Oshikiuchi

Oshikiuchi INSIDE THE THRESHOLD

1

C H AP TE R 1

Aiki Shrine & Dojo O Sensei’s Ubuya

about one year. In the depths of this illness I was enlightened."

"However, being ill did not mean

Morihei Ueshiba on the birthplace

that I was not doing anything.

of Aikido in Iwama.

From before this experience I had to serve the army and navy. On occasion I had to serve at the War Of-

"My body was full of power, versa-

fice at the request of the Office of

tile, free of any obstacles and innu-

Military Affairs, the Army Minister.

merable waza arose as if naturally.

Furthermore, I gave service to men

If we were to count them, they

of high rank, I was called to be an

would be in the tens of thousands.

adviser at universities here and

If I had a sword, I could also freely

there, and was appointed a mem-

teach people this way of the sword.

ber of a review committee for the

Why so many and so powerful waza

Konoe Cabinet up until the Tojo

arose was, I supposed, a mystery.

Cabinet. I also served as an adviser

However, I also had the feeling that

at various other locations."

continuing in this fashion was not

"However, the keiko of the army

right."

and navy generally had 魄 as the

"I wondered at the enormity of the

nucleus. In other words, the nu-

experience and the doubt whether

cleus was the material thing and

it was really true made me ill. I

the purpose was fighting on all

was sick to the verge of death for

fronts. With the slogan ‘One cut, 2

one death' they forged ahead in

tion of the working of the Great Uni-

search of honour. It was regretta-

verse, seen as one whole.”

ble, but there was something of a

"Heretofore, budo was concerned

lack of true loyalty and there

with training in physical forms, but

seemed to be many people in the

now training in spiritual forms is

army who could not understand. Of

more important. If you lack a mind

course, there were distinguished

set on love, you can never accom-

military people, and many loyal and

plish any great techniques. The

brave soldiers fought to a degree

stance of love is that stance of sei-

that induced tears. However it is

gan. In Japanese budo we do not

not the goal of aikido to kill people.

try to force an opponent to move.

Its purpose is not fighting and quar-

Budo is based on the principle of

reling. Aikido is not concerned with

non-resistance, a principle of the

魄, but with 魂."(Both characters

spiritual world—this is nenpi kan-

are read as tamashii, spirit, but a

nonriki. The secret of bu is that it

kanji dictionary explains that on

has no forms. The heart must be

death, 魂 goes to heaven, whereas

free and ki must be fully charged.

魄 goes to the earth).

All this was imparted to me by the

"The object of aikido is to give

deity Sarutahiko on December 16,

praise, in this world, to the com-

1942, between 2.00 and 3.00 in

plete excellence of the Great Univer-

the morning. All the gods of Japan

sal Deity, from which the entire uni-

gathered and brought aiki truly into

verse has originated. It is to serve

life, fostering universal spirit and

the ⼤大道 (great way), with the re-

sho chiku bai swordsmanship. The

sponsibility of giving 愛育 (tender

double-edged sword of heaven and

loving care) to the whole of crea-

earth was manifest; that sword

tion. Put another way, aikido has

symbolizes the spiritual movement

the role/duty of preserving, main-

that works to purge the world of

taining, defending, carrying out, for

filth and corruption. To accomplish

all beings regardless, the manifesta-

this, first that terrible war had to 3

end. I was entrusted with a tremen-

accomplish one's own mission, this

dous task: the gods instructed me

is good. If the execution of one's

to construct a 36-mat aiki jinja in

own mission becomes a ‘kami',

Iwama. Then the atomic bombs fell

then this is happiness/good for-

on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the

tune.

emperor called an end to the war.

The goal of aikido is not invading a

Since then Japan has been tied to-

country and killing someone.

gether by aiki. The true budo of the

Rather, it is to enable everyone to

gods has been restored. Within the

go forward in life, with each person

powerful name of Ame no mura-

having his own place, so that there

kumo kuki samuhara ryu-o all the

may be a gathering together of a

techniques are contained. It is in

‘one-world family', so that all may

your blood. As for me, I am an in-

be able to work as specialized

carnation of Izunome no mikoto,

branches of the unitary operation

the spirit of reformation and re-

(of the universe), leading to the

newal.”

‘Great Spirit that Builds the Uni-

In other words, (the purpose of

verse Nation'. This was the august

aikido) is to carry out the will of

wish of His Majesty the Meiji Em-

heaven that has been assigned to

peror and it is still to be respected

oneself. As for the having of one's

today.

own personal mission, if this is for

Without ceasing we must stop vio-

the sake of the country, I think this

lence in conformity with this prayer.

is a good thing. There is nothing

Accordingly, aikido strictly forbids

that comes before the execution of

competitive matches. In fact, that

one's personal mission. (Alterna-

reality is that aikido embodies the

tive: There is nothing that one can

‘attacking spirit' of Great Love; it

do except execute one's personal

embodies the spirit that seeks har-

mission.) However, on the occasion

mony and peace.

of this being put into words, uttered for the sake of the country or

Because of this, we intertwine and

society, this is impure. If one can

tie ourselves together with the op4

ponent in every respect with the

sonal mission of each and every in-

spiritual power of our love (nenpi

dividual.

kannonriki: contemplation on the

In addition, at this time I acted in

power of Kannon: Goddess of

accordance with the demands of

Mercy). Because it is love, the en-

various bodies, organizations in the

counter can purify the partner.

nation. At first, I was teaching

Aiki is not intended to shackle free-

ways of killing and offence and de-

dom. By purifying all bad spirits,

fence solely in relation to oneself,

aikido unties completely all bonds,

and attacking became one's princi-

including the bonds of fate, the

ple aim. This was mainly because

bonds that derive from one's

the focus was the body. This was

deeds, the bonds that derive from

the trend of the times and this fact

everyone's spirit. In other words, it

also constituted a major challenge

is something that achieves and com-

to the mass of humanity.

pletes one's personal mission. This

With the ending of the war, people

achieving and completing of one's

have devoted their energies to the

personal mission is the fruition of

pursuit of peace. The peaceful use

the prayer that is married to Goi

of nuclear power came to be ac-

Sensei's spirit.

cepted and Aikido also came to

Until now the secret principle of my

"flourish" at the demands of govern-

martial training was to accumulate

ment bodies. To which I continu-

the power to give or take away life

ously gave explanations about love.

or death by the sword. It was the

These were recorded in my note-

arbitrary control of opponents and

book and this also fell into the

the creation of a roadmap for my

hands of many others, who proba-

path to brilliance and to joy. Aikido

bly investigated the matter. So, I

is beyond time and space. Its his-

laughed, with the words, "From

tory from the age of the gods in Ja-

now the striving of love has

pan is found completely in the per-

arisen."

5

If we go back to the war, the Great

The deity Saru-ta-hi-ko-o-kami ap-

Pacific War was becoming progres-

peared and spoke to me. "Without

sively more severe and Japan

delay build a shrine and dojo for

seemed likely to lose. The deities

Takemusu Aiki (a 36-mat sacred

gave me a divine command, in or-

dojo)." In accordance with the in-

der to make me stop this war. I

struction I built (the shrine and

would like to take this opportunity

dojo) on land to which I had re-

of explaining more detail.

treated in the town of Iwama, Ibaragi Prefecture, where I had just a

The command was, "Everyone in

small house.

the human brotherhood of the world is suffering. Young people are

I could not speak to people who

dying one after another. There is

could not see with these eyes. Even

only one way to stop the war. Up

now I still have the same attitude.

till today not all karma of cause

The fact is that Saru-ta-hi-ko-o-

and effect in Japan have been man-

kami had required me to build (the

aged properly. For this to happen

shrine). On this occasion Saru-ta-

we (the deities) give you divine

hi-ko-o-kami instructed me, ‘The

power. Thus you yourself have to

command I have given you is the

work to stop the war." In fact, I

command I received from the Great

didn't believe that I could not per-

Deity of Ise.’

form such a great task.

I have kept this secret deep in my

Since I had also heard from the de-

heart and never told anybody. I

ity that there was a danger of the

thought I should do it simply be-

atomic bombing of Hiroshima and

cause I had been told to do so by

Nagasaki, I knew this before it hap-

the deity. The deity told me that if I

pened. However, I thought there

did it, then the war would stop.

was no way of telling everybody

Thus, I kept silent and built (the

about such an event. I thought I

dojo). This having been done, the

would play my role in silence, so

Great Pacific War came to an end.

that I could protect myself.

