Book Review of A Demon’s Sermon of the Martial Arts, By Issai Chozanshi

Sensei Noha reviews the graphic novel “A Demon’s Sermon of the Martial Arts”

demonssermonReview of

The Demon’s Sermon on the Martial Arts:  

A Graphic Novel

By Issai Chozanshi

Afterword by William Scott Wilson

Based on the Translation by William Scott Wilson

Adapted by Sean Michael Wilson

Illustrated by Michiru Morikawa

Published by Shambhala

ISBN 978-1-61180-021-0

202 Pages (the pages are not numbered)

Publication Date:  March 12th, 2013

Review by Robert Noha

Introduction

This is the second in a series of graphic novel adaptations of classic martial arts books from Shambhala Publishing.  The first is the Book of Five Rings-2012 (review to follow in a few weeks) and the third is a forthcoming version of the story of the 47 Ronin due out November 5th 2013.

The Demon’s Sermon on the Martial Arts takes the translation by the renowned translator William Scott Wilson and adapts it to the graphic novel/manga format.  This book may be of particular interest to Aikido practitioners due to O Sensei’s well known interest in the tengu (translated in English as demon). It is even possible O Sensei read the book as a part of his martial arts studies.

Background on the Original Book and Translation

The Demon’s Sermon on the Martial Arts was written by Issai Chozanshi (this was a pen name-real name Niwa Jurozaemon Tadaaki, 1659-1741, a samurai of the Seki-yado fief, now located in  Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures). For more information about him and his times, see the Kodansha translation of the Demon’s Sermon on the Martial Arts pages 195-196.

The Translation

The graphic novel is based on an English translation by William Scott Wilson, published by Kodansha in 2006.  Mr. Wilson has translated many books from Japanese that are of interest to martial arts students. These include:  The Book of Five Rings (2002-which is also available in graphic novel form from Shambhala), Hagakure (Kodansha 1979); The Life Giving Sword by Yagyu Munenori (Kodansha 2003) and The Unfettered Mind by Takuan Soho (Kodansha 1986).

The Adaptation and Illustration

The translation was adapted by Sean Michael Wilson, who currently lives in Japan.  He is a Scottish author of over a dozen books including the graphic novel versions of The Book of Five Rings and Hagakure (published by Kodansha 2011).  He has a blog site at seanmichaelwilson.weebly.com.

The illustrator is Michiru Morikawa.  She is an award winning illustrator and manga artist.  There are numerous internet sites with information about her work including one from the BBC and Facebook.

What is a Demon?

The word translated as demon is tengu in Japanese.  Unlike the western conception of a demon as being in league with evil forces, the tengu is a spirit who inhabits the mountains and in addition to having a trickster side, possesses spiritual knowledge.

This knowledge was regarded as valuable by martial arts practitioners who sought the deepest teachings of the martial arts, beyond technique.  According to the belief of the day, the tengu would impart this knowledge only to people they felt were worthy.

William Scott Wilson summarizes the esoteric knowledge available from the tengu:

“It was these creatures who are said to have taught their hidden traditions of swordsmanship to Yoshitsune (Minamoto no Yoshitsune 1159-1189, a legendary warrior, general and strategist), and more recently, revealed the secrets of Aikido to Ueshiba Morihei on Mount Kurma…Thus both the mountains and the tengu inhabit a sort of twilight zone between this world and the other, a dual existence, at once spiritual and earthbound.  It is to this liminal world that the swordsman must go to learn the deepest secrets of his art.” (page 2 of the afterword)

It is in this context that the stories and philosophies of the tengu are passed on to those diligent and brave enough to seek them out.

Chapter Summaries

The Demon’s Sermon Part 1

The opening part of this chapter summarizes the philosophy of the entire treatise in the search for knowledge beyond technique:  “If one is not deeply resolved and does not intently study the mind, he will never become enlightened to the essence of his own mind.”  (page 1 of Chapter 1)

Transformation of the Sparrow and the Butterfly

This section teaches that we should not become attached to a particular form because all form is impermanent.  In one section a dying man is talking with his family priest and says: “The ten thousand things are born from emptiness and return to emptiness.”  (page 11)

Meeting the Gods of Poverty in a Dream

This section relates the very Buddhist sentiment that attachment to one’s status in life whether rich or poor, famous or infamous is the source of suffering.  It tells the story of a very poor man who is taught in a dream by the gods of poverty what is really important:

“But rather, following good and bad fortune or prosperity and decline as one meets them, and calming enjoying oneself in the midst of creation and change:  this is the greatest happiness under heaven.” (page 13)

The Demon’s Sermon Part 2

The opening part of this chapter explains to a young aspiring warrior what the tengu regard as the deepest secrets of swordsmanship:  “In swordsmanship you face your opponent, you forget about life, forget about death, forget about your opponent, and forget about yourself.  Your thoughts do not move and you create no intentions. You are in a state of no-mind and practical application will have no obstacles.” (page 16)

