Great Throughts Treasury

"Once more, to grasp Aiki and to bring together the physical and the spiritual such that they form a design wherein both aspects live and flourish is the "Circle of the Soul". All the ki of the universe is pacified and well controlled by means of the Circle of the Soul. Because of this control technique, too, can be comprehended and brought forth in an unlimited fashion. But without this Circle of the Soul such flourishing, such diligent concentration, or again the accord between the physical soul, and the spiritual soul, can never be carried through. Without this, the entire 'restoration' of the physical body's five parts comes to naught. The All-Void of the Soul of the Circle comes to be the unity that is the entire universe. This is the root of the Bu of Aiki and is the secret principle revealed when the Circle of the Soul is mastered by the body. There, embraced within that ring, are the movements of mutual destiny, and all things are absorbed as if being grasped in the palm of the hand."

"One should be prepared to receive ninety-nine percent of an enemy's attack and stare death right in the face in order to illumine the Path."

"One should not look into the eyes of his partner. If you do, your mind will be absorbed by the eyes. One should not look at an opponent's sword, or else your mind will be drawn away by it. One should not look at his opponent, for your mind will be drawn away by him. True Bu is the polishing of the ability to absorb an opponent in his entirety. Therefore it suffices that I merely stand here."

"Realizing the harmony of the Universe on earth is by no means easy; and, yet, we have been given bodies and spirits precisely for that purpose. Holding to the spirit the Universe, I think this means that we are obligated to proceed towards true peace on Earth. Aikido developed out of the harmonization of the principles of traditional sword, pike and body techniques. Aikido is not, however, meant to be used to defeat others, make one victorious in all encounters or even make victory without confrontation possible. Aikido is simply intended to make one victorious over one's Universal Mission. Put another way, Aikido is to proceed along with the motions of the Universe. It is essential to know the truth and good of this. Thinking in these terms, it becomes important to conduct one's Shugyo-training while always bearing the motions of the Universe in mind i.e., to look closely at the true image of the Universe. Next. it becomes important to re-create this true image of the Universe deep within oneself. It would appear that the world is full of people uninterested in the true form of the Universe and, moreover, that suffering results from a lack of matching with the Laws of the Universe. This is why we must strive to mount the Great Way of Universe. This is also why we must unify our bodies and minds, honor the 3 Worlds (Visible. Hidden and Divine) and govern using the Great Way of Peace on Earth."

"Technique, which is born through the echo of the whole body links up with the Echo of the Universe and produces forms of innumerable variation. Such are techniques which are produced scientifically... This scientific technique stands on the moral governance of human life and by means of the echo of the whole body and through heat, light, and power they must make manifest the forms of Takemusu martial art... This happens as an expression of the Great Love. The Echo of the Universe lives mutually with the multiplicitous forms of the heavens and the earth. When this is unified with the echo of the whole body it becomes the main stay of the moral governing of the whole universe and proceeds continuously with the fostering of creation."

"Our enlightened ancestors developed true budo based on humanity, love, and sincerity; its heart consists of sincere bravery, sincere wisdom, sincere love, and sincere empathy. These four spiritual virtues should be incorporated in the single sword of diligent training; constantly forge the spirit and"

"Regarding technique, from ancient times it has been said that movements must fly like lightning and attacks must strike like thunder."

"Shihonage is the foundation of Aikido. All you ever need to master is shihonage."

"Spirit by removing all malice, selfishness, and desire. Be ever grateful for the gifts received from the universe, your family, Mother nature, and your fellow human beings."

"Strike like thunder and fly more quickly than lightning - that is the way you should act."

"Sports are widely practiced nowadays, and they are good for physical exercise. Warriors, too, train the body, but they also use the body as a vehicle to train the mind, calm the spirit, and find goodness and beauty, dimensions that sports lack. Training in budo fosters valor, sincerity, fidelity, goodness, and beauty, as well as making the body strong and healthy."

"Techniques of Aikido are given birth at the moment when a circle, moving round, meets with another one, and spirit of a circle settles in it when the body reacts upon the moves of techniques."

"Techniques of the sword cannot be encompassed by words or letters. Do not rely on such things-move on toward enlightenment."