6

From then onwards my ascetic train-

control of the partner), the sword

ing began.

disappeared.

“During the night, at around 2

At this time, there was no shape of

o'clock, I had gone down to the gar-

myself that I had seen before. How-

den and was standing holding a

ever, there was the appearance of a

sword. Then something mysterious

light—which I thought was a

happened. Another person sud-

ghostly body. Around me there

denly appeared, a ghostly body/

were many clouds of light. But I

being (in fact, it was another ver-

was conscious of myself at the

sion of myself). The being was

time. I had the feeling of holding a

white and had a sword. It faced

wooden sword, but there was no

me. In this way, training with the

sword. There was simply one

sword began.

breath. This continued for two weeks. On some later days when I

Then, with a kiai shout I tried to

resumed training there was no

strike. In that instant my partner

wooden sword, no self, no clouds of

suddenly entered. My partner's

light, but I felt that what remained

sword was suddenly right at my

was myself filling the entire uni-

chest. I could not show the slight-

verse. At that time there was no

est lack of vigilance. In the begin-

hint of white light, and by means of

ning my own movements were

my breath, all the poles of the uni-

slow, but as the training pro-

verse were controlled and the uni-

gressed, in the instant that my part-

verse had entered my heart.�

ner with the ghostly body entered, I cut his wooden sword downwards.

As soon as I did this, my partner disappeared.

This continued for about three days, but as it continued and I stared fixedly at my partner (kept

7

C H AP TE R 2

Kagami Migaki Three Kingdoms

Mirror Polishing

hand-shaking exercise, plus chanting and meditation disciplines.

Tanren-uchi: Repeated suburi bok-

1. Square (Earth, Body, Hidden).

ken cuts over a tire with strong Kiai, with synchronized shouts. Buki-

Solo preliminary training in Aiki; in-

waza Kata: Solo weapon form prac-

ternal development of Ki and the es-

tice: Bokken and jo suburi. All of

tablishment of the Kikai tanden,

w h i c h d e v e l o p Ko k y u - r y o k u ,

the hara, the lower abdomen, by

breath-power, the coordination of

drawing in and collecting, packing

Shi, Ki and Ryoku: Intention, en-

and compressing Ki, or energy into

ergy and strength. Ukemi, receive

a grounded and rooted, centered

and absorb with the body. Body con-

balanced hip and waist area, in con-

ditioning. Roll and fall practice.

junction with, or followed by, the filling up of the entire body with the 


energized and natural tension of Ki

2. Triangle (Man, Mind, Manifest)

and with an extension of Kokyu,

Secondary, partner training, Uke

with the help of the in and out

and Nage, the in and yo (yin &

breath, concentrated deep breath-

yang) of Aiki, of the management

ing. Misogi, cleansing, purification,

of Ki through Kihon Waza, basic

breathing and movement exercises

techniques, Tai no Henko and

to draw out Ki and to unify body,

Kokyu-ho body-turn and breathing

mind and breath: Torifune, the row-

principle. Ikkyo, Nikkyo, Sankyo

ing exercise and Furitama, the

etc. The basic Aikido syllabus in 8

Omote and Ura form. The coordina-

the consistent practice of Aiki, of

tion of body and mind. Hanmi, trian-

union. A matured oneness of Love.

gular position, half-body posture.

Kamae, guard, stance. Kokyu extension and direction.Tegatana, swordhand. Irimi-tenkan, enter and turn.

To Build a Fire

Zanshin, lingering awareness, presence

of

m i n d .
 Misogi is a traditional Japanese term for spiritual purification within

3. Circle (Heaven, Spirit, Divine)

Shintoism, many times seen to in-

Ki-no-Nagare, flowing Ki, circular

volve taking cold showers under a

motion. Aiki no Kurai, floating or

waterfall. Misogi as well as medici-

buoyant body and mindset. All-

nal acupuncture, seeks to eliminate

encompassing awareness in the

bad ki or closed energy. It ventures

four and eight directions. Ma-Ai,

to open up blocked channels, free

perfect distance, harmonious

stagnate energy centers and rein-

space. Ki Musubi, stick, bind and

state a healthy flow, allowing the ki

knot your Ki together. Yamabiko no

to circulate naturally through the

michi, the way of the mountain

body. Aikido have a set of prac-

echo. Calling out, inviting, taking

tices, warm-up exercises, that

preemptive initiative. Awase, blend-

helps and sustains a vibrant sys-

ing and matching. Kokyu-nage,

tem. O Sensei would vigorously

breath-throw, extending and pro-

train these traditional Shinto misogi

jecting Ki. Takemusu Aiki, heavenly

moves as part and parcel of a rou-

inspired intuition, giving birth to a

tine Aikido session. The most

spontaneous creation of a multi-

known ones are Torifune and Furi-

tude of forms. An attractive union

tama; the rowing exercise and the

through inclusion. The birth, devel-

hand-shaking exercise. Please read

opment and fostering of excellent

up on them in detail, but for now it

qualities in a human being through

suffice to say that they generate 9

heat and set the ki in motion. Circu-

make sense to step beneath ice

lar and with vibration, energy

cold waterfalls in the middle of win-

moves up and down just like fire

ter. Heat and cold alternatively,

tends upward and water down-

acts as opposite poles to stimulate

wards. The Hara, or the center of

the energy making us come alive

the body, is where the two forces

with a sense of having an inner dy-

meet and balance, one coming

namo generating ki. Out with the

from below, from the Earth, the

old, in with the new. With the help

ground beneath our feet, and the

of the breath, our breathing, we

other from above, from heaven as

fan the fire as well controlling it,

rain. When we visualize these ener-

making it glow. This is the furnace

getic forces and find resonance

where we forge our being. Many

within a perfectly balanced body

years of practice will create a physi-

and mind, we can use our inten-

cal felt sense of a inner core from

tion, our will to direct, to feel, and

where all motion originate from.

to move in harmony by ourselves or with others. To generate heat is to build a fire. At the outset we must make effort to ignite a flame,

I Am The Universe

to work up heat. At the onset there might flare up a fire but the longterm aim is to establish a glowing

A bold statement. O Sensei would

coal base where deep heat is sus-

proclaim this as a key to under-

tained over time. We are concen-

stand his Budo.

trating and focusing to compact

Being in the center of the whole of

and to generate a core center in

creation we find ourselves physi-

our body that will act as our power

cally in our lower abdomen, in our

source. This inner fire is what will

center of balance, hara-naka or tan-

keep us healthy, keep the ki mov-

den in Japanese. The second

ing, and keep the cold out. Only

chakra or energy point, out of

with this understanding would it

seven counted from the bottom of 10

the spine to the crown of the head.

Leaving yourself behind the light

For all movement arts and sports

may pervade completely, the crown

this area is of utmost importance.

of your head may serve as an exit

Using the feet, knees and pelvis to

point. The body houses so many

support and to initiate motion and

rooms, and so does your mind. We

power, we consciously bring our

identify with gender, age, national-

feeling-attention to our hips. Relax-

ity, profession and with culture,

ing the upper body on a stable yet

race and creed. We like and dislike,

supple base. Having established a

we prefer and we reject. We have a

strong yet soft foundation and cen-

sense of who we are in the world.

ter in the body, we can now look to

But are you all these things? Do

where we find ourselves as spirit.

you reside in these areas or

Trying to locate yourself without us-

realms? Or are they just provisional

ing your body as a reference point

and temporary? A resting place be-

where are you? By putting your

fore you move to the next agree-

mind at different points in the body

able identity. There will come a

you as it were alight there. You

time when you will have to leave

show up where you put your atten-

them all behind. Finally at the time

tion. If you identify with a particu-

of your death.

lar place you will automatically act from it. For example, if you're in

Yet O Sensei say I am the universe!

your head, people will point it out.

And it is the key to our Aikido, our

If you're in your belly of emotions

chosen path. Beyond even the cen-

you will act impulsively. We men

ter of our body and mind can we re-

have heard it many times, don't

alise who we are? With no fixed lo-

think with your... Our animal in-

cation or knowing of our where-

stincts of procreation. If you reside

abouts? If we then decide to tackle

in your heart region, love and care

the problem, can we assume the

governs your action. Transcenden-

stance O Sensei took? I Am The

tal knowledge, opening the eyes of

Universe. Now this points to a holis-

wisdom, brings understanding.

tic perspective, to an embodied vi11

sion, based on personal experience.

