The Art of Peace

Named for the mythical (?) and mystical kingdom in the East, Shambhala Publications is known for bringing some of the greatest and sometimes most obscure philosophical writings of Mankind to the attention of the general public. Heavily (though not exclusively) concerned with Buddhist and Taoist thought, Shambhala Pocket Classics are an attractive set of unabridged minibooks which fit comfortably in a shirt pocket, making them perfect for reading on planes, trains, and automobiles. Titles in the set include THE BOOK OF TEA, WAY OF THE JEWISH MYSTICS, ZEN FLESH, ZEN BONES, THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD, TAO TE CHING, POEMS BY EMILY DICKINSON, THE ART OF WAR, and this volume by Morihei Ueshiba, THE ART OF PEACE. Written as a conscious counterpoint to Sun Tzu's immortal classic, THE ART OF PEACE is a collection of aphorisms and short maxims which set forth Ueshiba's philosophy of life. Ueshiba (1883-1969), the founder of Aikido ("The Art of Peace") often referred to as O'Sensei the Great Teacher, is widely considered the greatest martial artist the world has ever seen. Aikido is regarded as the most difficult and effective of the martial arts, finding it's basis wholly in the ability to invert an aggressor's force. Aikido relies on physical conditioning and a series of locks and throws rather than injurious kicks and punches. It has been documented that in his seventies Ueshiba could restrain an attacker with one finger or evade multiple attackers with such grace that he appeared to become invisible to them. Ueshiba was a pacifist at a time when Japan was becoming increasingly militaristic. He credited his development of Aikido to a series of visions which occurred over the course of his lifetime and convinced him of the universatility of humanity. He saw Warrior traditions as having evolved beyond mere adventures in hostility into a clarion call to protect and defend, respect and honor all things. As such, THE ART OF PEACE is the taproot of all Aikido training. It is a brief book which holds many profound thoughts deserving of reflection. The Aikidoka needs to take THE ART OF PEACE as a foundation stone for further learning and awareness. Unsurprisingly, much of the substance of THE ART OF PEACE will be familiar to students of Zen, and this volume should form a portion of the library of any Sangha.

I love this little book and I love O Sensei - "The Great Teacher" as he is known. As a practicing aikidoka I can vouch that all of the things he says are true and very useful both when learning aikido and in everyday life. Its a small book which can be read very quickly but the truths can be absorbed over a life time. It deserves reading over and over. Makes a great gift! God bless O Sensei.

The auther, Stevens is the top shihan(sensei) taught by Morihei,the founder's best student Shirata from pre-war era. So handy, easy to make out concise philosophy of the profoundthought of Aikido,mysterious, Oriental magical martial arts. In the viewpoint of me, native Japanese, really can I recommendbuying, for oversea friends.

As an Aikido instructor, this book never leaves my pocket. The Art of Peace is a compilation of sayings and concepts taken from O-sensei Morihei Ueshiba himself and gives simple, but profound teachings on all aspects of Aikido training. Much like a compilation of Zen riddles, the teachings of this book take on a new meaning every time they are read and pondered upon. A must have for every true Aikido practitioner. This book trains one to understand the mind and spirit of Aikido. The concepts contained within are timeless.

In this little book, the founder of one of the world's most effective martial arts, Aikido, explains the philosophy that led him to take the brutal bone-crunching techniques of juijitsu, the head slicing strokes of Yagyu ryu kenjutsu, and other deadly arts and transform them into gentle, nonviolent ways of resolving conflict. A very worthwhile read. I guarantee you'll learn something.