The Essence of Aikido: Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba

By Morihei Ueshiba

Book Overview

For the first time in English, The Essence of Aikido presents the profound philosophy of Aikido in Morihei's own words, disclosing many of the arcane secrets of Aikido's aims and methods. Considered by many to be the greatest martial artist and spiritual teacher of the twentieth century, Morihei provides a wealth of clues to the often puzzling nature of the inseparable link between the physical and spiritual aspects of Aikido, revealing the heart of the peaceful warrior's art.

Elegantly translated and compiled by John Stevens, translator of Morihei's Budo, the first half of The Essence of Aikido presents the most comprehensive collection of the writings of Morihei Ueshiba ever published. Key concepts in Aikido philosophy, such as kototama (language of the spirit) and misogi (purification of body and mind) are discussed at length, profusely illustrated with Morihei's mystical diagrams, spiritual poems, and fascinating calligraphy.

For Morihei, techniques were the means to express the spiritual principles of Aikido, and in the second half of The Essence of Aikido, John Stevens focuses on Morihei's techniques. Over two hundred hitherto unpublished photos of Morihei in action from his earliest days as a teacher of the martial arts to his last years as a master of Aikido complete this detailed survey of the true nature of Aikido.

A major contribution to a field that until recently has remained elusive to Western readers, The Essence of Aikido is an inspiring study of the spiritual and physical elements in Aikido, providing an important resource for martial arts practitioners and philosophy students alike.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 477002357X
• ISBN13: 9784770023575
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Kodansha USA
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.2" x 0.6" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Perfect step on the way to learn what Aikido really is about

One of my Senseis reminds us from time to time: "Noone will realize his inner self practicing locks and trows". Well, this book gives a beautiful introduction to the spiritual practice of Aikido. The first part explains Kototama, the sacred sounds of creation. In another part we learn about Misogi, the inside and outside purification to clear the senses & the mind to give us access to the reality of things. Then Stevens presents caligraphic works and poetic instruccions of O-Sensei, always with (printed) japanese Kanji, traduccion and explanation. Especially this part has qualities I found only with the great translation (and interpretation!) work done by Richard Wilhelm on the I-Ching and Tao Te King. Obviously there are 2 things to keep in mind when buying this book: 1st, about half the pictures in the book are already in the book "Budo" by Morihei Oeshiba (here compared with later pictures of the same tecniques) 2nd it is in the end, though containing profound teachings, just an introduction, one may want to have all other books by Stevens like "Training with master" and even better the direct transcriptions of O-Senseis teachings "Takemusu Aiki" (only Japanese and French) and whatever other source to study the deep spiritual way of the Aiki-O-Kami.

Essence of Aikido: Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba

If you are looking for a book on technique this isn't it, but a good overview of Ueshiba's philosophy of life.

This is a classic

This book is a must have. The material on the lesser known spiritual origins of Aikido is something that few books discuss, on a subject that few aikidoka fully understand. If you don't have this book, you don't have an Aikido library.

Ueshiba Essence and his spiritual writings!

For those martial artists who admire Morihei Ueshiba and fans of the editor/writer John Stevens. I appreciated the interesting portfolio of ancient aikido art, photos of the founder of AIKIDO and his "dynamic quality," DOKA. I very much enjoyed Ueshiba's japanese poetry and the valuable interpretations of his exotic poems. One may imagine learning some new insights into the fascinating art of aikido and spiritual poems of Ueshiba. World Class Aikido book! Mostly about the ESSENCE without theaikido instruction type of book!

A serious study of Aikido with scholarly precision.

A venture into the mysterious depth of Aikido. A must for all serious scholars interested in the study of O-Sensei's work and art. Unsuitable for half-hearted novices as most contents require critical study.