The Art of Peace - Morihei Ueshiba PDF

SHAMBHALA POCKET CLASSICS
Morihei Ueshiba
TRANSLATED BY JOHN STEVENS
These inspirational teaching:
warrior
sion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of
nature. Drawn from the talks and writings
ol Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the popular
Japanese martial art known as Aikido, The
Art of Peace offers a nonviolent way to vic-
tory and a convincing counterpoint to such
classics as Musashi’s Book of Five Rings and

Sun Tzu’s Art of War.
John Stevens is a Zen scholar, an Aikido
instructor, and the author of many books,

including Aikido: The Way of Harmony.
Singapore
in
SHAMBHALA Printed
Boston & London www.shambhala.com

Inc,
ISBN
5 069 5 >
Publications,
Shambhala
780877 738510
©1992
US $6.95 CAN $9. 95

THE ART OF PEACE
MORIHEl UESHIBA
THE ART
OF PEACE
l.aching s o f the Founder
of Aikido
Compiled <&_ translated by
JOHN STEVENS
SHAMBHALA
Boston London
1
99 2
.
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Horticultural Hall
300 Massachusetts Avenue INTRODUCTION

Boston, Massachusetts o 2 1
1 j
www. shambhala. com Mokiiiei Ueshiba (1883-1969) was his-
y \s greatest martial artist. Even
as an old
© 1992 by John Stevens
1 1
>1
The author wishes to thank Kodansha International m. in of eighty, Morihei could disarm any
and Kisshomaru Ueshiba for permission to use material from
B udo Aikido: The
t Spiritual Dimension, and Aiki Shinzui.
Inc, down any number of attackers, and
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be I
mi .m opponent with a single finger. Al-
reproduced in any form or by any means* electronic or
though invincible as a warrior, Morihei
mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any
information storage and retrieval system, without u .is above all a man of peace who detested
permission in writing from the publisher.
light ing, war, and any kind of violence. His
15 14 13 12 11
w iv was Aikido, which can be translated
Printed in Singapore
© This edition is printed on acid-free paper that meets the .is "The Art of Peace.”
American National Standards Institute Z39.4 8 Standard.
I lie Art of Peace is an ideal, but it de-
Distributed in the United States by Random House, Inc.,
and in Canada by Random House of Canada Ltd le loped in real life on many fronts. Mo-
See page i 26 for Library of Congress 1 ihri in his youth served as an infantryman
Ca ta I ogi ng- in - Pu hi ieati on data
in I lie Russo-Japanese War, later battled
I
ut. ties and bandits during an adventure in
Mongolia, and then, after mastering a