Kishin is defined as returning to the

Try it. Here and now. Nothing to

divine or kami. Chinkon can be lik-

hold on to, nothing to identify with,

ened to the traditional Theravada

singular and free. Since we are liv-

Buddhist meditation practice of Ana-

ing moving beings, we do find our-

panasati; mindfulness of breathing

selves here at the center of things.

in and out, a simple yet effective

Therefore the physical laws of bal-

way to calm the breath, body and

ance, Gravity and energy applies.

mind. It is the Shamatha practice,

So do implement the rigorous train-

the tranquility and absorption tech-

ing needed to establish a functional

nique found in all major Buddhist

center. Yet be aware that our con-

lineages as well as in other schools

scious knowing of being one with

of meditation. In Zen it's called

the universe precedes any physical

Zazen and Shikantaza; Pure active

and mental attribute you may or

sitting. This is a profound way to

may not align with. We are training

stabilize your body, mind and heart

the body, mind and heart but then

and over prolonged practice you

there has to be a leap to find the es-

will go through many levels of expe-

sence of it all. Once found, all bod-

rience where and whence the help

ily, mental and energetic qualities

and guidance of an experienced

can fall into place and function natu-

teacher is of utmost importance.

rally by not clinging to them for self

While the Buddhist meditation prac-

reference. I am, after all, the uni-

tice follows different points of refer-

verse.

ence in the body, sometimes where the breath enters and exists the nostrils as a refined sensitive spot for awareness to be established, or in the Hara, the lower abdomen

Chinkon Kishin

and center of our balanced body.

Shinto and many Martial Art schools lay their emphases in the

Chinkon is defined as to settle

tanden, the second chakra, two

down and calm the spirit, and 12

inches below the navel. In addition

s e r v e s .


Chinkon seem to stress a more active engagement with the breath

Kishin, or return to the divine, is

and intention, driving the medita-

putting the finger on the crux of

tion into the Hara as it were, estab-

the matter. How do you do that?

lishing an vital, active and dynamic

Now we are speaking about the ab-

meditation with the help of breath

solute nature of Spirit, or of God it-

exercises. Because of this addition

self. Returning to your original

of active will, with the tool of the

state, your normal and natural self,

breath, to drive the process along,

who and what you are in essence.

we hear it sometimes referred to as

This inquiry leads again back to

Tantric, Yogic or Shamanic ascetic

Who am I? So we are now pointing

practices and as such are often sur-

to a disclosure, to a revelation, an

rounded by a cloud of mystery, un-

unveiling of your own true being.

knowing and confusion. These an-

This method involves introspection

cient practices are not so mysteri-

and contemplation, deep inquiry

ous once you investigate them in

and questioning. Vipashyana, or in-

your own experience with the help

sight, is the other half of, and com-

of a teacher well acquainted with

plementary to, the Buddhist concen-

them. We would do these exercises

tration meditation practice we men-

an injustice if we would continue to

tioned earlier. This drive can only

uphold them as ancient mystical

come from your own deepest desire

tools for shamanic access to the

to know and to understand your

spirit world. This would afford them

own event. The preliminary settling

the very alluring notion of being ex-

down and calming the spirit will cre-

tra special, beyond normal compre-

ate a formidable vessel for this in-

hension for mere mortals like us.

quiry to take place. Once the body,

Rather, shake off the dust of the

breath and mind are calm and ac-

past, bring them into the 21'st cen-

tive, the nature of being can shine

tury and make Spirit part of our

without its so often confusing over-

everyday experience it so well de-

lays, like ideas, beliefs, dogma, pre13

tense, fears and insecurities. Yet to

to meet it with curiosity and open-

be certain, no amount of practice

ness your limbs will remain supple

or mastery will afford you the final

and soft, touching it gently, care-

peace and spiritual liberation O Sen-

fully. You fully enter into the new

sei points to unless you have a

experience, willing to explore. This

humble heart and will give your life

natural ability to handle situations

away in full surrender. In short, Ego

unknown to you will unfold in mys-

death. This is no game and you

terious ways, or rather, in unpredict-

can't bargain with it. So though

able patterns. There is a flow and a

many may learn all about misogi

conduit that fits any encounter and

and Aikido, the spiritual demand is

that has an organic ability to find

an absolute demand on everything

its own way just like water finds its

that you are. But it is a most beauti-

way down the mountain. And as

ful path if you decide to walk it.

the temperature rise snow thaws high on its slopes, solid blocks of ice tumbles free and breaks up into smaller pieces of frozen crystal to slowly melt into water carrying it

Ice Melt

downstream. As it melts it sheds its debris of rock and dirt, leaving it behind to become free-flowing water.

In Aikido we must encompass all di-

The angle and width of riverbed,

mensions, take into account all vari-

and the mass of water decides its

ables. We must reconcile all levels.

momentum. A path of non-

When we begin, when we first learn

resistance. Yet the cycle is not com-

something, we see and feel some-

plete. We haven't come full circle.

thing new. It's exciting and fun, we

Frozen thaws into flowing, feeling,

discover. Recognizing beauty is not

sensing, and with increasing heat it

difficult. It speaks to our soul. Our

changes once again, evaporating as

being is elated by the appreciation

vapor, rising evasively leaving be-

of, and understanding of, some-

hind any residual dust and grime

thing new. As long as you are able 14

mixed in with the water. Ki ć°Ł the

pletes and fulfill its function. Know-

Japanese Kanji or character for En-

ing where it all comes from. Love is

ergy, spirit, mind, air and mood is

always associated with warmth.

drawn as vapor rising from cooking

With heat and with fire. What is

rice, indicating the transformative

this energy that makes us come

process of cooking under fire or

alive? What is this Ki if not en-

heat resulting in matter turning

dorsed with, or attributed to love?

into spirit, or breath Kokyu. This is

O Sensei said Aikido is Love. With a

the process of Misogi, or purifica-

fuller picture we can begin to under-

tion. Vigorous training create physi-

stand why he said that. Now if you

cal heat, breath exercises with

freeze up in any encounter, no mat-

mindful intent generates concen-

ter what reason, it being fear, un-

trated focus in specified areas,

certainty or reactive body impulse,

mostly in the lower abdomen, our

remember love. Embrace where

Hara or center of balance in the

you are and thaw. Become water

body, but also with intent can be di-

my friend. Add a little fire, and go

rected and projected as Kokyu ex-

all inclusive.

tension, expanding our sense of being to include and to encompass the situation at hand. Body, mind and heart; three levels of being,

Holy Ghost

progressively more subtle, gradually more refined. One system, from seemingly gross matter to

What is this all about? What is this

hard-to-define spirit, from ice to

extra dimension we conjure up

gas, from form to no-form, all must

when we hear of the holy spirit or

be taken into consideration and in-

ghost? Is it a spirit separate from

cluded in a complete understand-

us? Or is it part and parcel of our

ing. Within this cycle of life lies a

being? Maybe an extension to our

hidden principle, a secret key, that

very self? Or an outside force we

define the whole system, that com-

can gain access to? Can we bring it 15

about? Can we extend presence, en-

Filling yourself with Ki and extend-

large our sense of being, encom-

ing Kokyu, beyond the range of

pass a larger field? In Aikido, we

your body even to the end of the

very much involve our active aware-

universe, is what O Sensei asked

ness and an enlarged presence of

us to do. This entails using your

being in order to comprehend and

mind. Visualizing and extending in-

to blend with, the whole situation

tention. Using your breath as a tool

we face. We need to involve our-

or link to harness the subtle dimen-

selves with the total experience of

sion Ki occupies. Freeing up your

meeting another, the whole event

body, relaxing, letting go of ten-

must be accommodated. By includ-

sion, grounding, centering, expand-

ing the other or all others within

ing. Clearing your mind from idle

our circle of action we activate and

thoughts, directing it with a clarity

generate a conscious field of merit,

of intent, focusing on the body of

of harmony and of balance. When

the ghost. Feeling its super-normal

we pray and invoke, ask for the

range with your own inherent abil-

Holy Spirit to come, we set the

ity to draw it unto you and extend-

stage to include a supernatural

ing it to the situation at hand.

