Teachings of the Founder of Aikido - The Art of Peace

Just fantastic. I felt like my brain was being elevated simply by reading these glorious words. The attached CD really is a nice addition to the book - I listen to it during my commute to work and it makes me cry! That is how beautiful Morihei Ueshiba's thoughts are!!

Fascinating book. Idk about it being a counter point though to the book of five rings and the art of war though (also both good books). Greased well honed axe and a steady arm has always been shown historically to be effective at maintaining order. If your enemies are willing and relentless in trying to kill you and you are incapable of killing. They will kill you sooner or later.

I gave it 2 stars with forgiveness. It's a great text, and it's wrought with pertinent, translatable information, but it's the size of a playing card. When it says "Shambhala Pocket Classics" on the photo, they ain't lyin'.

In a time where war and violence are a somewhat distant reality for most and is romanticized in almost every form of media, this book provides meaningful insight into both the benefits and struggles of times of peace. These teachings are universal for anyone seeking peace, both inner and outer, and can be meaningful to any endeavor.

I had practiced the Art of Aikido in my youth, and forgot about this text until seeing it in an episode of "The Walking Dead". It's a good book. Not really a story book, but a mash up of phrases and statements from the founder of Aikido.

This was an automatic order after it popped up on The Walking Dead. When I got here it was out of stock and I had to wait a few days for it to ship because Morgan is a badass and broke the store! Lennie James should be getting a serious gift from the publisher. Best product placement ever in a television series.

I was surprised at how teeny tiny this book is! It fits on the palm of one hand. So cute! It fits in a pocket perfectly for anytime reminders to slow down, get out into nature, and listen to the silence. Oh, and put your phone down for a minute! :-)

This is a smaller pocket style book. Has great quotes. Decent for a quick read and insight of cultural use of art forms. Aikido is studied and perceived differently by who instructs it. This was a great insight on the actual development of the art.

I was surprised at how teeny tiny this book is! It fits on the palm of one hand. So cute! It fits in a pocket perfectly for anytime reminders to slow down, get out into nature, and listen to the silence. Oh, and put your phone down for a minute! :-)

This is a smaller pocket style book. Has great quotes. Decent for a quick read and insight of cultural use of art forms. Aikido is studied and perceived differently by who instructs it. This was a great insight on the actual development of the art.

its okay its obvouse the man who wrote this spent a lot of time alone and finally found a peace most wil never know especially in todays society its impossible unless u become a hermit and move in the woods alone overall I would say kinda a waste to buy but I understand the importance of some of the concepts

I enjoyed this immensely. First heard of it like many here, watching the interesting character of Morgan on "The Walking Dead". But having read it, it really resonated with me. I've been studying karate for over a year and have been an atheist for many years. But this book showed me a different way, a way to devote discipline of both my body and mind to the Art of Peace. Sure, there are many things in this book that are an outright crock and things I don't believe in for an instant. Yet it also contains some deep truths. I am now very interested in learning more about both Aikido and Buddhism. I will study and find my own way, in truth and peace. There is so much that I can do to discipline myself, and live more in harmony with others. Recommended.

A rip off. Better pay attention to the negatives, and normally I do. But I was shocked at the size... it fits in the palm of your hand and I have small hands. After an introduction that fills 6 pages, and filler in the front and pages in the back, and in between all following pages have useless sayings filling maybe 1/8th of a page to 1/2 a page. Example of what is on individual page: one sentence with five words and many other worthless one or two sentences - I am embarrassed. I paid $8.15 for a worthless book which could be read in less than 10 minutes. Learned my lesson. I will try to return it as I got 2 "books" to be given as gifts. I might add too, that when you go to look at the ratings, there is one line: New York Times bestseller which is misleading. Nothing in the book says it is NYT bestseller.

This little 126 page text was written by the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. Each page has brief and concise gem of wisdom from the Aikido Master. His dislike of material things is clear in this volume. For example, "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."

Aikido is the most non-competitive of the martial arts. There is an amusing saying among some martial artists. "How do you beat an Aikido expert? Answer: Don't attack him." Aikido is the most esoteric of the martial arts, believing in what they call KI, which is supposed to be a mysterious force in the universe.

Though I disagree with many of the basic principles taught by Ueshiba; nevertheless, I highly recommend this book for its insight into Aikido.

Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warriors).

Named for the mythical (?) and mystical kingdom in the East, Shambhala Publications is known for bringing some of the greatest and sometimes most obscure philosophical writings of Mankind to the attention of the general public. Heavily (though not exclusively) concerned with Buddhist and Taoist thought, Shambhala Pocket Classics are an attractive set of unabridged minibooks which fit comfortably in a shirt pocket, making them perfect for reading on planes, trains, and automobiles. Titles in the set include THE BOOK OF TEA, WAY OF THE JEWISH MYSTICS, ZEN FLESH, ZEN BONES, THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD, TAO TE CHING, POEMS BY EMILY DICKINSON, THE ART OF WAR, and this volume by Morihei Ueshiba, THE ART OF PEACE.