number of martial arts, served as an in-
5
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
structor at Japan s elite military academies. I n\<>, a spirit that embraces and nurtures
Throughout his life, however, Morihei was ill things. Tears of gratitude and joy
sorely troubled by the contention and i 1 r.imed down my cheeks. I saw the entire
strife thatplagued his world: his father’s - 11 tli as my home, and the sun, moon, and
battles with corrupt politicians and their
lai.s as my intimate friends. All attach-
hired goons, the devastation of war, and
m< nl to material things vanished.”
the brutality of his country’s military
I lie second vision took place in Decem-
leaders.
Im 1 nl 1940. “Around two o’clock in the
Morihei was on a spiritual quest and m< li ning as I was performing ritual purifi-
was transformed by three visions. The first
>1 K >11, I suddenly forgot every martial art
occurred in 192$, when Morihei was forty- Uilmiquo I had ever learned. All of the
two years old. After defeating a high-rank-
I** Imiqucs handed down from my teach-
ing swordsman by avoiding his cuts and
all 1 appeared completely anew. Now they
thrusts (Morihei was unarmed), Morihei m vehicles for the cultivation of life,
went into his garden. “Suddenly the earth
m
I >v\ ledge, virtue, and good sense, not de-
trembled. Golden vapor welled up from riecs in throw and pin people.”
the ground and engulfed me. felt trans-
I
I he third vision was in 1942, during the
formed into a golden image, and my body "<M .1 o| the fighting of World War II and
seemed as light as a feather. All at once I me
in ' nl the darkest periods of human
understood the nature of creation: the on
In v Morihei had a vision of the Great
Way of a Warrior is to manifest Divine '*1 'ii 1 1 nl Peace, a path that could lead to
6
1 >
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
the elimination of all strife and the recon- v % ii II continue to change dramatically, but
ciliation of humankind. “The Way of the 1 mg and war can destroy us utterly,
1 ]' lii
Warrior has been misunderstood as a VVh.it we need now are techniques of har-
means to kill and destroy others. Those mony, not those of contention. The Art of
who seek competition are making a grave I v.w r is required, not the Art of War.”
mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the Mi ii ihei taught the Art of Peace as a crea-
worst sin a human being can commit. The ini mind-body discipline, as a practical
real Way ol a Warrior is to prevent slaugh- mu ,ms of handling aggression, and as a way
ter — it is the Art of Peace, the power of ol hie that fosters fearlessness, wisdom,
love.” Morihei secluded himself in the In v i ,
,md friendship. He interpreted the
country and devoted every minute of his V » t till ’race in the broadest possible sense
life thereafter to refining and spreading Ai- ml believed that its principles of reconcil-
kido, the Art of Peace. i ii mo, harmony, cooperation, and empa-
Unlike the authors of old-time warrior 1 1 \ ii uld be applied bravely to all the chal-
classics such as The Art of War and The l< nges we lace in life — in personal
Book of hive Rings which accept the inev-
, n lai Kinships, as we interact with society,
itability of war and emphasize cunning t» m»i k and in business, when dealing with
strategy as a means to victory, Morihei un- naiine. livery one can be a warrior for
derstood that continued fighting - with m\h r,
|
others, with ourselves, and with the envi- \ It hough Aikido originated with Mo-
ronment-will ruin the earth. “The world i lln i in japan, it was intended to be a gift
IN I H< M >tu HUM
lor all humankind. Some have chosen, or

will select in the lulmr, Aikido as their
own partic ular Way, pia« tic ini' ii on the
mats and applying it to theii daily lives.
Many more* have hern and will he, I hope, THF ART OF PFACE
inspired by the 1
unive rsal message of the
Art ol Peace* and its implii .it ions lor our
world.
I he divine* be aut y
Of he *aven and earth!

All creation,
Members of
One family.
The quotations in this book have been

compiled from MoriheTs collec ted talks,
poems, and calligraphy, and from oral tra-
dition.
The term ki (ch'i in Chinese) occurs in
a few places; this refers to the subtle en-
ergy that propels the universe*, the* vitality
that pervades creation and holds tilings to-

gether.
10
The Art of Peace begins with you.
Work on yourself and your appointed
task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a
spirit that can be refined, a body that can
be trained in some manner, a suitable
path to follow. You are here for no other
purpose than to realize your inner divin-
ity and manifest your innate enlighten-

ment. Foster peace in your own life and
then apply the Art to all that you en-
counter.
THE ART OF PEACE THE ART OF PEACE
Onh does not need buildings, money, All things, material and spiritual,
power, or status to practice the Art of originate from one source ami are related
Peace. Heaven is right where you are as if they were one family. The past,
standing, and that is the place to train. present, and future are all contained in
the life force. The universe emerged and
developed from one source, and we
evolved through the optimal process of
unification and harmonization.
14 15
The Art of Peace is medicine for a If you have not

sick world. There is evil and disorder in Linked yourself
the world because people have forgotten To true emptiness,
that all things emanate from one source. You will never understand
Return to that source and leave behind The Art of Peace.
all self-centered thoughts, petty desires,
and anger. Those who arc possessed by
nothing possess everything.
16
17
The; Art of Peace functions every- Eight forces sustain creation:
where on earth, in realms ranging from Movement and stillness,
the vastness of space down to the tiniest Solidification and fluidity,
plants and animals. The life force is all- Extension and contraction,
pervasive and its strength boundless. The Unification and division.
Art of Peace allows us to perceive and tap
into that tremendous reserve of universal