presence. Supernatural only in the

Body, mind and spirit; ever subtler

sense that it is larger and beyond

levels of cognition. Sensitivity

the normal personal sense of be-

scans the full spectrum, from skin

ing. Our spirit is presented with,

contact to emotional content to

and endowed with a subtle felt

reading of intent to feeling spirit to

sense of movable energy that in-

recognizing and seeing Self. If you

cludes the other. Our sphere of in-

do all this with love, you will be-

fluence reaches over and joins the

come intimately aware of your non-

other, making perfect blending and

separation and ultimate oneness in

leading possible. We extend our

being who you are, as you are.


presence of being into the other, touching and calling out his or her

Why Ghost? Spirit has replaced its

spirit to dance, to blend, to merge.

use and in Aikido spirit fits our em16

Dimensions of Being

phases on Kokyu, yet ghost does have a connotation that we may actually feel fit its name. This presence of being that we activate and

In Aikido, how we hold ourselves

become aware of, is similar in qual-

matters. How we view the other

ity to that of a ghost, or phantasm.

sets the stage. How we see our-

It is very illusory, very difficult to

selves dictates the interaction. Go-

grasp (literally) but does appear

ing from a narrow perspective to a

and can be felt by people envel-

wider one entails an evolving con-

oped by it, and yes it feels a little

text, from small to large. What we

like a shadow presence. We must

identify with, and as whom, will af-

also distinguish from Christianity's

fect our relationship. I can be many

Holy Spirit, which refers to the full

things at once. I can identify with

spirit of Christ, a larger than life en-

any persona that will suit my situa-

counter to which we can do nothing

tion. Most of the time I am the indi-

but surrender to, and worship and

vidual historical person, myself,

commune with. Yet O Sensei's dec-

that you know. No need to pretend

laration that Aikido and Budo is

to be anything else. At other times

Love resonates with Christianity's

I may fall into patterns of behavior

declaration that God is Love. So

that would render me more selfish,

with that in mind, let's not diminish

arrogant or irritant. I would be

the possible revelations we can

named small-minded and petty,

have on the mat. So therefore fill

childish and even brutish. At other

yourself and the whole dojo with

times I may rise to loftier ideals

the valorous spirit of Ki when you

and be genuinely selfless and hu-

enter.

mane. I may open my heart to hold a larger perspective. I may make room for others and their experiences. If I move from a blatantly egocentric point of view to a more inclusive, less personal, perspective 17

and context, my frame of mind ex-

your self. Receiving and entering,

pands. My heart opens and my

the echo of one to the other. As

vista changes. By choice you can

your identity lies within so will it

decide to be one or the other, or a

contain what is outside, and to

mix of both. Growing up, maturing,

equal degree thereof. Boy, man,

and learning of dimensions beyond

student, teacher, and on it goes, as

the personal, we are given the abil-

we evolve into mature human be-

ity to see with eyes that includes

ings, from visible realms to not so

yet transcends the individual. We

visible. Dimensions of self in evolu-

may even stray into spiritual terri-

tion. See them in your self. Feel

tory that announces oneness as a

them and explore them. We'll meet

real possibility. Our ability in Aikido

on the mat.

is profoundly affected by the way we see our-self and how we see the other. If you go deep inside and find the kernel of your soul, the

Internal Strength in Aikido

core of your being, you'll find a perfect place where you loose your identity in time and space. You will

Internal Martial Arts often refer to

discover a self devoid of the added

the Chinese practices of T'ai Chi, Pa

layers of history, nation, culture or

Kua, Ching I, Gi Gong and other, to

gender. As you move from a close-

hold the key to internal strength, or

minded relationship with yourself,

inner generated power. The inter-

opening to a greater sense of self,

nally focused practice and empha-

widening ever larger, to the point of

sis stress the development of Ki

seeing no difference with the other,

power, or as we say in Aikido,

you will become accustomed to a

Kokyu-ryoku or breath-power. The

natural flow in relation to all things.

internal Kokyu-ryoku training has

It is a simultaneously drawing

to do with understanding and bal-

within, and expanding without, in-

ancing the In and Yo, the yin and

cluding all as you come closer to

yang of Aikido, the blend of fire and 18

water, opposing but complimentary

anced, to move as one unit, from

forces. Kokyu translates as in and

the root up, in order to be effec-

out breath, Ryoku as strength. So

tive, to be able to use the ground

the alternating inhalation and exha-

as our power source. Allowing for

lation combines to make a com-

inner channels to be free to let en-

plete cycle. We use this metaphor

ergy or Ki flow in both directions at

to see how all things in the uni-

once. To receive and to enter simul-

verse alternates between polar op-

t a n e o u s l y. D e v e l o p i n g i n n e r

posites; male/female, black/white,

strength demands internal sensitiv-

cold/warm, up/down, in/out, night/

ity. Feel inwards. Look within. De-

day, hate/love etc etc. What we see

velop a keen sense of inner struc-

on the outside always has an inter-

ture, of balance, without touching

nal framework on which it is dis-

the sides. Use feet, ankles, knees

played. So the outer form of Aiki,

and hips, and your Hara, center, to

the blending, the Awase and Ki-no-

move. Use your mind's eye, or in-

Nagare, which we so much admire

tent, to direct your body. Ma-ai, or

and delight in, which we can see,

harmonious distance, establishes

must always be accompanied with,

the relationship. Become like water,

and supported by, an internal struc-

soft on impact. Be like a tree, truly

ture (which is more difficult to see

rooted. Move as the wind, nowhere

with the eye). Balancing, centering,

to stay. See only One Being and

grounding, relaxing, extending,

one body. Fire and water means it's

presence of being and intent, are

dynamic and alive in its interaction.

all principles to which to adhere to,

Extending kokyu strength happens

and to train over the years to fully

within your confines. Train in differ-

synchronize your own body/mind/

ent spheres of influence; bodily, en-

spirit coordination. We need to

ergetically, spiritually. Train with dif-

learn what it means to transfer, to

ferent sets of elemental qualities;

hold and to redeploy energy. We

anger, fear, delusion, care and love.

feel and funnel, direct and project.

Use breath-power, ki-ai, to coordi-

Our body needs to be perfectly bal-

nate and synchronize body and 19

mind. Build from the bottom up;

When your heart makes you leave

stability then mobility. Solid core,

everything behind do not hesitate.

soft exterior. No need to enforce,

Go to your death boldly. Seek out

no need to execute. Balance, blend

shelter away from the crowd, un-

and match any encounter. Neutral-

known even to your closest. There

ize by completing the other. Draw

wrestle with the angel and don't let

in, or fill out, depending on need.

go. Demand to know its name and

Yield and accommodate. Begin at

he might spare you your life. Know

home then reach out.

this, when the call comes, be prepared.

In your sanctuary, in the womb, in your Himalayan cave, something

Tapas (Sanskrit; heat)

c a n t a k e s h a p e . B e c o m e a stounded. God, is in this very place.

Withdrawal from the world. Seclusion. All by your self. In times of change, when you are birthing

Katsu Hayabi

something new, you need solitude, you need to be left alone. Withdrawal also suggests a going in-

Instantly, Katsu hayabi, when meet-

wards, a stark turn into your self.

ing your opponent you envelop

Penance and sacrifice mediates

him/her with your self. You enfold

something has to be given up. Heat

and embrace the relationship. You

designates the internal pressure of

merge their incoming being with

spiritual birth. It happens amidst

conscious expansion and complete

grave danger and risk. Something

transparency. So when you meet

is dying, and as a wounded animal

you have already blended into one

withdraws to hide, so must our soul

singular momentum.

face this transformation all alone.

