Way”; and Ueshiba's own calligraphies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780834821682
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	12/03/2002
Series:	Shambhala Publications
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969) was the founder of Aikido. At age eighteen, Ueshiba joined the Japanese military, during which time he also developed his skills in the martial arts. He eventually left the military, deeply discouraged by the death and destruction that results from combat. Ueshiba continued to experiment with a variety of martial arts, finding particular joy in the spiritual aspects of martial arts. He came to believe that a real warrior was one who was rooted in love, and it was in this spirit that he began to develop Aikido, a martial art that emphasizes harmony and the peaceful resolution of conflict.

Read an Excerpt

The
Art of Peace

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 inner
enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all
that you encounter.

§

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.

§

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.

§

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.

§

If
you have not

Linked
yourself

To
true emptiness,

You
will never understand

The
Art of Peace.

§

The
Art of Peace functions everywhere on earth, in realms ranging from the vastness
of space down to the tiniest of 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.

Editorial Reviews

This small, elegant book is filled with the wisdom and artistry of a great man. This collection of Morihei Ueshiba’s sayings and poetry resonates with deep meaning, making this a gem of a book. The book itself is of very high quality—compact and well-bound, with clear print and beautifully reproduced images of Ueshiba’s calligraphy. A CD of the book, read in a clear, calm voice, is also a very nice inclusion. It is an important collection for the reflective artist, and practically applicable to those intent on living a grounded, sensitive life.”—Journal of Asian Martial Arts

From the Publisher