Sensei Bob Noha, Chief Instructor at Aikido of Petaluma speaks about O Sensei’s notions of the manifest (physical), hidden (dream) and divine (primordial). He discusses how with some simple practices we can integrate and experience these realms in a sword practice called Sho Chiku, Bai.

“Study the teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo and the plum blossom.
The pine (sho) is evergreen, firmly rooted and venerable.
The Bamboo (chiku) is strong, resilient, unbreakable.
The plum blossom (bai) is hardy, fragrant and elegant.”

- Morihei Ueshiba