energy.
18
Life is growth. If we stop growing, tech- Now and again, it is necessary to se-
nically and spiritually, we are as good as clude yourself among deep mountains
dead. The Art of Peace is a celebration of and hidden valleys to restore your link to
the bonding of heaven, earth, and hu- the source of life. Breathe in and let
mankind. It is all that is true, good, and yourself soar to the ends of the universe;
beautiful. breathe out and bring the cosmos back
inside. Next, breathe up all the fecundity
and vibrancy of the earth. Finally, blend
(lie breath of heaven and the breath of
e arth with that of your own, becoming

t he Breath of Life itself.
20 21
All the principles of heaven and earth Consider the ebb and How of the tide.
arc living inside you. Life itself is the When waves come to strike the shore,
truth, and this will never change. Every- they crest and fall, creating a sound. Your
thing in heaven and earth breathes. breath should follow the same pattern,
Breath is the thread that ties creation to- absorbing the entire universe in your
gether. When the myriad variations in belly with each inhalation. Know that we
the universal breath can be sensed, the all have access to four treasures: the en-
individual techniques of the Art of Peace ergy of the sun and moon, the breath of
are born. heaven, the breath of earth, and the ebb
and flow of the tide.
22 23
Th OSE who practice the Art of Peace When life is victorious, there is birth;
must protect the domain ol Mother Na- when it is thwarted, there is death. A
ture, the divine reflection of creation, warrior is always engaged in a life-and-
and keep it lovely and fresh, Warriorship death struggle for Peace.
gives birth to natural beauty. The subtle
techniques of a warrior arise as naturally
as the appearance of spring, summer, au-
tumn, and winter. Warriorship is none

other than the vitality that sustains all
life.
24
Contemplate the workings of this Create each day anew by clothing
world, listen to the words of the wise, yourself with heaven and earth, bathing
and take all that is good as your own. yourself with wisdom and love, and plac-
With this as your base, open your own ing yourself in the heart of Mother Na-
door to truth. Do not overlook the truth ture.
that is right before you. Study how water

flows in a valley stream, smoothly and
freely between the rocks. Also learn from

holy books and wise people, Every -
thing— even mountains, rivers, plants,
and trees —should be your teacher.

THE ART OF PEACE THE ART Of PEACE
Do not fail Peace originates with the flow of
To learn from s — its heart is like the movement of
The pure voice of an the wind and waves. The Way is like the
Ever- flowing mountain stream veins that circulate blood through our
Splashing over the rocks. bodies, following the natural flow of the
life force. If you are separated in the
slightest from that divine essence, you

arc far off the path.
29
Your heart is full of fertile seeds, wait- Study the teachings of the pine tree,
ing to sprout. Just as a lotus flower (he bamboo, and the plum blossom. The
springs from the mire to bloom splen- pine is evergreen, firmly rooted, and ven-
didly, the interaction of the cosmic erable. The bamboo is strong, resilient,
breath causes the flower of the spirit to unbreakable. The plum blossom is hardy,
bloom and bear fruit in this world. I ragrant, and elegant.

