Aikido and the Harmony of Nature [Paperback]

Mitsugi Saotome (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 1993

Here is a unique approach to the teachings of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, as interpreted by his direct student of fifteen years. Mitsugi Saotome examines the spiritual philosophy of the Founder, the warrior ideals of feudal Japan as the basis of his martial arts philosophy, and the scientific principles underlying the philosophy of Aikido technique.

The author shows that the physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of principles of the spirit. Negative force is not countered with aggression but is controlled and redirected through the power and balance of spiral movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of all energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law and the processes of nature. The sincere practice and study of Aikido deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature's balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, other people, and ourselves.

Abundantly illustrated with the author's drawings, diagrams, and calligraphies, as well as photographs demonstrating Aikido techniques, the book also offers a history of Aikido, personal anecdotes about the Founder, and translations of several of his lectures.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Anyone with an interest in Asian culture and philosophy will also find it interesting and entertaining. Over the years I have heard many people ask, 'What is Aikido?' Mitsugi Saotome has provided us with a well-written and thorough answer."— Pacific World



"Aikido and the Harmony of Nature reveals the profound philosophical and ethical principles embodied in the art of Aikido and relates those principles to the laws of nature. It is among the clearest, deepest, and most inspiring books ever written on Aikido or, for that matter, on any martial art."—Susan Perry, Editor-in-Chief, Aikido Today magazine

 

Language Notes

Text: English, Japanese --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 251 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1 edition (October 19, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877738556
• ISBN-13: 978-0877738558
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A one of a kind book !, September 2, 1998

By 

Ubaldo (Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aikido and the Harmony of Nature (Paperback)

Saotome Shihan(one that is worthy to be followed) has written a very distintive and uncommon book. There is nothing about technique or fighting ways. The book is concerned with the spiritual side of Aikido and the importance of becoming a better person through its practice. That does not mean that Saotome Shihan is one of those dreamy-eyed, "new-age" people...He talks straight and proposes many ideas full of common sense. The book also is full of his fond memories of Ueshiba Sensei(founder of Aikido)and gives sound advice on how to improve our lives. All in all, a one of a kind book. You must have it in your martial arts library !

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The spiritual world of Aikido made accessible to Westerners, January 23, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Bellevue, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aikido and the Harmony of Nature (Paperback)

Taking the esoteric Shinto based beliefs of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, Saotome Sensei translates these ideas into Western terms using examples from natural science, physics, psychology, and mathematics. Not a technique book! This is the premier explanation of Aikido philosophy in terms comprehensible to the average Westerner.There are very few teachers who had more exposure to the Founder on a daily basis, training with O-Sensei for over fifteen years! If you only have one Aikido book, this should be it!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Aikido and the Harmony of Nature, January 29, 2011

By 

Spider Monkey (UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Aikido and the Harmony of Nature (Paperback)

I'm sorry to be the voice of dissent with my review but I found `Aikido and the Harmony of Nature' to be a disappointing read, maybe all the more so after reading the other glowing reviews here. This book looks at Aikido philosophy and links it into themes of nature. The premise sounds great but it struggles hard to actually do it in practise. You get lots of spurious illustrations of aikido throws with swirling arrows that spin around strands of DNA, atoms or solar flares (for example), but these bare little relevance to both the text or the philosophy itself. They look like they mean something and are deeply profound or spiritual, but on closer analysis they really aren't. Whilst it's true that the spherical motion of Aikido techniques can find a mirror in nature, this book struggles to tie them together in any coherent or meaningful way. There is also far too much talk of God (although Saotome does specify that he doesn't mean any particular God) and how Aikido links you with him when Aikido is a non religious martial art, although it is deeply spiritual. The sections that recount the authors training with O Sensei are fascinating to read and some of the philosophy makes for interesting reading, although it tends to ramble after a while. If you are looking for a book on Aikido philosophy then I'd suggest you start with the excellent `Spirit of Aikido' by Kisshomaru Ueshiba and then come to this one way, way down the line. Some interesting parts and some of the photography redeemed this book from being a total washout, but it could have delivered so much more.

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