the power of love

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a few years back when i was in my first years of teaching yoga, someone told me about aikido. it sounded very intriguing to me so i went and watched one day. i got some books, i liked the perfect feng-shui of the room. and i have no idea why i did not pursue it back then. i think that's when i started using my money to travel a lot, and i think i had an issue with the combining of martial arts with yoga.

years have gone by and i was cleaning my yoga space in my house and i came across this little yellow pocket book called, "the art of peace" by morihei ueshiba . i just started opening anywhere and reading the passage that came up. not thinking much of it, i realized this man invented aikido , which he believes is the true meaning of the warrior-compassion, wisdom, fearlessness and love of nature. his "art of peace" suggests nonviolence as a way to victory instead of the previous books written on the subject of the warrior, "the art of war" by sun tzu written in the 6th century and still used today for strategy in the military and corporations. it's 13 chapters are as follows

I. Laying Plans
II. Waging War
III. Attack by Stratagem
IV. Tactical Dispositions
V. Energy
VI. Weak Points and Strong
VII. Manoeuvring
VIII. Variation of Tactics
IX. The Army on the March
X. Terrain
XI. The Nine Situations
XII. The Attack by Fire
XIII. The Use of Spies

in "the art of peace," re-interprets this 6th century text

"The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood. It is not a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst thing a human being can do. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter - it is the Art of Peace, the power of love."

and aikido is interesting to watch. very little contact, but the force is undeniable. the gaze of the opponents is pretty hardcore. i know it would be one hell of a path to get to know. and coincidentally it's japanese.

today's passage

"foster and polish
the warrior spirit
while serving in the world;
illuminate the path
according to your inner light"

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