Secrets of Aikido

Aikido is the Way of Peace, a martial art aimed at harmonizing body and spirit with the natural forces of the universe. Developed in the late 1920s by martial artist and spiritual leader Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is unique among martial arts for its emphasis on peace and philosophical and spiritual development. Though Aikido is a fighting system, its goal is not destruction and injury, but rather protection and harmony for all parties involved in the struggle. "Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake," says Morihei, "The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter - it is the Art of Peace, the power of love."In Secrets of Aikido, John Stevens - esteemed Aikido instructor and author of over 30 books on Aikido and its founder) - delves into the hidden teachings and deep, multi-dimensional spiritual wisdom offered by this unique martial art. Divided into two broad sections on "The Mysteries of Aikido" and "The Practice of Aikido," this book explores,Practices for the purification of mind and bodyThe tantric dimensions of Aikido, unifying masculine and feminine The Aikido science of sound and how it parallels the use of mantras and similar practices in other spiritual disciplinesBreathing techniques for calming the spirit and returning to the source of life The six pillars of Aikido: physical techniques based on spiritual principles that link us to a higher realm of being For beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, Secrets of Aikido presents honest and inspirational insight into a harmonious and peaceful way of life.