Written as a conscious counterpoint to Sun Tzu's immortal classic, THE ART OF PEACE is a collection of aphorisms and short maxims which set forth Ueshiba's philosophy of life. Ueshiba (1883-1969), the founder of Aikido ("The Art of Peace") often referred to as O'Sensei the Great Teacher, is widely considered the greatest martial artist the world has ever seen. Aikido is regarded as the most difficult and effective of the martial arts, finding it's basis wholly in the ability to invert an aggressor's force. Aikido relies on physical conditioning and a series of locks and throws rather than injurious kicks and punches. It has been documented that in his seventies Ueshiba could restrain an attacker with one finger or evade multiple attackers with such grace that he appeared to become invisible to them.

Ueshiba was a pacifist at a time when Japan was becoming increasingly militaristic. He credited his development of Aikido to a series of visions which occurred over the course of his lifetime and convinced him of the universatility of humanity. He saw Warrior traditions as having evolved beyond mere adventures in hostility into a clarion call to protect and defend, respect and honor all things.

As such, THE ART OF PEACE is the taproot of all Aikido training. It is a brief book which holds many profound thoughts deserving of reflection. The Aikidoka needs to take THE ART OF PEACE as a foundation stone for further learning and awareness. Unsurprisingly, much of the substance of THE ART OF PEACE will be familiar to students of Zen, and this volume should form a portion of the library of any Sangha.

This is a gem of a book (it will fit in the palm of your hand) which contains the core teachings of Morihei Ueshiba, the enlightened founder of Aikido. Before Ueshiba experienced his three enlightening visions he was already one of the greatest martial artists in history, after the visions he became a force of nature....

Central to these deceptively simple teachings is the principle of becoming one with heaven and earth. Where heaven and earth meet is the center of the cosmos. When your center also corresponds with this place, then you are undefeatable.

While Aikado is truly the way of the warrior, the definition of warrior has been restored to its cosmic meaning. A warrior strives to restore harmony and balance to the world. A warrior puts things right in accordance with the Way of Heaven.

You will not find a great deal of specific techniques in this book. As the master states, one should not depend too much on the mastery of specific techniques. Nor should one focus too much on any specific aspect of an opponent, neither his eyes, his sword, his tricks. Instead one should reach out and encompass the entire opponent within the sphere of your being. You should flow with him, engulf him. Meet fire with water.

On the other hand, there is no substitute for practice, practice, practice. This is what attunes our body with the Ki. This is what forges a body like iron is forged into steel.

Unlike classic martial texts such as _The Art of War_, this book will be of limited appeal to the materialist. Ueshiba makes it clear that he rejects materialism. He rejects bondage to things. You are to forget your little self and detach from objects. He rejects unnatural imbalances in the world of any kind.

This book speaks of learning from nature, from sages, from looking deep into your own heart. It makes it clear that all true spiritual paths are naturally compatible with the Way of Peace. This Way can transcend time and space itself. Ultimately the Way of the Warrior, like the Art of Politics, is to stop trouble before it starts. You spiritually defeat those who see themselves as adversariies by making them realise that their actions are contrary to the Way, to the balance of Heaven and Earth.

These book has one of the must powerfull thaughts of a great human Being, Morihei Ueshiba, the creator of the Aikido, the martial art based in the old Samurai defernse stile, an art of peace and balance, a way to centery your life and your being, These book enhace the value of being a sword of change and contribution by being a warrior in a new dimentionf of the meaning of being in service.
Cuote " When your eyes engage those of another person, greet him or her with a smile and they will smile back. This is one of the essential techniques of the Art of peace" pp97 ob the book.

i am learning akido right now , this book has helped me to understand the art of peace better. It has provided a sense of awe by the way the book has been written. I recommend this book to begginers of aikido. If you do not learn aikido then try to learn it.
5stars!

I can understand why some would think this just another wisdom offering from Shambala, but if you have practiced Aikido this takes on an entirely different meaning. It provides the purpose underlying the nature of the practice developed by Ueshiba Sensei.

this boos is truly enduring and gets to the point of how to heal and brace it all. this book brings alot of strong ideas and it after reading this book, you feel a relief you couln't have be gun to imagine.this book will have you reading and understanding things.

Awesome read and instructional guide for those who may be considering embracing any serious traditional martial art as a way of living, not just for sport enthusiast or fighter "wannabe", but actually internalizing the philosophical applications of the Martial Way (Budo) on our daily doings. A guide to discover the esoteric meaning of self control, loyalty, honor, etiquette, but above all of love, the supreme Way to self respect, respect to others and to self-preservation, the preservation of those we love and nation. All these encompassed in the base of Aikido (the way of harmony), beyond the mere exoteric physical functions of pulling, grabbing, throwing and falling. Highly recommended for the martial way enthusiast. A very interesting path to understand the profound and compassionate mind of Ueshiba O'Sensei. Osu!

