A Way to Live Complete

A feature article by an Alumbo member, Jan 11, 2008         

Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founded the Aikido, The Art of Peace. He was no stranger to battle and conflict having served in the Russo-Japanese war. He also saw action in several battles in Mongolia. He claimed to have had three visions which led him to promote a different kind of attitude toward warriorship and humanity.

The first was in 1925 at the age of 42. Ueshiba was in a bar when a drunk kept trying to provoke a confrontation. O-Sensei tried to ignore the lout but the man continuted to harass Ueshiba and the other patrons. Morihei was about to put a stop to this drunken display when he was quietly informed that the troublesome man was a fairly high-ranking member of the Royal family. Wanting to avoid a possible death sentence for attacking a noble, Ueshiba decided to prevent a fight at all costs.

The swordsman drew on him but Ueshiba was able to avoid all of his advances. Over and over the man came at O-Sensei but he swiftly manuevered around to safety. The man finnally tired of his repeated failed attempts. To save face in front of all of the onlookers the man announced, "YOU ARE NOT WORTH KILLING ANYWAY". Morihei left and went to his garden. " Suddenly the earth trembled, golden vapor welled up and engulfed me. All at once I understood the nature of creation. The Way of the Warrior is to manifest Divine Love, a spirit that nurtures all things".

The second came during a personal Ritual Purifacation. He suddenly forgot all of his martial training. "All techniques were now vehicles for the cultivation of life, knowlege, virtue and good sense, not devices to throw and pin people.".

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The third and perhaps most profound event came during World War I I . O-Sensei had a vision of the Great Spirit of Peace, a path that could lead to the eleimination of all strife and the reconciliation of humankind.. " The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood as a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek competition are making a grave mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst sin a human can commit. The real Way of the Warrior is to prevent slaughter- it is the art of peace, the peace of Love".
Morihei Ueshiba taught the Art of Peace as a creative mind-body discipline, as a peaceful means of handling aggression, and a a way of life that fosters wisdom, love, and friendship. Ueshiba believed that the Art of Peace is a medicine for a sick world, and that life means growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually we are as good as dead.

" The Art of Peace doesn not rely on weapons or brute force to succeed; instead we put ourselves in tune with the universe, maintain peace in our own realms, nurture life, and prevent death and destruction."

"The world will continue to change dramatically, but fighting and war can destroy us utterly. What we need now are teachings of harmony, not those of contention. The Art of Peace is required, not the art of war".

"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!"

sources:: MORIHEI UESHIBA THE ART OF PEACE john stevens 1992 shambala press

CODE OF THE SAMURAI thomas cleary 1999 tuttle press

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