The Essence of Aikido: Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba

One of my Senseis reminds us from time to time: "Noone will realize his inner self practicing locks and trows". Well, this book gives a beautiful introduction to the spiritual practice of Aikido. The first part explains Kototama, the sacred sounds of creation. In another part we learn about Misogi, the inside and outside purification to clear the senses & the mind to give us access to the reality of things. Then Stevens presents caligraphic works and poetic instruccions of O-Sensei, always with (printed) japanese Kanji, traduccion and explanation. Especially this part has qualities I found only with the great translation (and interpretation!) work done by Richard Wilhelm on the I-Ching and Tao Te King. Obviously there are 2 things to keep in mind when buying this book: 1st, about half the pictures in the book are already in the book "Budo" by Morihei Oeshiba (here compared with later pictures of the same tecniques) 2nd it is in the end, though containing profound teachings, just an introduction, one may want to have all other books by Stevens like "Training with master" and even better the direct transcriptions of O-Senseis teachings "Takemusu Aiki" (only Japanese and French) and whatever other source to study the deep spiritual way of the Aiki-O-Kami.

If you are looking for a book on technique this isn't it, but a good overview of Ueshiba's philosophy of life.

This book is a must have. The material on the lesser known spiritual origins of Aikido is something that few books discuss, on a subject that few aikidoka fully understand. If you don't have this book, you don't have an Aikido library.

For those martial artists who admire Morihei Ueshiba and fans of the editor/writer John Stevens. I appreciated the interesting portfolio of ancient aikido art, photos of the founder of AIKIDO and his "dynamic quality," DOKA. I very much enjoyed Ueshiba's japanese poetry and the valuable interpretations of his exotic poems. One may imagine learning some new insights into the fascinating art of aikido and spiritual poems of Ueshiba. World Class Aikido book! Mostly about the ESSENCE without theaikido instruction type of book!

A venture into the mysterious depth of Aikido. A must for all serious scholars interested in the study of O-Sensei's work and art. Unsuitable for half-hearted novices as most contents require critical study.