Always keep your mind as bright and As soon as you concern yourself with
clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the “good” and “bad” of your fellows,
the highest peak, empty of all thoughts. you create an opening in your heart for
Always keep your body filled with light

maliciousness to enter. Testing, compet-
and heat. Fill yourself with the power of ing with, and criticizing others weaken
wisdom and enlightenment. and defeat you.
32
The penetrating brilliance of swords The Art of Peace is not easy. It is a

Wielded by followers of the Way fight to the finish, the slaying of evil de-
Strikes at the evil enemy sires and all falsehood within. On occa-
Lurking deep within sion the Voice of Peace resounds like
Their own souls and bodies. thunder, jolting human beings out of
their stupor.
Crystal clear, To practice properly the Art of Peace,
Sharp and bright, you must:

The sacred sword Calm the spirit and return to the
Allows no opening source.
bor evil to roost. 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 is based on Four The essence of the Art of Peace is to
Great Virtues: Bravery, Wisdom, Love, cleanse yourself of maliciousness, to get
and Friendship, symbolized by Fire, in tune with your environment, and to
Heaven, Harth, and Water. clear your path of all obstacles and bar-
riers.
38
39
The only cure for materialism is the All life is a manifestation of the spirit,
cleansing of the six senses (eyes, cars, the manifestation of love. And the Art of
nose, tongue, body, and mind). If the Peace is the purest form of that principle.
senses are clogged, one’s perception is A warrior is charged with bringing a halt
stifled. The more it is stifled, the more to all contention and strife. Universal
contaminated the senses become. This love functions in many forms; each man-
creates disorder in the world, and that is ifestation should be allowed free ex pres-
the greatest evil of all. Polish the heart, sion. The Art of Peace is true democracy.
free the six senses and let them function

without obstruction, and your entire
body and soul will glow.
40 4!
Each and every master, regardless of the Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery.
era or place, heard the call and attained Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice.
harmony with heaven and earth. There The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in
are many paths leading to the top of the power of love.
Mount Fuji, but there is only one sum-
mit — love.
42
Economy is the basis of society. When Thf Art of Peace does not rely on
the economy is stable, society develops. weapons or brute force to succeed; in-
The ideal economy combines the spiri- stead we put ourselves in tune with the
tual and material, and the best commod- universe, maintain peace in our own
ities to trade in are sincerity and love. realms, nurture life, and prevent death
and destruction. The true meaning of the
term samurai is one who serves and ad-
heres to the power of love.
44 45
Foster and polish T he Path of Peace is exceedingly

The warrior spirit vast, reflecting the grand design of the
While serving in the world; hidden and manifest worlds. A warrior is
Illuminate the Path a living shrine of the divine, one who

According to your inner light. serves that grand purpose.
47
Your mind should be in harmony with Even though our path is completely dif-
the functioning of the universe; your ferent from the warrior arts of the past,
body should be in tune with the move- it is not necessary to abandon totally the
ment of the universe; body and mind old ways. Absorb venerable traditions
should be bound as one, unified with the into this new Art by clothing them with
activity of the universe. fresh garments, and build on the classic
styles to create better forms.
48 1 49
Daily training in the Art of Peace allows Prac Tick the Art of Peace sincerely,
your inner divinity to shine brighter and and evil thoughts and deeds will naturally
brighter. Do not concern yourself with disappear. The only desire that should
the right and wrong of others. Do not be remain is the thirst for more and more
calculating or act unnaturally. Keep your training in the Way.
mind set on the Art of Peace, and do not

criticize other teachers or traditions. The
Art of Peace never restrains, restricts, or
shackles anything. It embraces all and pu-
rifies everything.
50
Those who are enlightened never stop Day after day
forging themselves. The realizations of Train your heart out,

such masters cannot be expressed well in Refining your technique;
words or by theories. The most perfect Use the One to strike the Many!
actions echo the patterns found in na- That is the discipline of a Warrior.
ture.
52 53
THE ART OF PEACE
The Way of a Warrior The purpose of training is to tighten up

Cannot be encompassed the slack, toughen the body, and polish
By words or in letters: the spirit.
Grasp the essence