Adames Sensei,

Manila, Philippines

A wonderfully little books from O'Sensei. Any martial artist should read this book to see that violence and bloodshed is not the true way of the warrior. Peace, understanding, compassion, love, and brotherhood are the keys to being a good person and a true martial artist. It is quite the opposite of The Art of War, but I really can relate and agree with it better.

The Art of Peace is one the greatest books ever penned. I could go on with 50 cent words discussing this and that but would rather encourage you to purchase the book, read it, and meditate on it. Peace is very deep work.

The Art of Peace has many paths that lead to the same mountain summit. This book is one of many & is a great introduction into the deepness behind the philosophical principles of Ai Ki & Do. A light pleasurable read & well written. Insightful & thought provoking.

This is a book I'm recommending to everyone I know to read. It's one of those books you hate to put down - it h holds your interest thruout. It's an amazing story of an individual's determination, brains and ability to achieve what was considered to be an impossibility. = Emil Martin

I can understand why some would think this just another wisdom offering from Shambala, but if you have practiced Aikido this takes on an entirely different meaning. It provides the purpose underlying the nature of the practice developed by Ueshiba Sensei.

this boos is truly enduring and gets to the point of how to heal and brace it all. this book brings alot of strong ideas and it after reading this book, you feel a relief you couln't have be gun to imagine.this book will have you reading and understanding things.

Awesome read and instructional guide for those who may be considering embracing any serious traditional martial art as a way of living, not just for sport enthusiast or fighter "wannabe", but actually internalizing the philosophical applications of the Martial Way (Budo) on our daily doings. A guide to discover the esoteric meaning of self control, loyalty, honor, etiquette, but above all of love, the supreme Way to self respect, respect to others and to self-preservation, the preservation of those we love and nation. All these encompassed in the base of Aikido (the way of harmony), beyond the mere exoteric physical functions of pulling, grabbing, throwing and falling. Highly recommended for the martial way enthusiast. A very interesting path to understand the profound and compassionate mind of Ueshiba O'Sensei. Osu!

Adames Sensei,

Manila, Philippines

A wonderfully little books from O'Sensei. Any martial artist should read this book to see that violence and bloodshed is not the true way of the warrior. Peace, understanding, compassion, love, and brotherhood are the keys to being a good person and a true martial artist. It is quite the opposite of The Art of War, but I really can relate and agree with it better.

The Art of Peace is one the greatest books ever penned. I could go on with 50 cent words discussing this and that but would rather encourage you to purchase the book, read it, and meditate on it. Peace is very deep work.

The Art of Peace has many paths that lead to the same mountain summit. This book is one of many & is a great introduction into the deepness behind the philosophical principles of Ai Ki & Do. A light pleasurable read & well written. Insightful & thought provoking.

This is a book I'm recommending to everyone I know to read. It's one of those books you hate to put down - it h holds your interest thruout. It's an amazing story of an individual's determination, brains and ability to achieve what was considered to be an impossibility. = Emil Martin

As an Aikido instructor, this book never leaves my pocket. The Art of Peace is a compilation of sayings and concepts taken from O-sensei Morihei Ueshiba himself and gives simple, but profound teachings on all aspects of Aikido training. Much like a compilation of Zen riddles, the teachings of this book take on a new meaning every time they are read and pondered upon. A must have for every true Aikido practitioner. This book trains one to understand the mind and spirit of Aikido. The concepts contained within are timeless.

this book is one of a few books that seeks to homogenize the classical thought of ancient asian philosophy with contemporary mannerisms. the end result being one phenomenal text whose meaning is as potent and relavent today as in the day it was written. the book "the art of peace" stands out as a beacon of truth and enlightenment as opposed to the countless books writen in its fashion detailing explicitly pseudo-philosophical thought.

OK, you got me. I ordered this book thinking that it was going to be a "Real" book. Instead, I received a diminutive version of the book; that is to say, a very small pocket size version of the book. I didn't find any mention about the dimensions of this tiny book stated anywhere in the description of the item. I guess that I will just have to be on guard against this kind of trickery in the future. Peace out...

This book has "clear"ed my mind. I feel like here is finally here. Tabitha has her own stick now, she and I are very happy. Too bad I didn't use my stick to kill the walker and instead jumped at it because even though I have mastered the art of peace, doesn't mean I'm intelligent.

Before reading this book I was going to kill my arch nemesis with a spear to his neck. After trying the principals taught by Master Ueshiba, I learned to be calm and at ease. In just a few days I went from willing to commit murder to bringing him to my house to live the rest of his life.

I recommend adding a chapter about the feeding of old enemies, however, as mine died after 57 days.

This book has forever changed my life. What once was a life filled with death, misery, and pain has now become a life of fulfillment, inner peace, and love. No longer must I clear. No longer must I waste away. I shall clear no more.

At the grand old age of 52, it strikes me after reading it, that there is hope for my cynical jaded a$$. I may yet be able to turn my life around and to live harmoniously and in peace with a happier outlook on life and a more consistent smile on my face. These are deep concepts and deserve rumination.