Customer Reviews

Enlightenment through Aikido

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Basically, this book is a collection of Sunadomari's writings in his dojo's own journal/monthly paper. This means there are a lot of repeated ideas and boring phrases like, "now that spring is here, it's time to think about..."
That being said, there is not nearly enough Aikido literature out there with this level of commitment to Aikido as a purely spiritual art. The author does engage the reader with the questions of what the ultimate mission and purpose of their life is, and what the ultimate mission of Aikido should be: Love. It needs to be read with a non-cynical mind, as it is very simple, straightforward, and from Sunadomari's honest and heartfelt perspective.

It is to a large degree inspiring. And until more works like this come out, I would buy this along with the writings of Ueshiba, as part of your Aiki-spirit library.

This is the only English translation of substantial size done on the works of Sunadomari Sensei. This is not a technical book in any fashion, but a collection of spiritual and philosophical anecdotes. Good to have if you are interested in "that side" of Aikido.

I was not sure what I was getting in the purchase of this book. I skimmed through it before sitting down and reading it. I think it is a great book if you are practicing Aikido or just would like to learn more about Aikido.
Sunadomari, breaks up each chapter talking about what he has learned and sees how the humanrace is destroying earth and ourselves due to selfishness and greed. He further goes into explaining how each individual should strive to better themselves and to find purpose in life.
I feel he is on the right path to help mankind and teaching us to realize how we behave.
The only draw back that I did not care much for was Sunadomari frequently talks about God in Christianity. At first I thought he was talking about all of heavenly Gods and the gods within ourselves to do the right thing but further reading he does come across like he is preaching God. I just expected more Eastern Philosophy.
This is my opinion and I am wrong most of the time.

I loved this book because it described the principles of aikido in the founder's words. I have been training for almost eleven years and have not
heard these principles articulated this way. I believe knowing the way the founder experienced aikido internally and his spiritual perspective is
very valuable.