And move on toward realization!
54 55
I RO N is full of impurities that weaken it; From ancient times.
through forging, it becomes steel and is Deep learning and valor
transformed into a razor-sharp sword. Have been the two pillars of the Path:
Human beings develop in the same fash- Through the virtue of training,
ion. Enlighten both body and soul.
56
Instructors can impart only a fraction The Way of a Warrior is based on hu-
of the teaching. It is through your own manity, love, and sincerity; the heart of
devoted practice that the mysteries of the martial valor is true bravery, wisdom,
Art of Peace arc brought to life. love, and friendship. Emphasis on the
physical aspects of warriorship is futile,
for the power of the body is always lim-
ited.
59
A true warrior is always armed with the T H E heart of a human being is no differ-
three things: the radiant sword of pacifi- ent from the soul of heaven and earth. In
cation; the mirror of bravery, wisdom, your practice always keep in your
and friendship; and the precious jewel of thoughts the interaction of heaven and
enlightenment. earth, water and fire, yin and yang.
60 61
The Art of Peace is the principle of There arc no contests in the Art of
nonresistance Because
. it is nonresistant, Peace. A true warrior is invincible be-
it is victorious from the beginning. Those cause he or she contests with nothing.
with evil intentions or contentious Defeat means to defeat the mind of con-
thoughts arc instantly vanquished. The tention that we harbor within.
Art of Peace is invincible because it con-
tends with nothing.
62 63
lo injure an opponent is to injure your- The totally awakened warrior can freely
self. To control aggression without in- util izc all elements contained in heaven
flicting injury is the Art of Peace. and earth. The true warrior learns how
to correctly perceive the activity of the
universe and how to transform martial
techniques into vehicles of purity, good-
ness, and beauty. A warrior’s mind anti
body must he permeated with enlight-

ened wisdom and deep calm.
65
THE ART OF PEACE
Always practice the Art of Peace in a It is necessary to develop a strategy that
vibrant and joyful manner. utilizes all the physical conditions and el-
ements that are directly at hand. The
best strategy relics upon an unlimited set
of responses.
66 67
A {rood stance and posture reflect a Tmk key to good technique is to keep
proper state of mind. your hands, feet, and hips straight and
centered. If you are centered, you can
move freely. The physical center is your
belly; if your mind is set there as well,
you are assured of victory in any en-

c Icavor.
69
THE ART OF PEACE
Techniques employ four qualities that
reflect the nature of our world. Depend-
ing on the circumstance, you should be:
hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow,
smooth-flowing like water, or as empty
as space.
If your opponent strikes with fire, Functioning harmoniously together,
counter with water, becoming com- right and left give birth to all techniques.
pletely ttukl and free-flowing. Water, by The left hand takes hold of life and
its nature, never collides with or breaks death; the right hand controls it. The
against anything. On the contrary, it four limbs of the body are the four pillars
swallows up any attack harmlessly. of heaven, and manifest the eight direc-
tions, yin and yang, outer and inner.
72
Manifest yang The techniques of the Art of Peace arc
In your right hand, neither fast nor slow, nor are they inside
Balance it with or outside. They transcend time and
The yin of your left,
And guide your partner.
74 75
,
Spring forth from the Great Earth; Wh r.N an opponent comes forward
Billow like Great Waves; move in and greet him; it he wants to
Stand like a tree, sit like a rock; pull back, send him on his way.
Use the One to strike All.
Learn and forget!

The body should be triangular, the mind Always try to be in communion with
circular. The triangle represents the gen- heaven and earth; then the world will ap-
eration of energy and is the most stable pear in its true light. Self-conceit will
physical posture. The circle symbolizes vanish, and you can blend with any at-
serenity and perfection, the source of un- tack.
limited techniques. The square stands for
solidity, the basis of applied control.
78 79
If your heart is large enough to envelop Frkf; of weakness,
your adversaries, you can see right No-mindedly ignore
through them and avoid their attacks. The sharp attacks
And once you envelop them, you will be Of your enemies:
able to guide them along a path indicated Step in and act!
to you by heaven and earth.