20

When you face your opponent in

partner is different. We can't make

the Hanmi posture, open and draw

them all fit the mold we'd like. If

in, attract their attack. Ma-ai is the

we try, we'll only get Ukes that con-

space that allows for your perfect

form to our idea of Aiki. Still that is

match. You enter, Irimi, their cen-

unavoidable to some extent but we

ter, and circle, spin and turn as the

need to be aware not to impose a

Ki flows. Simultaneously you enter

set standard to which the Uke must

and receive, the Yama-biko, the

comply. Of course, we need to help

Mountain Echo resounds both

to train and incorporate certain uni-

ways. Breathe him in, surround him

versal principles that applies

on all sides with your Kokyu. Ebb

equally to all, but as such they will

and flood, you float as buoyant

be individually applied. The blend-

upon a sea, finding the rhythm of

ing in Aikido; the kihon, the awase,

your shared motion. Standing on

the aiki, the ki-no-nagare and the

the Floating Bridge of Heaven we

takemusu, must all be fitted and

straddle Earth and Heaven, letting

matched to what comes to meet

fire and water blend to become a

us. Whether a beginner or ad-

new creation, a union and a realiza-

vanced, soft or rigid student

tion. Take Musu Katsu Hayabi Shu

comes, we need to feel, sense and

Ren Aikido.

accommodate. There are so many levels of training, so many shades of personalities, so many temperaments and so many different stages of understanding. So many

How large is your narrative?

realms and areas, so many dimensions and elemental qualities. If we come with a preset attitude we

"You can't fit a round peg in a

won't be able to adjust accordingly.

square hole" goes the saying.

So we need to follow O Sensei's

When you meet anew, a person or

own lead and be completely trans-

situation, how receptive and open

parent, empty of self, like a mirror

are you? In Aikido every Uke/ 21

Doka of a New Kind

casting a perfect reflection of the other. We come to see him or her as ourselves, free from any judgement or prior ideas. We also must

When you stand in front, you must

be ready to educate, to help, to

amass their being into yourself. You

guide, to demonstrate a more fluid,

breathe in their spirit and let them

soft yet solid engagement with

move as they want. You follow their

Uke. Allow for transformation to oc-

rising and sinking as a vessel rides

cur between both of you, to mold

the waves of the Ocean. You inhale

to each other, where round and

their essence and touch their core.

square reshapes to create a new

Within their being, you hide un-

form. At first the teacher will have

seen. They look but can't see, they

to meet the student where they are

grasp but find no fixture. If they

at, to fit the encounter, to embrace

turn within, I become visible, and

the situation with care and con-

we walk out together.

cern, with love and encompassing spirit. Then through this match lead the relationship out of any strongholds or rigid patterns. Aikido is a relationship and as such both parties will feel honored and equally satisfied. This is our responsibility; to awaken to the other and to draw them into a circle of peace where all duality ceases.

22

C H AP TE R 3

Oshikiuchi Inside The Threshold The Evolution of O Sensei's

plished master in the martial arts

Aikido

and a spiritually realized human bei n g .


Morihei Ueshiba would ask his stu-

What's missing? O Sensei said once

dents to attack him with the sword

in his old age that when he looks

and they would lunge full speed at

behind him he sees no one follow-

him. O Sensei would easily step

ing him, meaning, no one is follow-

aside, swiftly countering their

ing his spiritual path and his mar-

strikes. In the dojo he would

tial art; his Budo. What does that

"draw" them out, initiating move-

mean? Clearly thousands of people

ment, calling out an "echo' in re-

have taken up the practice of

sponse, enabling him to be ahead,

Aikido since his passing away, and

or prior to, the oncoming attack

many are very skilled in the art to-

from his pupils. He'd draw them

day. Some are more martial than

into his sphere of influence, an at-

others, while others are more spiri-

tractive force of inclusion, blending

tual in their emphases. Either way,

and matching anything that would

what's missing? Obviously Morihei

come his way. O Sensei's cultivated

Ueshiba's prowess and skill, his en-

breath-power, his kokyu-ryoko,

lightened mastery, is not easily

would establish the relationship,

matched, outdone or superseded.

the binding glue, together with his

But can we find the key, the clue,

mental attitude and over-reaching

the guide and pointer, in his own

spirit. He was truly an accom-

Aikido? Can we see what's missing 23

in the picture painted above?


grip. He had the skill to foster the spirit, to enhance the spiritual nature emanating from his being, to

Dogen said, “To study the Way is

envelop his students. Many who

to study the self. To study the self

were touched by him declared they

is to forget the self. To forget the

had no idea of how they came to

self is to be enlightened by all

be thrown or overturned. Little or

things. When enlightened by all

no interest was given to his lec-

things, body and mind drop away.

tures on ancient matters like the Ko-

No trace of enlightenment remains,

jiki, the teachings of Shinto, the

and this no-trace continues

way of the Japanese gods. Today

endlessly.�

some brave individuals do pursue this line of inquiry in their path to master the Aikido O Sensei's

When we are "enlightened by all

taught, with the spiritual and the

things", we are equal in nature and

martial combined. But even so, is

see no opposite, no duality. The

there something missing? Some-

one we face becomes who we are,

thing we can pursue and take fur-

non-separate. Our obligation then

ther, without necessarily having to

is to make them aware of this, to

reach the exceptional mastery Ue-

"enlighten" them. That must be our

shiba displayed? I believe so.

criteria before we engage, that is the meaning of Katsu Hayabi; instant victory. Not victory for our-

Upon meeting friends we greet

selves but for both of us, for all of

each other by acknowledging each

us. This is a natural spiritual in-

others presence. We nod, shake

stinct; to raise someone up who's

hands, connect, look each other in

down, to help someone in need, to

the eye, even embrace. This mu-

lend a hand, and to fulfill where

tual natural coming together is an

there's lack. O Sensei displayed un-

inherent mostly unconscious will to

usual ability to enfold his attackers,

unite, to be one. It's an attractive

to render them powerless in his 24

gesture that releases tension and

practice and train the Aiki, the

blend emotions. In it we loose our

blending and matching, with sensi-

separate sense of self. This quality

tivity and care, rounding off rough

we can and must harness in our

corners, strengthening core stabil-

practice of Aikido if we want to de-

ity, and becoming more fluid and

velop, mature and evolve from the

supple in our interaction. Learning

dualistic separate relationship that

and becoming ever more sensitive

conflict and combat usually is. But

to subtle layers and dimensions of

more than realizing this unity for

self, in a joyful exploration of a

ourselves only, which is a tall order

shared adventure.

in itself, we need to awaken the other to this relationship as well.

This can be done in training in our

So in fact, we accomplish the goal

everyday coming together in the

even before we start. That is the

dojo.

meaning of Katsu Hayabi, instant victory! Then we can go on and train Katsu Hayabi Ki no Nagare,

By exerting your conscious present

flowing spirit in union already ac-

awareness we must make the other

complished. Both people equally re-

aware of this relationship even be-

generated and uplifted by the mu-

fore we enter into our partner prac-

tual engagement. Beginner and ad-

tice in the dojo. This is not too diffi-

vanced alike can access this con-

cult to do, as it is what we naturally

scious space, this conscious pre-

do anyway in any friendly encoun-

sent awareness where both body

ter. We tune in, acknowledge and

and mind drop away.

get on the same page so to speak, before engaging in the training.

This is what the bow is all about, to acknowledge the relationship before you start. Once established the scene is set. We are now going to 25

Awake and Conscious

gether we must be transparent, holding nothing back, in order to meet as one. This is the key to the

By being awake and conscious you

engagement in Aikido. Many teach-

can "demand" of the person you

ers advocate your own openness

face to meet you in that space. You

and ability to hold this space alone,

can insist that he or she will ac-

regardless of the others ability or

knowledge your mutual recogni-

knowledge of this shared conscious

tion. This happens quite naturally

space. This is a great achievement

when there are no ulterior motives,

in and of itself, if you are able to

no hidden agendas, or when there

o p e n u p t o a l a r g e r, a l l -

is no fear nor pride stopping a natu-

encompassing awareness, that in-

ral connection. The natural re-

cludes the other. This will vastly im-

sponse is to open up, to take the

prove your ability to move and re-

other in, when you first meet some-

spond in a natural and spontaneous

one. You are curious to learn who

way. You will be so much more in

they are. There is a wanting to get

tune, so aware of a mutual relation-

to know the other. Be careful then,

ship, that you will be able to flow

not to impose any restrictions on

with every move. This can give you

the other, or hold them to a stan-

a sense of "mastery", a sense of be-

dard you've set. The golden rule

ing able to handle your opponent

holds; treat the other as you want

by inclusion and blending. But the

yourself to be treated. So then, in

sense is a little misleading as you

order to meet unconditionally we

are only guiding a blind man. If not

must trust and allow the other to

the other is awake to your equally

be who they are without any imposi-

shared space, your realm of en-

tions. Of course, over time all

gagement, he or she will not be

things will be revealed, same as

conscious of a larger sense of self

with yourself, that if you are trust-

that includes both of you. You are

worthy, reliable and good-hearted?

