The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido [Paperback]

Morihei Ueshiba (Author), John Stevens (Compiler, Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 10, 1992

These inspirational teachings show that the real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. Drawn from the talks and writings of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the popular Japanese martial art known as Aikido, The Art of Peace, presented here in a pocket-sized edition, offers a nonviolent way to victory and a convincing counterpoint to such classics as Musashi's Book of Five Rings and Sun Tzu's Art of War.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"You do not have to be an Aikido practitioner or martial artist to appreciate the inspiring messages presented in Ueshiba's words. Ueshiba believed that the real way of the warrior is based on the compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature, and thus his teachings are not strictly for the warrior, they are for the human race."—Qi Journal

"This book is a 'must' for all students of O'sensei's philosophy and hence—I would say—for all Aikidoka."—Aikido Today --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Japanese

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 126 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (November 10, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877738513
• ISBN-13: 978-0877738510
• Product Dimensions: 3 x 0.4 x 4.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Eastern Philosophy
  • #35 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Eastern > General
  • #73 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Sports > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Way of Peace, some call it Aikido, all call it Good, August 17, 2003

By 

OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido (Paperback)

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.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bible of Aikido Philosophy, August 13, 2001

By 

"aikitech" (Trinidad, W.I.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido (Paperback)

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good guidance for Westerners, March 2, 2002

By 

SHIGEO HIKAWA (Kyoto Pref. Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido (Paperback)

The auther, Stevens is the top shihan(sensei) taught by Morihei,
the founder's best student Shirata from pre-war era.
So handy, easy to make out concise philosophy of the profound
thought of Aikido,mysterious, Oriental magical martial arts.
In the viewpoint of me, native Japanese, really can I recommend
buying, for oversea friends.