The Greatest Joys of the Cicada and Its Cast–Off Shell

This section continues the theme of non-attachment as the key to avoiding suffering and living a happy life:  “When you don’t insert your own selfish will, you acquire the greatest happiness in the world and won’t be defeated by things.  While you’re alive, follow only that way with everything you have. When you die, just be content with your own return.” (page 11)

The Owl’s Understanding

This section contains a dialogue between a hawk and an owl regarding the importance of accepting your form and circumstance in life:  Each and every thing has been granted food and a lodging place that will not cause it problems. To go beyond itself and envy other beings would be turning its back on heaven.”  (page 4)

The Demon’s Sermon Part 3

The opening of this chapter explains the difference between the common understanding and that of mastery:  “The common man has not yet cut through the root of confusion of life and death. This always lies concealed and acts as a cover over the spirit.”  (page 4)

The Centipede Questions the Snake

In this part there is a dialogue between a centipede and a snake.  They relate the very Chinese view of the union of the one and the many:  “The centipede’s many legs, the snake’s lack of legs-both are the creator’s incomprehensible doings.  Thus, the centipede’s many give him no adversity; and the snake, with no legs at all does not find himself handicapped.”  (page 5)

The Demon’s Sermon Part 4

This section opens with a discussion and examples of the importance of oneness:  “There are many different responses to man’s daily needs, but for one who has grasped the way, his mind is not moved by phenomena.  The essence of the mind is selfless and without desire, and thus at peace and undisturbed.” (page 2)

The Toad’s Way of the Gods

This lesson is told through a dialogue between a rat and a toad.  The rat is praying that all cats be eliminated to assure his safety and security.  The toad explains the folly of this attitude and the proper way to petition the gods:  “There is a way to employ the deities. You must first remove all your selfish and distracting ideas from your mind and so purify yourself from within.  This is called ‘inner purity.’ The day that you go to the shrine, bathe, change your clothing, do not eat disgusting things, and so purify your body, this is called ‘outer purity.”  (page 7)

The Mysterious Technique of the Cat

This is the most famous story in the book and has been a part of many other books including D. T. Suzuki’s Zen and Japanese Culture, Bollingen Series LXIV Princeton University Press 1959, pages 428-435.

It tells the story of rat who confounds not only all the cats in the neighborhood and even a skilled samurai who are no match for him.  In desperation a “master cat” is called in and dispatches the rat with astonishing ease. The cats and the samurai beg the cat to tell them the secret to his marvelous skill:  “Simply, without thinking, without doing anything, move by following your natural perception and your movement will have no form. And when you have no form, there is nothing in heaven and earth that could be your opponent.”  (page 19)

The Demon’s Sermon Part 5

The book concludes with a simple yet satisfying statement by the swordsman who sought and received the tengu’s wisdom:  “I have been to the mountains, met with demons, and now I can carry on…man is a moving being.” (page 5)

Afterword by William Scott Wilson

The afterword provides some background information on the history and philosophy of the text.  Mr. Wilson includes a brief history of the tengu; the book’s author and the book itself. One interesting teaching he outlines is about the fundamental rhythm underlying the universe and everything in it:  “Jo, ha, kyu is the fundamental rhythm of the universe and the rhythm with which every art…aims to be in accord…Jo is described as the combat before the attack, ha as the attack itself, and kyu as the responding blow of each combatant.”  (page 3)

After reading the afterword you can go back and reread the text with deeper insight.

Difference Between the Graphic Novel and the Print Translation

The graphic novel faithfully follows the spirit of the William Scott Wilson translation.  The primary difference is the graphic novel does not include the chapters: The Seagull and the Mayfly Discuss the Tao; Profit and Loss for the Bulbul and the Wren; The Skills of the Heron and the Crow; The Dream of the Cucumber and The Ghost at the Old Temple.

What the graphic novel format provides not in the printed translation is the emotion conveyed by the illustrations.  One I found particularly engaging was a scene with the samurai bowing to the cat and asking for instruction in The Mysterious Technique of the Cat, (page 21).

Applications to Aikido  Training

Many of the teachings and quotes from the Demon’s Sermon could have come from Morihei Ueshiba.  Two examples:

 

  • And when you have no form, there is nothing in heaven and earth that could be your opponent.”  (The Mysterious Technique of the Cat, page 19)
  • There is no enemy for Ueshiba of Aikido.  You are mistaken if you think that budo means to have opponents and enemies and to be strong and fell them.  There are neither opponents nor enemies for true budo. True budo is to be one with the universe (page 179 Aikido by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Hozansha Publishing Co Ltd., 1966)
  • You must first remove all your selfish and distracting ideas from your mind and so purify yourself from within.  This is called ‘inner purity.’ (The Toad’s Way of the Gods page 7).
  • I want considerate people to listen to the voice of Aikido.  It is not for correcting others; it is for correcting your own mind.  This is Aikido. This is the mission of Aikido and should be your mission.  (page 181 Aikido by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Hozansha Publishing Co Ltd., 1966)

Conclusion

The teaching of the Demon’s Sermon is of great value for both martial arts students and everyone else.  Readers who like the manga format will relate very well to this modern pictorial expression of this classic book and its philosophy.