therefore merely leading the blind

But at the time of your coming to-

on a merry go round. For me, that 26

is not complete Aikido. It's a bit

joins you in this conscious experi-

one-sided. Yes it's a lot more than

ence. It should be a mutual recogni-

mere technical skill and ability,

tion, one that is very satisfying and

which in its own right is very im-

pleasant, even loving and caring.

pressive, but it is still missing the

Avoid flirting and stay really cool

real coming together as one where

but with a warmth of communion.

both people consciously share a mu-

Spread the love, care and sensitiv-

tual space of joint awareness. In or-

ity as you engage in the flow of

der to make this happen, we need

training. There are many levels

to be able to "inform" the other, we

w h e r e yo u c a n f i n d c o m m o n

need to be able to convey, to be

ground so don't assume one uke

able to make aware, of the unity of

will respond in the same manner as

our consciousness the moment we

the one prior. Find the perfect

meet. This is a natural movement

match in each encounter. Adapt

of consciousness when in a stress-

and change is the order of the day.

free and peaceful environment, but

Space stretch and contract as much

is hardly ever the basic outlook

as humans do, so have no precon-

when we meet in combat or in con-

ceived ideas of how it should

flict, even in a violent-free set-up

"look". Non-resistance will allow for

situation like in an Aikido class. The

the adaptability you need in order

default survival mode and basic de-

to match and blend perfectly with

fense attitude of our mind is one

whatever comes at you. Listen and

that is dual; me and you. I'm here,

feel deeply, before during and

and you over there. Recognize this

after.

within yourself as you step on the mat in the dojo. Then take some time to include all present within your own conscious awareness.

Keep this frame of mind as you bow into your training partner and see if you can detect if the other 27

We are not just meant to

Anything less will only be an expres-

agree..

sion of ignorance, and of arrogance if we believe we know something. 


So much of political correctness to-

This is when the spiritual take leave

day has to do with general consen-

of the world, when we must clear

sus, even when we disagree. On a

the minds hold on reality. We must

superficial note this may not be

stretch beyond our accepted norms

much of a problem, as most people

and ideas, even the good ones. We

go on their merry way anyway. But

can't figure it all out in our head.

when we come to speak about spiri-

Scary indeed but thrilling as well.

tual truths and absolute meaning in

That's why all the absolute teach-

regards to human relationships

ings in the world of religion and

then it matters. If we don't take it

spirituality like Zen, Dzogchen, Ad-

seriously, we may be led to believe

vaita and the like, appeals to men.

that we understand the underlying

They can figure it all out in their

principles without actually knowing

head, have a realization thereof,

how to implement them. Spiritual

and then claim knowledge. Safe

realization is inherently dynamic

and secure on their own planet

and as such can't be arbitrarily ren-

t h e y b e c o m e u n t o u c h a b l e s .


dered into common parlor. "Truth" does not exist as a separate reality

Question it and inquire. Listen and

as a static Absolute. It has no

ask. Don't just try to file it in with

meaning as an idea or as a con-

what you already know, don't try fit-

cept. Truth is expressed in what we

ting it to your already made up

do. Therefore we can't talk about it

mindset. The truth of anything is

without being it. It has to be

truly only ever tested through the

proven as we speak about it. It has

act of relationship. The proof is in

to be manifested through our under-

the pudding so to speak. When we

standing of the immediacy of awak-

meet, do we really meet? Eye to

ening. It is now and now and now.

28

eye, soul to soul, spirit to spirit?

the connections we have in both di-

Love is the common denominator,

rections, gravity making sure we

the one and only thing that will

don't loose our footing, senses

unite us. Love contain all the wis-

reaching out and up, connecting to

dom and knowledge there is to

the world around us, reaching for

know. If you bypass love you'll by-

the sky. Eyes seeing beyond the fur-

pass life. So we're not just meant

thermost stars, into deep space.

to agree, but we're meant to love.

Our physical body being our container for the limitless realm of our mind, for our soul, sensing something even beyond the known. The sun in the heavens shining down on

Heaven-Earth-Man

us, giving us light and heat, making life possible in abundance. Being caught in between we benefit

Stacked upon each other, Earth is

from the relationship and we find a

below, Man in the middle, and

fine balance standing right in the

Heaven above. Planet Earth being

c e n t e r o f i t a l l .


our only physical foundation, our

This cosmological demography can

base and our home, our closest ally

be mirrored within ourselves, in our

and witness. The Buddha touched it

very body. Up-down-center. The dy-

gently as he awakened to its mys-

namic polar qualities acts as a two-

tery. Our physical body partake of

way information highway running in

the whole mass of the planet, feel

both direction at once. We are con-

the connection to the ground and

tinuously being influenced by the

experience the immense size of the

bi-polar dynamics of up and down,

Earth beneath our feet. We, man

in and out, physically and mentally.

and woman, stand upon it, as a

The flow of blood, energies, nerve-

bridge to the heavens above, as a

signals, mental thought patterns,

direct link to the unfathomable end-

intentions and acts, makes up a

less space enclosing us on all sides.

larger than life hub of traffic. Con-

All through our body we experience 29

gestion is likely. We have to accom-

locks, ropes and chains fell off him.

modate change in temperature,

In Aikido many never allow them-

weather climate, internal and exter-

selves to be tied down, never let

nal pressure, moderate food intake,

their guard down, holding up a de-

cope with aging, sickness and

fensive shield or readiness, for any

health. Coming to think of it, it's a

attack. This makes sense in a mar-

real nightmare. Finding balance is

tial context, in warring times,

not always easy. But if we can see

where the next move might mean

the building blocks, and work from

death or deadly injury. It conjures

the bottom up, from a firm founda-

up a mind-set that is vigil and

tion, to a balanced center, to a wide

alert, attentive and sensitive. Not a

open attitude, both physically, men-

bad thing in itself, mindfulness

tally and spiritually. Body, mind and

have many advantages. Yet can we

spirit. Kihon - Awase - Ki no Na-

allow the other in, close to the

gare. Three aspects to our reality

bone, without holding out? Without

that we need to integrate into a

retaining just a little in reserve just

working system. Three dimensions

in case.. Do you understand what I

of being that will give us the full ex-

mean? Unreservedly holding noth-

perience of being alive as a human.

ing back, being completely naked

In the small as well as in the large.

and exposed, allowing access to

In the physical, mental, and as well

the very being you are. Allowing

as in the spiritual realm.

complete surrender. Jesus said: "The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my

Houdini - not just a trick!

own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received

He allowed himself to be locked up,

from my Father.� This is an incredi-

to be tied and fettered. Then seem-

ble statement, describing his total

ingly he escaped, unbolted all 30

Gain Access

surrender backed up with extreme intelligence and wisdom. Can we follow suit? Can we lay down life?

Only to pick it up again? In Aikido

Surrender enables access. Separa-

we surrender to the partners grip,

tion, conflict and violence indicates

we melt in his hands, we allow in

a blockage, a stop of communica-

his hold, and even accommodate

tion, a halted flow. A barrier is hold-

his strength, without resistance,

ing us apart, there's a divide be-

without objection or resentment.

tween us. Despite of this, there's

Only then can we resurrect, come

an inherent magnetic quality draw-

alive, fill in and out, enter and rise.

ing people to each other. There's a

Can we do it willingly, by our own

natural wanting to meet, to share

accord? Choosing it, choosing total

and to partake. We are a commu-

vulnerability. Only then can we be

nity, wanting to be together. When

granted access to the inner work-

this is not allowed to happen spon-

ings of the other. We die in order to

taneously and naturally, separation

save the relationship. So goes the

and loneliness comes over us.

saying.. "For God so loved the

When we hold each other apart, at

world that he gave his one and only

arms length, we restrict full access

Son, that whoever believes in him

to our being. Sometimes this is

shall not perish but have eternal

done fully justified and rightly so,

life." In Aikido, to resolve conflict,

but it does limit the availability of

to appease strife, we need to under-

the person. Naturally we don't want

stand it on a spiritual level, apply it

harm to come our way so we have

in our practice, and bring all myster-

a sensible protective shield to stay

ies to life.

off the most offensive influence.

Yet there is way of meeting oppression and ill-will, even anger and frustration. Violence and conflict usually breaks out after a prolonged state of separation, of di31

vided opinion and opposing wills.

another, to appease strife and pain.