Do not look upon this world with fear EACH day of human life contains joy and
and loathing. Bravely face whatever the anger, pain and pleasure, darkness and
gods offer. light, growth and decay. Each moment is
etched with nature’s grand design — do

not try to deny or oppose the cosmic or-
der of things.
82 83
Protectors of this world Life itself is always a trial. In training,
And guardians of the Ways you must test and polish yourself in or-
Of gods and buddhas, der to face the great challenges of life.
The techniques of Peace Transcend the realm of life and death,

finable us to meet every challenge. and then you will be able to make your
way calmly and safely through any crisis
that confronts you.
85
THE ART OF PEACE | THE ART OF PEACE
Be grateful even for hardship, setbacks, Failure is the key to success;

and bad people. Dealing with such obsta- 1
Each mistake teaches us something.
cles is an essential part of training in the
j
Art of Peace. j
raj
“ I 87
I N extreme situations, the entire universe At the instant
becomes our foe; at such critical times, A warrior
unity of mind and technique is essen- Confronts a foe,
tial — do not let your heart waver! All things
Come into focus

Even when called out The Art of Peace is to fulfill that
By a single foe. which is lacking.
Remain on guard,
For you are always surrounded
By a host of enemies.
91
O nf, should be prepared to receive In our techniques we enter completely
ninety -nine percent of an enemy’s attack into, blend totally with, and control
and stare death right in the face in order Hrmly an attack. Strength resides where
to illumine the Path. one’s ki is concentrated and stable; con-
fusion and maliciousness arise when ki
stagnates.
92 93
Thkre are two types of ki: ordinary ki I n the Art of Peace we never attack. An
and true ki. Ordinary ki is coarse and attack is proof that one is out of control.
heavy; true ki is light and versatile. In or- Never run away from any kind of chal-
der to perform well, you have to liberate lenge, but do not try to suppress or con-
yourself from ordinary ki and permeate t rol an opponent unnaturally. Let attack-
your organs with true ki. That is the basis ers come any way they like and then
of powerful technique. blend with them. Never chase after op-
ponents. Redirect each attack and get
I i rmly behind it.
94
-
Seeing me before him, When attacked, unify the upper, mid-
The enemy attacks, < I le, and lower parts of your body Enter,
.
But by that time turn, and blend with your opponent,

I am already standing front and back, right and left.
Safely behind him.
97
Your spirit is the true shield. Opponents confront us continually,
but actually there is no opponent there.
Knter deeply into an attack and neutral-
ize it as you draw that misdirected force

into your own sphere.
- —
99
_ , ,
Do not stare into the eyes of your op- Hven the most powerful human being
ponent: he may mesmerize you. Do not has a limited sphere of strength. Draw
fix your gaze on his sword: he may intim- him outside of that sphere and into your
idate you. Do not focus on your oppo- own, and his strength will dissipate.
nent at all: he may absorb your energy.
The essence of training is to bring your
opponent completely into your sphere.

Then you can stand just where you like.
101
Left and right, 1 HE real Art of Peace is not to sacrifice

Avoid all a single one of your warriors to defeat an
Cuts and parries. enemy. Vanquish your foes by always
Seize your opponents’ minds keeping yourself in a safe and unassail-
And scatter them all!
able position; then no one will suffer any
losses. The Way of a Warrior, the Art of
Politics, is to stop trouble before it starts.
It consists in defeating your adversaries