"That the techniques of Aiki must be completely in line with all the truths of the universe is self-evident; so too is the fact that technique which is not in harmony with this is, on the contrary, certain to rebound and cause the destruction of the body and the spirit. A martial art that comprises technique that cannot blend and tie in with the Truth of the Universe is not the "Bu" generating art; that is, it is not Takemusu martial discipline. A "Bu" that is generated in or that binds with the Universe is the technique which brings forth human love. Such a martial art that blends with and is generated in the Universe we call the "Bu of Takemusu." The first step toward the production of such a martial art is to bring forth "the spear of the echo of the body in the universe" by means of the power of "Ah" and "Un" (the sounds that represent the positive and the negative principles of yo and in). The form through which the shape of the echo of the whole body is manifested in the Kotodama (lit. 'the soul of the Word'). Moreover it is this which is the main thing that will bring the beginnings of the thousands of changes and innumerable variations that manifest the forms of various "Bu". It goes without saying that the various forms which are brought into being by means of the echo of this body must, of necessity, be in harmony with the Echo of the Universe."

"That which is the parent who gives birth to the delicate variations and alterations of the breath, kokyu, is the "Efficacy of ki'. These variations of kokyu are the original root of "Bu" and by means of the "Delicate Efficacy of Ki" one unifies them and makes them one with your body and spirit/mind. Then, when one trains in the discipline of Aikido one can embody the fine variations and alterations of the breath by means of that unification, and technique will become totally free and self-existent. The variations of this breath (kokyu) tie in one's ki with that of the Universe, generate life and cause the cord to be tied."

"The "Bu" (martial element) of the spirit, by means of the "ah" and "an" (om) of the soul, brings forth a power that is purified, vigorously healthful, and clearly manifested. The reason for the existence of Aikido is to know the self, to absorb the subtle essences of all creation into that self, and to study the true image of the Great Universe. In complete mindfulness of the Origin of the Single Source (Ichi-gen no Moto), resolve the issue of Principle (RI) and know the Law of Nature. To create an exquisite skill that possesses light is the Way of Aiki."

"The authentic core of Japanese bujutsu must remain in its progressiveness. The Universe is continually advancing and in that same truth bujutsu must also move forward. Advancing is always a safe course but if you retreat you will be cut by the enemy. Therefore, we see that Japanese budo is performed through advancing and unifying all things into Goodness. Bujutsu must be in accordance with the rotation of the heavens and the earth. The human body is a miniature universe, a small version of the cosmos. If you want to train in bujutsu unify your spirit. The body is trained according to the "Way" exactly as the spirit thinks and so we are able to unify the body as well."

"The beauty of this Great Earth Is the product of its maker And resides together under one roof."

"The best strategy relies upon an unlimited set of responses."

"The Bu of Budo Must Be Made One with the Universe. All techniques, every one, must be in line with the Truth of the Universe. Technique which is not will surely rebound and cause the destruction of one's body. Any martial activity which is not tied to the universe in harmony is not to be called the Bu of Takemusu. Bu which is so tied to the universe is graced with the Love that binds human beings together and so it may be called the Bu of Takemusu, (that is, the martial art which generates martial virtue)."

"The cause of the upheaval in this world is unmindfulness of the Origin of the Single Source. This Single Source is that which give birth to the Spiritual Origin and the Physical Origin. It produces all of the many complex and subtle Laws of Nature. It is that which governs the entire universe, giving substance and life to all existing things. Moreover, it builds up the Great Path of creation and development for the loving protection and nurturing of everything that is. The entire Universe is a single household; it is like a single body. The past, present and the future, as our life and our breath, teach us the way to transform humanity, and present us with a purified governance that unites us in a paradise where life is pleasant. For all these reasons, trainees of "Bu" must never lose sight of the Origin of the Single Source. They must always preserve an attitude of wholehearted sincerity."