We could even say that the inher-

It takes training to be able to re-

ent magnetic pull makes it impossi-

ceive, hold and transform aggres-

ble to stay apart and even though

sion. We need a firm foundation in

it happens in anger, the anger itself

our center to let the other in. We

is a sign of frustration of not being

must include the other into our sys-

able to be together. It is an at-

tem, into our being, without fear or

tempt, however poorly, to come to-

hesitation. This takes training but

gether. We lash out, as a last re-

once you understand it, you will be

sort, to restore communion. Our

able to practice it everywhere in

spirit seeks union, and we unknow-

your daily life.

ingly make any attempt to make 


that happen, with or without vio-

This is what Jesus did to perfection.

lence. Now can we meet this ad-

He surrendered his life without hesi-

vance without reacting against it in

tation or objection, and thereby

fear? Can we see the need for inclu-

was granted access to anyone who

sion, acceptance and union? Can

would call on his name for rescue

we transform and restore the rela-

and salvation. He made himself

tionship to a common ground, to a

available by dying to himself. Any-

natural bond? Can we see that in or-

one who's in need of restoration

der to pull this off we must surren-

and communion, who are isolated

der. Completely let in, allow access

and alone, separated from the

into our being, in order to gain ac-

other, can experience the fulfilling

cess in return. By accepting the in-

capacity of His mercy as he is avail-

coming force as an attempt to be

able to restore all that is missing.

included, we recognize the lack and

This principle is deeply mysterious

fulfill the need. When we let in the

but within everyone's reach. It

other, we gain access and can then

makes sense out of human relation-

compliment what's missing and bal-

ships and explains the wholeness of

ance the imbalance. This demands

union, our default template. What

maturity and responsibility, to help

is a miracle indeed, is that we can 32

Oshikiuchi

train this principle in the dojo at our Aikido sessions. So when we re-

Inside the threshold

alize that separation and violence are only a sign of the division of our natural being, we will be able

In Japan the custom is never to

to restore it through our practice of

tread on a threshold. Many time

A i k i .


one is also to wait, to pause outside the threshold, before entering

So you can see there are two move-

a room, before being let in. Social

ments. One that surrenders and

hierarchy and etiquette dictates

one that resurrects. One that lets

much of Japanese culture and

in, and one that enters out. We ac-

norm. Respect and moral courtesy

cept, grant access, and then we re-

guide the relationships and set the

store and fulfill. This we do willfully,

order of interchange. Never to

intentionally, with the understand-

"loose face", their dignity and hon-

ing that we take full responsibility

our. To enter (Irimi) inside, or to be

to heal the relationship. This is a

allowed in, is to be granted access

tall order and demands a lot of ma-

to the inner sanctuary, to the heart

turity but in the end, we have no

of the house. This is where we can

other choice than to take it on. Be-

relax, rest, and enjoy the gifts of

cause if we don't, who will?

the

h o u s e h o l d .


In Budo, we liken this to gaining control of the opponents centre of balance. To enter inside their line of defense and to displace his or her source of strength by replacing it with ones own. Joining and overriding their momentum. In practice we learn to stride, to move as there are no thresholds, gliding along the surface without lifting our 33

feet, knees and hips up and over

or her breath. Slow down, ease

any obstacles in our way. We slide,

yourself into it. Immerse yourself

loosening our joints, unbuckling our

into the sea of Kokyu, riding the

knees. We flow straight through as

waves of breath, heaving, undulat-

we enter, finding no opposition. We

ing, in its in and out flow of Ki.

are as if already inside. This is the

Breathe easy, feel it inside, find a

secret hidden in the name of the

common note, and pay attention.

Ryu, the underlying principle upon

Try the same when you walk in na-

which the school is based upon.

ture. Listen to the breath of the

This is the principle of Aiki, match-

wind in the trees, listen to the heat

ing, merging and blending. Katsu

of the ground, tune in and merge

Hayabi refers to this already accom-

with the whole. There is one breath

plished, instant victory.

running through it all. Different pace at different places, adapt and change accordingly. As you feel this more and more, add your own kokyu, sync and match, and add

One Breath

more. Just as one more violin will add to the music of the orchestra as it join in. Now let the music play

Kokyu; in and out breath, the es-

you. Let the kokyu of the dojo

sence of life, and the essence of

move you. Aiki is born from this

Aiki. As you enter the dojo, align

breath.

your breathing to that of the room.

Synchronize it with the tempo of the dojo. Take a close listen and tune in to the rhythm of the pulse.

If you listen deeply, attentively, you'll find a resonance that exist. If you find it difficult to intuitively and spontaneously pick it up, take a look at your teacher, and follow his 34

Kannon

Kannon, Quan-Yin, or Avalokitesvara, the Goddess of Mercy. O Sensei refer to nenpi Kannon-riki, (con-

The thousand-armed Bodhisattva of

templation on the power of Kan-

compassion freely uses all her

non) as the expression of love in

arms. She manifests the Buddha's

Ki-musubi. But Kannon represents

state of liberation. This state is im-

another deeper spiritual signifi-

possible to defile. Infinite hands, in-

cance with its thousand arms; re-

finite ways of expression. By indefi-

vealing the nature of freedom inher-

nite tactful methods able to explain

ent in spiritual realization. It shows

exactly the truth of the matter to

the infinite ways of expression pos-

any person listening. Showing the

sible for an unfettered mind and

truth fully according to the ways un-

body. So besides the obvious feel-

derstandable to that person. The

good factor of love itself, it more ac-

truth expressed perfectly to any set

curately reveal the nature of a liber-

of condition or point of view by us-

ated state of mind. O Sensei would

ing the living reality of the non-

find this in his spontaneous and in-

dual. Using freedom as a means as

tuitive response to all on-comers,

well as the goal. Freedom has to be

dealing perfectly with any set of

used as the means if ever the truth

condition facing him. But Kannon

will be understood. Any other way

does not refer to a martial engage-

of trying to elucidate the goal of

ment, but to a fulfilling, comple-

freedom can never have any real

menting, "saving" human engage-

significance. If words are needed

ment in any and all circumstances.

words are used, if action is needed

It's a freedom beyond the normal,

action is used. Freedom can be

it's an ability to act unhindered,

shown in every way. There is no re-

without thought, with perfect reso-

striction to the truth. The signifi-

nance and result. The thousand

cance with understanding the truth

arms represent this limitless poten-

is that nothing more needs to be

tial inherent in man. Once tapped

a d d e d .


into we'll gain access to this marvel35

ous quality that made O Sensei stand apart in the Budo world, yet this ability and freedom is well represented throughout many religious and spiritual traditions. You can find this "perfect response" being one mark of attainment of enlightenment. But don't mistake it for just being quick witted and having the ability to think on your feet and act spontaneously. It is much more, it solves or saves relationships, it mends and fulfills. It has purpose and deep meaning. It serves a function, it reveals the truth, it is Aiki in essence.

36

C H AP TE R 4

Iwama Iwama Reclaimed

Oomote Kyo. But even prior to that, through his life and death encounters on the battle field as a sev-

O Sensei moved to Iwama in 1942,

enteen year old soldier in Manchu-

during the height of World War

ria, and later through his leader-

Two. He had already purchased the

ship in moving to and establishing

land, some years earlier, with the

a community in Hokkaido. His life

help of some Oomote Kyo followers

always in service and in learning,

(the religious organization he was

educating himself while kindling the

part of) and during the night of his

fire of wanting to come to terms

birthday in Iwama as he was out-

with life in the deepest most pro-

side he experienced a spiritual reve-

found way possible. This drive

lation that would last for three days

made him seek out Deguchi in his

(Please see earlier post describing

home in Ayabe, just north of Kyoto.

this event). This was a game

This relationship would mold his

changer. Literally over night he

very future. The spiritual now took

came to see and realise his mis-

precedence over the martial,

sion, he was afforded the spiritual

thereby distancing himself from his

guidance of divine intercession. Mo-

former Daito-Ryu teacher Sokaku

rihei Ueshiba had already had

Takeda.

many deep spiritual revelations and

Iwama became the new ground

insights through his association

upon which he would establish his

with Onisaburi Deguchi, the charis-

emerging art, his spiritually moti-

matic leader and spiritual guru of

vated Budo. After the war O Sensei 37

Aiki Jinja and Dojo

would travel the country visiting old and new students, outlining the path of the new direction of his Aikido, in line with the visions on

From around 1935 Morihei had

that remarkable night in 1942. But

been acquiring forest and farmland

it was in Iwama where he estab-

in Iwama, amounting to some

lished the heart of this training with

20,000 tsubo (1 tsubo is around

him overseeing every little detail.