spiritually by making them realize the
lolly of their actions. The Way of a War-

i lor is to establish harmony.
103
M ASTER the divine techniques In your training, do not be in a hurry,
Of the Art of Peace, for it takes a minimum of ten years to
And no enemy master the basics and advance to the first
Will dare to rung. Never think of yourself as an all-
Challenge you. knowing, perfected master; you must
continue to train daily with your friends
and students and progress together in the
Art of Peace.
P ROGRESS COmCS Fiddling with this
To those who And that technique
Train and train; Is of no avail.
Reliance on secret techniques Simply act decisively
Will get you nowhere. Without reserve!
107
!
If you perceive the true form of heaven I he Art of Peace can be summed up
and earth, you will be enlightened to like this: True victory is self- victory; let
your own true form. If you are enlight- that day arrive quickly “True victory”
ened about a certain principle, you can means unflinching courage; “self-vic-
put it into practice. After each practical tory” symbolizes unflagging effort; and
application, reflect on your efforts. Pro- “let that day arrive quickly” represents
gress continually like this. the glorious moment of triumph in the
here and now.
108
Cast off limiting thoughts and return to To truly implement the Art of Peace,
true emptiness. Stand in the midst of the you must be able to sport freely in the
Great Void. This is the secret of the Way manifest, hidden, and divine realms.
of a Warrior.
1 10
If you comprehend The techniques of the Way of Peace

The Art of Peace, change constantly; every encounter is
This difficult path, unique, and the appropriate response
Just as it is, should emerge naturally. Today’s tech-

Envelops the circle of heaven. niques will be different tomorrow. Do
not get caught up with the form and ap-
I
>carancc of a challenge. The Art of Peace
has no form — it is the study of the spirit.

Ultimately, you must forget about The Art of Peace that I practice has
technique. The further you progress, the room for each of the world’s eight mil-
fewer teachings there are. The Great lion gods, and I cooperate with them all.
Path is really No Path. The God of Peace is very great and en-
joins all that is divine and enlightened in
every land.
I 15
The Art of Peace is a form of prayer Construction of shrine and temple
that generates light and heat. Forget buildings is not enough. Lstablish your-
about your little self, detach yourself self as a living buddha image. We all
from objects, and you will radiate light should be transformed into goddesses of
and warmth. Light is wisdom; warmth is compassion or victorious buddhas.
compassion.
116 I 17
Rhly on Peace I HE DIVINE is not something high

To activate your above us. It is in heaven, it is in earth,
Manifold powers; it is inside us.

Pacify your environment
And create a beautiful world.
» 19
Unite yourself to the cosmos, and the Y ou cannot see or touch the Divine
thought of transcendence will disappear. with your gross senses. The Divine is
Transcendence belongs to the profane within you, not somewhere else. Unite
world. When all trace of transcendence yourself to the Divine, and you will be
vanishes, the true person — the Divine able to perceive gods wherever you are,
Being — is manifest. Empty yourself and lmt do not try to grasp or cling to them.
let the Divine function.
120
The Divine does not like to be shut up When you bow deeply to the universe,
in a building. The Divine likes to be out it bows back; when you call out the name
in the open. It is right here in this very of God, it echoes inside you.
body. Each one of us is a miniature uni-
verse, a living shrine.

The Art of Peace is the religion that 1 he Path is exceedingly vast. From an-
is not a religion; it perfects and com- cient times to the present day, even the
pletes all religions. greatest sages were unable to perceive

and comprehend the entire truth; the ex-
planation and teachings of masters and
saints express only part of the whole. It
is not possible for anyone to speak of
such things in their entirety. Just head
for the light and heat, learn from the

gods, and through the virtue of devoted
I
> ractice of the Art of Peace, become one
with the Divine.
124 125
THE ART OF PEACE
SHAMBHALA POCKET CLASSICS

THE ART OF PEACE:
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Teachings of the Founder of Aikido
CATALOGING -IN -PUBLICATION DATA by Morihei Ueshiba
Compiled and translated by John Stevens
Ueshiba, Morihei.
THE ART OF WAR by Sun Tzu
The art of peace: teachings of
Iranslated by Thomas Cleary
the founder of Aikido /Morihei Ueshiba-
THE ART OF WORLDLY WISDOM
P cm, — (Shambhala pocket classics) bv
j
Balthasar Gracian
isbn 0-87773-851-3 (pbk.)
AWAKEN NG LOVING-KI N DNESS
I
1. Ueshiba, Morihei— Teachings, by Pema Chodron