"The first and fundamental basis of this 'echo of the whole body' is the unification of the body and the spirit. Then, this echo must become a unity with the universal echo; the two must commune and interflow with each other in a mutual way. That is to say, this echo of the whole body which has soared up to the universe resounds against the Echo of the Universe; and this must have an effect on this physical body. The subtle variations of this echo are the wellspring of "Bu". When the echo of this body and that of the universe have become a unity heat, light and power are created. These variations utilize and make the most of the echo which changes with such subtlety. It generates ki in all things and produces life in all things and it binds them all together. It is the ripening of the "Subtle Functions of ki. "Bu" which has become fundamentally unified and gives birth to technique is the root of all martial arts. Such is the work whose aim is the great love of the joy of the universe. To give birth to the techniques of a "Bu" which achieves the moral governance of the universe is the task of Aiki."

"The essence of the Art of Peace is to cleanse yourself of maliciousness, to get in tune with your environment, and to clear your path of all obstacles and barriers."

"The Path is exceedingly vast. From ancient times to the present, even the greatest sages were unable to perceive and comprehend the entire truth; the explanations and teachings of masters and saints only express part of the whole. It is not possible for anyone to speak of such things in their entirety?just head for the light and heat, learn from the gods, and through the virtue of devoted practice become on with the divine. Seek enlightenment along this edge."

"The Path of Principle in Bu should never be polluted, nor should we ever allow on the soil of our nation a mirror tarnished with evil, for Bu is a spectral mirror belonging to the entire world. Bu is the compass of this world; it is a mirror for reflecting the great accord that points to the form of true goodness. Thus it is essential that the form of divine harmony be made real on this planet. Toward this goal of world peace and accord, we must grasp the holy Grand Principle of Freedom and through the Universal soul press ever onward in training this body and Spirit which has been bestowed on us by god. Therefore, I will try to make it brilliantly clear exactly what Aikido is."

"The physical body, as a congealing of the cosmic matter and essence, trains on the path of human life to become one with the Universal and to accumulate its miraculous energy ("subtle spirit"). Further, humans must take as the principle object of life the great law of heaven and earth found in the creative unfolding of the universe and protect and purify this world of our present existence. In this pursuit, one must first forget the essential spirit, polish and purify the vitality of one's "nen" (feelings and thought), and single-mindedly pursue the unification of mind and body. Progress in unifying mind and body is the foundation from which indications of "waza" or technique spring forth, while in thought there is no limit to the generation of technique. The technique must be in step with the truth of the universe. In this respect it is necessary that one think correct thoughts. Having such thoughts it then becomes necessary for you to train austerely in correct budo. In such budo training, there is no progress if one's thought and feelings become bound up in selfish desires. This is the "Budo of the Crooked Path" and the results of it are certain to rebound and bring destruction to those who follow it."

"The Principle of Adjusting Mind and Body. The appearance of an "enemy" should be thought of as an opportunity to test the sincerity of one's mental and physical training, to see if one is actually responding according to the divine will. When facing the realm of life and death in the form of an enemy's sword, one must be firmly settled in mind and body, and not at all intimidated; without providing your opponent the slightest opening, control his mind in a flash and move where you will?straight, diagonally, or in any other appropriate direction. Enter deeply, mentally as well as physically, transform your entire body into a true sword, and vanquish your foe. This is yamato-damashei, the principle behind the divine sword that manifests the soul of our nation."

"The delicate variations of the inhaling and exhaling of the breath, called kokyu, are the parents which give birth to the Subtle Functions of Ki. These are the root source of the Bu, the martial element. By means of the Subtle Functions of Ki unify the spirit and the body then when Aikido is performed one can realize the delicate variations in the breath. It is this that will cause technique to appear of its own free accord. These variation of the breath blend with the ki of the universe (ki-musubi), generate life (iku-musubi), and then cause the cord to be tied (o-musubi). Moreover, the subtle variations of the breath are absorbed deeply into this body of the five parts, and through this coming in the physical body moves with great liveliness, becoming capable of displaying the movements of the kaleidoscopic variations of deification. This is something different from simple technical variation. When this is achieved, heat, light and power are generated and tied together then for the first time in the five organs and the six viscera, the very depths of the physical body. Things become as your spirit/mind wills them to be and it is an easy thing to become one-body with the universe. By becoming aware of these subtle variations in the breath the individual person will imbibe the techniques of Aikido."