3.3 square meters). He had the

Morihiro Saito Sensei would person-

wish to build an 窶連iki shrine' and

ally see to it that what O Sensei left

also create an 窶連ikido no ubuya' (a

him to take care of was not altered

birth hut for aikido). He called it his

or changed. This was the spirit in

Aiki Farm and later named the dojo

Iwama when I first visited in 1987.

" A i k i S h u r e n D o j o " .窶ｨ

When I returned after many years away, O Sensei's spirit was still

"The gods instructed me to con-

there. Very alive and very condu-

struct a 36-mat aiki jinja in Iwama.

cive for a very special experience.

The deity Saru-ta-hi-ko-o-kami ap-

There is always a lot of laughter

peared and spoke to me. "Without

and joy living there. But it's not be-

delay build a shrine and dojo for

cause it's a holiday camp, it's be-

Takemusu Aiki (a 36-mat sacred

cause it attracts sincere students

dojo)." In accordance with the in-

with good hearts. The training is

struction I built (the shrine and

what you make out of it, regardless

dojo) on land to which I had re-

of style or preference, you will have

treated in the town of Iwama, Iba-

a chance to experience Morihei Ue-

raki Prefecture, where I had just a

shiba's vision where it first took

small house." -Morihei Ueshiba.

root. 窶ｨ

Names of 43 tutelary deities (Shugoshin) are enshrined in the

38

Aiki Jinja in Iwama, beginning with

the Iwama Shrine there." -Kissho-

Saruta-hiko-okami.

maru Ueshiba

"At a glance, and seen simply as

The deities of the Kojiki, Record of

string of names, it seemed to lack

Ancient Matters, represent the vari-

any coherence, but on further inves-

ous stages of spiritual revelation

tigation, it became clear that it was

and evolution within man, so O Sen-

connected to various occasions and

sei's study thereof identified each

episodes of the Founder's lifelong

kami as an actual attainment and

experience of ascetic training. It

realization of an inner universal

was not a string of names put to-

spiritual truth, gained through dedi-

gether for his amusement, but

cated practice and contemplation

showed the reality, the truth of his

with the result of insight and revela-

spiritual awakening, through his

tion of a spiritual nature.

own persistent budo training, that he had been made aware of, had come to know, as well as the decisive factors (of this ‘budo spiritual

O Sensei Said..

awakening'), which for him were seen in a personified fashion as "deities". Put another way, we

Seeing my surprise, this is what Mr.

could also state that this was the re-

Ueshiba said:

cord, the memory, of a mental

“However strong the opponent is,

state, showing occasional flashes of

when I stand to face them the

enlightenment, at the boundary,

power to overcome them, power

threshold of the unity of deity and

that I don’t myself understand,

man, that exceeded (the bounds

comes forth. Moreover, I don’t

of) the Founder's self in his existing

know anything about what kind of

body. At any rate, concerning

an art Shinto-ryu (神道流) is, but

Iwama, the Founder above all else

when I contest with Shinto-ryu’s

made a vow for himself to create

Mr. Otsuka, my hands become com39

pletely Shinto-ryu hands. When I

When assuming any stance, align

meet with a Judo-ka my hands be-

yourself with the principles of the

come the hands of Judo”

Kami according to your position, the level of the terrain and your

“What do you mean?”

spirit at that time, and always keep

“I become completely transparent,

this stance in your heart.

the opponent is transformed into

In footwork there is an external six

their ethereal body and I am pos-

directions and an internal six direc-

sessed by my guardian spirit. The

tions as well as an outer spiral and

other person disappears and I am

an internal spiral, this will be

just attacked by their hands and

taught in practice.”

form. The more that the other person’s Shugyo has progressed the

Caution:

greater their ethereal body and the

Concerning the stance of the en-

guardian spirit, so I must also be-

e m y i n t r a i n i n g .

come greater. In any case, the

“Be mindful of the distance be-

state of my heart when facing an

tween you and the enemy and as-

opponent is as transparent as a mir-

sume a left or right stance. At the

ror, so in this state the other per-

end of each movement always

son’s spirit is perfectly reflected.”

open both legs in six directions, it is necessary to train this.

If you face directly towards the enemy there will be many openings

Preparatory Movements

and you will be at a disadvantage.”

Kamae

“After tai-no-henka, “body turn”

“Fill yourself with Ki power, open

you must open both legs in six di-

your legs in six directions and face

rections, “roppo” to stabilize your

the enemy in the hanmi irimi pos-

stance.”

ture of Aiki.

40

Aiki, Iki, Kokyu

source of Fire and Water), when we return to the beginning, from the One the source of the Spirit and

“The martial art of Takemusu is the

the source of the Physical are cre-

power of the principle of A-un

a t e d ,

breathing (kokyu).

This structure of this world is made w i t h t h i s F i r e a n d W a t e r.

It is said that Aikido is “Standing

Therefore this world is formed by

on the Floating Bridge of Heaven”.

Fire and Water.

The Floating Bridge of Heaven is the turning of fire and water bound

Fire and Water (“Ka”+”mi”) is the

together. Fire moves water, water is

body (the center of the physical),

moved by fire. Fire and water are

Water and Fire (“I”+”ki”) is the us-

one thing. They turn in a spiral.

age (action).

They are entwined through Ki. That

Nurture the breath of heaven and

is something that is enacted

the breath of earth (the tides) in

through the breath (“iki”). This

the center of your abdomen.”

breath (“iki”) is Aiki.

The “Iki” (breath) of Aikido’s kokyu-ho winds up in a spiral on the right, winds down in a spiral on

Triangle-Circle-Square (I)

the left, and gives rise to the con-

(ki) (breath)

nection between Water (“I”) and Fire (“ki”).

In one word, God (“Kami”) be-

“Exhaling is the (divided circle). In-

comes Aiki.

haling is the (divided square).

Store the (divided square) in your

The reason why it becomes Aiki is

abdomen, and add the (divided cir-

because Fire (“Ka”) and Water

cle) to the storage through your

(“mi”) becomes “Kami” (“God,

o w n b r e a t h i n g ” .

S p i r i t ” ) .

According to this principle of Ko-

This Kami (in other words the 41

kyu, create breath (Kokyu), and

Ichirei Shikon Sangen

the form of the technique will

Hachiriki (“One Spirit, Four

emerge in just this way.”

Souls, Three Origins, Eight Pow-

The 8 powers are opposing forces:

ers”)

Movement – Stillness, Melting – Congealing, Pulling – Loosening, “Aikido is the way of harmony, that

Combining – Splitting.

is to say the living form of Ichirei

“Above the sound “A” and below

Shikon Sangen Hachiriki, the form

the sound “O” – opposites con-

of the fabric of the universe, specifi-

nected with Ki, there Attractive

cally the form of the High Plain of

Force (“Inryoku”) is created.”

(“Takamagahara”).”

“Take Musu is the training of Attrac-

“Takamagahara is within yourself. If

tive Force.”

you search for Takamagahara you

“Fitting together opposing forces

will not find it on Heaven or Earth.

with Ki and training the attractive

That is when you will become en-

forces that are thereby created.”

lightened to the fact that it exists within yourself.”

“In this thing called Aiki, first describe (draw) a circle. Drawing a cir-

“Aikido is the Way and Principle of

cle is, in other words, opposing

harmonizing Heaven, Earth and

powers. Without touching with

Man.”

even one finger your opponent will

“I think that if you cannot under-

be sent flying. Just to be able to do

stand Ichirei Shikon Sangen

this one thing takes about 10

Hachiriki, breath (kokyu) and Aiki,

years. Let’s try to advance quickly.”

then even if you practice Aikido the true power of Aikido will not come forth.”

42

The Floating Bridge of Heaven

“The left hand is Izanagi, the right is Izanami, in the center is Ameno-minakanushi, this is yourself.

This is standing on the Floating Bridge of Heaven and turning in a spiral. This is called Taka-amahara. Heaven and earth are one unit, water and fire are also one unit, all appears through Iki (breath). This is the endless appearance of the Kami. Aiki technique comes forth endlessly.�

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© Bjorn Saw 2015 xlv