2. Aikido — Philosophy. 3. Conflict
J
DHAMMAPADA:
management, I, Title. Ik Series.
The Sayings of the Buddha
GVi 14.35.U39
* 1992 92-501 18 Rendered by Thomas Bvrom
796.8
f
1 54 — de2o THE ESSENCE OF T’AI CHI bv

J
Waysun Liao
j
FLATLAND by Edwin A, Abbott
1 1 E ALING MEDITATIONS by liilku Thondup
HONEST BUSINESS
by Michael Phillips and Salli Rasbcrry
1 CHING: The Book of Change

Iranslated bv
J
Thomas Clearv
J
1 1 II MAN WHO PLANTED TREES by jean Giono

(continued on next poge)
126
MEDITATIONS by j. KiTshnamurti
THE PATH OF INSIGHT MEDITATION

by Joseph Goldstein and jack Komfield
THE POCKET BUDDHA READER

Edited by Anne Bancroft
THE POCKET RUMI READER

Edited by Kabir Helminski
T HE POCKET TAO READER

Translated by Eva Wong
THE POCKET ZEN READER
Edited by Thomas Cleary
POEMS by
j
Emily
j
Dickinson
Edited by Brenda Hillman
SAILING ALONE AROUND THE WORLD

by Captain Joshua Slocum
SHAMRHALA: T he Sacred Path of the Warrior

by Chdgyam Trungpa
TAO TEII CHING by Lao Tzu

Translated by John C. IE Wu
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SHAMBHALA POCKET CLASSICS

classics as Musashi’s Book of Five Rings and

instructor, and the author of many books,

Boston & London www.shambhala.com

US $6.95 CAN $9. 95

Compiled <&_ translated by

Shambhala Publications, Inc.

300 Massachusetts Avenue INTRODUCTION

Mongolia, and then, after mastering a

lor all humankind. Some have chosen, or

Of he *aven and earth!

The quotations in this book have been

that pervades creation and holds tilings to-

Work on yourself and your appointed

task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a

spirit that can be refined, a body that can

be trained in some manner, a suitable

path to follow. You are here for no other

purpose than to realize your inner divin-

ity and manifest your innate enlighten-

the life force. The universe emerged and

developed from one source, and we

evolved through the optimal process of

unification and harmonization.

The Art of Peace is medicine for a If you have not

and anger. Those who arc possessed by

nothing possess everything.

The; Art of Peace functions every- Eight forces sustain creation:

where on earth, in realms ranging from Movement and stillness,

the vastness of space down to the tiniest Solidification and fluidity,

pervasive and its strength boundless. The Unification and division.

Art of Peace allows us to perceive and tap

into that tremendous reserve of universal

beautiful. breathe out and bring the cosmos back

inside. Next, breathe up all the fecundity

and vibrancy of the earth. Finally, blend

(lie breath of heaven and the breath of

e arth with that of your own, becoming

gives birth to natural beauty. The subtle

techniques of a warrior arise as naturally

as the appearance of spring, summer, au-

tumn, and winter. Warriorship is none

Contemplate the workings of this Create each day anew by clothing

that is right before you. Study how water

freely between the rocks. Also learn from

and trees —should be your teacher.

Do not fail Peace originates with the flow of

To learn from s — its heart is like the movement of

life force. If you are separated in the

slightest from that divine essence, you

bloom and bear fruit in this world. I ragrant, and elegant.

Always keep your body filled with light

wisdom and enlightenment. and defeat you.

The penetrating brilliance of swords The Art of Peace is not easy. It is a

Crystal clear, To practice properly the Art of Peace,

Sharp and bright, you must:

bor evil to roost. Cleanse the body and spirit by removing

Be ever-grateful for the gifts received

from the universe, your family,

free the six senses and let them function

are many paths leading to the top of the power of love.

Mount Fuji, but there is only one sum-

Foster and polish T he Path of Peace is exceedingly