The Philosophy of Aikido - Hardcover

Stevens, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 4770025343 ISBN 13: 9784770025340

Publisher: Kodansha Amer Inc, 2001

Synopsis

At last, a clear and insightful look at the system of beliefs that is the basis for the practice of Aikido. The Philosophy of Aikido is an invaluable guide for practitioners--whether beginning or advanced--wishing to know more about the context in which Aikido was developed and Aikido's implications for the world today.

Intended as a companion volume to Kisshomaru Ueshiba's classic The Spirit of Aikido, the book is authored by John Stevens, the foremost non-Japanese expert in the field. It is written from an international perspective that considers how Aikido is related to the emerging global culture.

Some of the ideas discussed are:
* the relation of Aikido to such Asian traditions as Shinto, Shingon Buddhism, Omoto-kyo esotericism, Taoist mysticism and Tantra
* points of correspondence between Aikido and Western philosophical and religious systems--Greek philosophy, Christianity, Kabbalah, alchemy and modern scientific theories
*links between Aikido and art
* ways that Aikido thinking can be used to advance the causes of such urgent issues as health and healing, conflict resolution and environmental responsibility

The Philosophy of Aikido will be of vital interest to all those who are drawn to a dynamic philosophy centered on harmony, peace and spiritual strength. The book includes 70 black-and-white illustrations of woodblock prints, calligraphy and photographs from the author's extensive collection.

About this title

From the Publisher:

An Online Interview with the Author

What motivated you to write this book?

"I have done three books on Aikido for Kodansha International. The first was a translation of Budo, a technical manual by Ueshiba Morihei, the founder of Aikido. The second was The Essence of Aikido, a compilation of Master Ueshiba's spiritual teachings. In both these books, I was very careful to translate Master Ueshiba's teachings as literally and objectively as possible. In The Philosophy of Aikido, however, I present my own views on Aikido, based on my experiences practicing and teaching Aikido both in Japan (where I have lived since 1973) and in many different parts in the rest of the world. We have entered the age of the Global Village, and there is really no 'east' or 'west' anymore. Even in Japan, the birthplace of Aikido, there are a number of non-Japanese Aikido instructors. Aikido is becoming an important element of international culture, and Aikido principles--harmony, integration, cooperation, non-violence--are just what the world needs in the 21st century."

Could you tell us something about the contents of the book?

"The book has two parts: I. Theory 11. Practice. Part I presents the essential principles of Aikido, and how those principles parallel teachings found in Western philosophy, world religions, aesthetics, and scientific thought. Chapters include 'Aikido and Nature,' 'Aikido as Tantra,' 'Aikido and Art,' and 'Aikido and Global Society.' Part II is not a technical manual but rather a visual portrayal of Aikido in action, illustrated with many different kinds of photographs."

Why is the book important?

"I believe that this is the first book on Aikido written from an 'international perspective.' It does not present Aikido as a 'Japanese martial art' or as a kind of 'Oriental mysticism.' It shows that Aikido is a dynamic philosophy that can be applied anywhere, to all kinds of problems, and that its message is universal. In Aikido, we do not look for the things that are different; we look for things that are the same. Aikido philosophy helps us tie things together, to place things in their proper perspective, to live in harmony with our fellow human beings and nature."

About the Author:

John Stevens is the foremost Western expert on Aikido. A professor of Buddhist studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan, he is the author of more than thirty books on Aikido, Buddhism, Zen and Asian culture. Previous works on Aikido include The Essence of Aikido, The Secrets of Aikido and Aikido: The Way of Harmony.

About this edition

• Publisher: Kodansha Amer Inc
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 4770025343
• ISBN 13: 9784770025340
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 132