The only cure for materialism is the cleansing of the six senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind). If the senses are clogged, one’s perception is stifled. The more it is stifled, the more contaminated the senses become. This creates disorder in the world, and that is the greatest evil of all. Polish theContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: Polishing”
Tag Archives: aikido
Aikido and Rhetoric: The Gymnasium
The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit. Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace Hence it is incumbent on us to control the character of our activities, since on the quality of these depends the quality of our dispositions. It is therefore not of small momentContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: The Gymnasium”
Aikido and Rhetoric: The River
Do not failTo learn fromThe pure voice of anEver-flowing mountain streamSplashing over the rocks. Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace You can never step into the same river twice. Heraclitus, fragment 91 Water–flowing water, to be precise–is a key metaphor in the practice of both aikido and rhetoric. Sometimes it exemplifies a kind of “softContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: The River”
Aikido and Rhetoric: Virtue
The Art of Peace is based on four great virtues: Bravery, Wisdom, Love, and Friendship, symbolized by Fire, Earth, Heaven, and Water. Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace For the orator to produce conviction three qualities are necessary; for, independently of demonstrations, the things which induce belief are three in number. These qualities are goodContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: Virtue”
Aikido and Rhetoric: Waking Up
The Art of Peace is not easy. It is a fight to the finish, the slaying of evil desires and all falsehood within. On occasion the Voice of Peace resounds like thunder, jolting human beings out of their stupor. Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace It is the thunderbolt that steers the course of allContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: Waking Up”
Aikido and Rhetoric: Finding Balance Outside
Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys to restore your link to the source of life. Breathe in and let yourself soar to the ends of the universe; breathe out and bring the cosmos back inside. Next, breathe up all the vibrancy and fecundity of the earth.Continue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: Finding Balance Outside”
Aikido and Rhetoric: Yin and Yang
Eight forces sustain creation:Movement and stillness,Solidification and fluidity,Extension and contraction,Unification and division. Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace What opposes unites, and the finest attunement stems from things bearing in opposite directions, and all things come about by strife. Heraclitus, fragment 8 (Barnes) Aikido and rhetoric are both arts specifically designed to harmonize opposition, whichContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: Yin and Yang”
Aikido and Rhetoric: As above, below
The Art of Peace functions everywhere on earth, in realms ranging from the vastness of space down to the tiniest plants and animals. The life force is all-pervasive and its strength, boundless. The Art of Peace allows us to tap into that tremendous reserve of universal energy. Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace What weContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: As above, below”
Aikido and Rhetoric: Emptiness
If you have notLinked yourselfTo true emptiness,You will never understandThe Art of Peace. Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace This one of you, O human beings, is wisest, who, like Socrates, recognizes that he is in truth of no account in respect to wisdom. Plato, Apology As martial arts aimed at resolving conflict, both aikidoContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: Emptiness”
Aikido and Rhetoric: Where to from here?
One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace (aikido). Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train. Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace Most are at odds with that with which they most constantly associate — the account which governs the universeContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: Where to from here?”
The Rookery 