"The kokyu breath sets up waves of motions or undulations in the ki of the vacuum of space. Depending on whether these waves are vigorous or sluggish the various origins in the universe are brought into being. Likewise according to the liveliness or dullness of these sinuous waves, the coagulation or solidification of the spirit and the body is known. When the congealing of the kokyu breath overflows to the spirit/mind and the physical body, the breath then becomes one with the universe in a natural way, whether or not all goes as you yourself wills it to be, and you will feel it spread out spherically into the universe. Then, after that, you feel the kokyu which has once expanded to the universe recondenses back into the self. When you have become capable of this sort of kokyu breath, the spiritual reality/essence will concentrate in the area around yourself where you will perceive its presence. This very thing is your guidepost for the first step toward the Subtle Functions of Aiki. These subtle uses are necessities if Aiki is to be drawn out in a spontaneous and unwilled fashion. When one has become skilled in leading the subtle applications of Aiki one may realize the honored virtue of Holy Creation. The breath will ascend upward in a rightward spinning spiral and descend again in a leftward spinning spiral, giving birth to the blending of water and fire. The continuous productive activity of friction is also produced. Means (Iki-musubi means the joining of the opposing divine elements representing the physical and spiritual aspects of life and is a homonym for the word life, "iki," and for the word breath, "iki." Musubi, is also homonym with possible meanings of blend/tie together; or generate/produce.) Sui-ka no musubi (water and fire musubi) is the ultimate root source of the multitude of things in the universe; it is without substance and limitless in its infinity. In the end it is the ability to bring forth this continuously productive. activity of friction that will allow you to grasp the essence of Aiki."

"The fluctuations of the universe include the four seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter. Likewise, human beings experience the four emotional states of joy, sorrow, anger and pleasure. One must not waste even an instant. One must submit to the evolution of the universe and never go against the Universal. Both growth and decay are in line with the Universal. All functions, all things, are the workings of the One-Source, the governing life force of the universe. The spirit and all things are the various activities of this single origin. All the manifested images in the universe are the truth of the Universal. Those of you who may desire to perfect the soul of the universe through Aikido should investigate deeply this source and in a way that is a suitable match for the truth of the Universal and the honored spirit of the universe, you must gain the spirit of protection toward all existence. You must draw nearer and nearer to a life that brings joy to all the living beings in this world. In this there will soon come a day when you will be met by the Great Voice of Universal Joy. This joy is a sign of the completion of one of the purposes of the act of training in Aikido. Aikido is a way that blends with the Truth of the Universal. Of course, in this Path there is no spirit of going against the Universal. That there is no spirit of resistance is a necessary element in the Great Way of the fostering and bringing to completion of life."

"The ideal economy combines the spiritual and the material, and the best commodities to trade in are sincerity and love."

"The most extreme type of Ki-form training is a true life-or-death duel. Budo are originally devoid of the contests that are common to most sports. This is because, in Budo, a contest invariably involves risking serious injury or death. It is, moreover, a great mistake to seek out contests, as to inflict a lethal injury on anyone is the greatest crime a man can commit. From ancient times in Japan the guiding principle of Budo has been to avoid injuring or taking the life of one's opponent. True Budo is the Way of Great Harmony, and the purification of body and soul (Misogi). Budo is, in other words, governed by the principle that, in order for man to practice the order of heaven on earth, it is first necessary for him to correct the self and bend to the Ten Thousand Things. It is for this reason that I am particularly saddened by the teachings of those who know little of the true Budo of which I speak, and who have fallen, instead, into the militaristic-forms of martial arts that developed later in our country's history."

"The left has the ability to give birth to unlimited amounts of "ki." and since the right functions to blend with what is received, it has the ability to grasp all that the left can produce. Should you realize this balanced, reciprocating interaction, with your left hand you can grasp life and death and with your right cause them to cease. This is the "Kamiwaza." the divine technique."

"The secret of Aikido lies in uniting ourselves with the Universe. By purifying ourselves and harmonizing with the movement of the universe. For those who master the secrets of Aikido, the Universe lies within. Thus may I say, I who am the Universe."

