Excerpts of Art of Peace

By Morihei Ueshiba

Excerpts from the Art of Peace - By Moreihei Ueshiba.

 

• The Art of peace is medicine for a sick world. There is evil and disorder in the world because people have forgotton that all things emanate from one source. Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and anger. Those who are possesed by nothing posses everything.

 

• If you have not linked yourself to true emptiness, You will never understand the Art of Peace.

 

• Peace originates with the flow of things--its heart is like the movement of the wind and waves. The way is like the veins that circulates blood through our bodies, following the natural flow of the life force. If you are seperated in the slightest from the divine essence, you are far off the path.

 

• As soon as you concern yourself with the "good" and "bad" of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with, and criticizing others weaken and defeat you.

 

• The penetrating brilliance of swords, Wielded by followers of the Way. Strikes at the evil enemy, Lurking deep within Their own souls and bodies.

 

• To practice properly the Art of Peace you must: Calm the spirit and return to the source. Cleanse the body and spirit by removing all malice, selfishness, and desire. Be ever-grateful for the gifts received from the universe, your family, Mother Nature, and your fellow human beings.

 

• The Art of Peace does 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 true meaning of the term samurai is one who serves and adheres to the power of love.

 

• Even though our path is completely different from the warrior arts of the past, it is not necessary to abandon totally the old ways. Absorb venerable traditions into this new Art by clothing them with fresh garments, and build on the classic styles to create better forms.

 

• Day after day, train your heart out. Refining your technique: Use the One to strike the Many! That is the discipline of a warrior.

 

• The Way of a Warrior Cannot be encompassed by Words or in letters: Grasp the essence. And move on toward realization!

 

• There are no contests in the art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within.

 

• If your opponent strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly.

 

• When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.

 

• Life itself is always a trail. In training, you must test and polish yourself in order to face the great challenges of life. Trascend the realm of life and death, and then you will be able to make your way calmy and safely through any crisis that confronts you.

 

• In your training, do not be in a hurry, for it takes a minimum of ten years to master the basics and advnce to the first rung. Never think of yourself as an all knowing, perfected master; you must continue to train daily with your friends and students and progress together in the Art of Peace.
• Cast off limiting thoughts and return to true emptiness. Stand in the midst of the Great Void. This is the secret of the Way of a Warrior.

 

• Ultimately, you must forget about technique. The further you progress, the fewer teachings there are. The Great Path is really No path.