"The total unification and harmonization of the Three World of Appearances, Essences, and the Gods must be carried out. Likewise, the human race must join together in accord and unity. Only by creating a joyous world of finest beauty we are able to live up to the true and main responsibility of Aiki. Remember, the Great Principle of Budo is found on a path that governs the world in peace, and through harmony and unification brings about a pleasant existence on this globe. Budo is the "Way" to perfection."

"The world of today is a world where materialism prevails. However, there would be another world if our spirit were to dominate the material. It is now the time when the spirit should step forward and displace mere things as the center of our lives. So long as the spirit is in the background, the world will remain in a disastrous state. Trainees of martial arts should comprehend all the phenomena of the universe from the angle of bu. For example, we can learn from a mountain stream how to manage ourselves when confronted with various obstacles. The innumerable techniques of Aikido can originate from anything on earth. Train yourself carefully without overlooking even the most trivial transition of nature. When the mind and body are in oneness, a man assimilates with the universe, and echoes are exchanged between the two. Those echoes bring the heat, light and power from which Bu originates. Therefore, the mission of Aikido is to produce Bu which is resonant with the echo of the Universe."

"The very first step toward the creation of the Bu of Takemusu is the Echo. We expand the spear of the echo of this physical body out into the universe by way of the power of "Ah an" [the inhaling and exhaling of breath, the alpha and the omega, or the mantra "om"]. That which is revealed in the form of the echo of the physical body is "musubi" (to generate, create). It is the original element of all that exists And it is this original element which is the primary principal in the germination of the unlimited variations that manifest the forms of martial activity."

"The secret principle of the Circle is in the act of giving birth to technique by thrusting to the very center of the All-Void."

"The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love."

"The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood. It is not a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst thing a human being can do. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter ? it is the Art of Peace, the power of love."

"There are times when you may be overwhelmed by the teachings of the Way. At such moments, it is important to continue with the original spirit of a beginner."

"There are many paths leading to the top of Mount Fuji, but there is only one summit - love."

"There is no enemy in Aikido. It is wrong to think that having an opponent or an enemy, or trying to be stronger than him and trying to overpower him is true budo. True budo has no opponent, True budo has no enemy. True budo is to become one with the universe. The purpose of Aikido practice is not to become strong, nor is it to fell an opponent. Rather, it is necessary to have one's heart at the center of the universe, than as little as it may be, help maintain peace among the peoples of the earth. Aikido is both like a compass that enables each person to realize his own individual destiny, as well as a way of unity and love."

"Though surrounded by many enemies, view them as a single foe and so fight on."

"Through the virtue acquired from devoted practice [of Budo], one can perceive the principles of Heaven and Earth. Such techniques originate from the subtle interaction of Water (matter) and Fire (spirit)... (water and fire combined form "iki", life, breath and kami [deity, spirit])."

"There is no technique of killing in true Bu, which is based upon the spiritual world. True Bu does not need any weapons. It absorbs everything with bare hands and has a perfect command of the opponent. Aiming to be in accord with the dispensation of nature, true Bu makes more of spiritual training than technical skill. That is what Aikido has as its principle"

"Thus, by imbibing the principle of the Universal, and receiving the ki of the Heaven and Earth, when I unified this entire human body, I realized the subtle depth of Aikido that manifests such great power, and attained the principle of oneness with the Universe."

"Though the virtue of training, understanding of aiki is acquired naturally."

"To practice properly Aikido, you must: Calm the spirit and return to the source. Cleanse the body and spirit by removing all malice, selfishness, and desire."

"To fall in with the movements of the circle is the technique of Aiki. The movements of technique act upon the body and the accumulation of these effects is the tamashii of the Circle; that is, the essence or "Soul of the . Circle." The circle is in the All-Void and that which is born out of the center of that space is kokoro, the spirit/mind. The All-Void is free and self-existent. When there arises a center in the space then the ki is born. The life-producing and ki-generating force in the unmeasurable and limitless universe, which arises out of the center of the All-Void, is the tamashii, the soul or spiritual essence. This spirit is the indestructible and that which has produced all that exists."