 

 

 

Book Review of Aikido: An Everyday Approach To The Martial Art That Can Transform Your Life & The World by Paul Rest

Sensei Noha provides an excellent in depth review of the book “Aikido: An Everyday Approach To The Martial Art That Can Transform Your Life & The World”, by Paul Rest.

paulrestAikido: An Everyday Approach To The Martial Art That Can Transform Your Life & The World

By Paul Fredrick Rest

Published by Paul Fredrick Rest

ISBN 1522775404

103 Pages

Publication Date:  April 2016

Review by Robert Noha

Introduction

Paul Rest’s book offers practices that are straightforward and practical ways to applying Aikido off the mat.  The practices are illustrated with entertaining examples from his own life and practice.

Paul Rest has been practicing Aikido for over 20 years and holds the rank of 4th dan.  He has trained with many of the top instructors in the US and in seminars with some of the leading teachers from Japan including the current Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba.  He is also a pioneer in Low Impact Aikido, an area of growing interest in the Aikido world. Low Impact Aikido is an opportunity for students to practice the art who are not able to take falls.  This will be the subject of a forthcoming book.

Chapter Summaries

Preface

The Preface by Hiroshi Ikeda, 7th Dan Shihan provides his perspective after reading the book:

“This small book is a treasure, a generous sharing of uniquely personal , yet universally familiar, experiences encountered on the path of Aikido training.”  (Page xiii)

Section I – Mind/Body/Spirit- contains three chapters entitled Mind, Body and Spirit respectively.  These chapters provide a unique perspective on these concepts.

Here is an example:  “The purpose of paying attention to the mind is to have this become part of the larger dialogue that includes all parts of oneself…So, I always re-mind myself:  Let your mind become part of the team. And most of all, hold in yourself that a beginner’s mind is the best mind to have.” (Page 6)

This section focuses on the unity of mind, body and spirit, a core principle of Aikido practice.  There are numerous insights from Paul’s many years of training and teaching as well as examples from other people, which illustrate mind, body, spirit unity.

Section II – Aikido and You – Aikido in the World – contains eleven chapters that help us to work with basic activities such as standing walking and turning and how Aikido can help us take these fundamental movements and create opportunities for training.

Here is an example:  Standing-“How we are standing reflects who we are in the world…’Grocery Cart Exercise’…When you are in your local supermarket, play a game…Begin by slumping…notice how people around you react…Now stand up…When I have done this exercise and I change from a slouched way of stranding to standing straight…I’ve noticed people are friendly.  I can find what I am searching for more easily…Students have reported clerks running up to help them.” (Pages 19 & 22)

The later chapters in this section provide similar practices using different parts of the body such as eyes, hands and fingers and skin.

Here is another supermarket exercise:  Hands & Fingers-“What happens when you grip your shopping cart tightly…Now relax your hands and fingers.  What has changed…We are no longer thinking one thing and our hands and fingers are doing something different.  As one of my Low Impact students said recently, ‘It’s a whole new world.” (Page 54)

These types of exercises may seem simplistic but that is a big part of their value as they can be done in the most ordinary places while performing the most ordinary of tasks.  My own experience with them has helped to turn grocery shopping from a task I don’t enjoy to something I look forward to as a chance to train.

Section III-Provides an example of one of Paul’s classes, his thoughts on Low Impact Aikido and a glossary of terms.

Here is the context in which he teaches:

“One of my major quests as I learned Aikido (which continues– as I will always be a student) was learning…I couldn’t demand one part of me change and leave the other parts of myself out in the cold…My body needed to learn the techniques…My mind needed to set forth my intention…My spirit reminded me why I was here…the bigger picture.”  (Page 83)…We are changing ourselves and the world–one technique at a time, one class at a time, one breath at a time, and one heartbeat at a time.” (Page 88)

The book concludes with a discussion of Low Impact Aikido:

“Low Impact Aikido is a way those individuals can train who cannot take the rolling and falling that is involved in most classes…An opportunity to step on the mat and experience this exquisite art.”  (Page 89)

Conclusion

The book is well worth reading because it offers practices to take the art off the mat that are practical and can be used in our most basic daily life situations, such as the supermarket examples.  Working with these practices will enhance daily life activities and also help to improve your Aikido on the mat as well.

It is available on Amazon in both printed and ebook formats.

 

 

 

Book Review: Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts by David Hall

Sensei Robert Noha provides an excellent review of the book, Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts.

encyclopediaofmartialartsReview of Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts

By David A. Hall

Kodansha Publishing

ISBN:  978-1-56836-410-0

682 Pages

Released February 2013

Reviewed by Robert Noha

This book is a treasure trove of information for the student of Japanese martial arts and the scholar alike.  It lives up to its name as an encyclopedia of the martial arts of Japan.

Book Summary

The book contains entries on a broad range of subjects relating to the martial culture of Japan.  Here are some examples:

 

  • Lineages and histories of numerous schools including both traditional and modern arts.
  • Definitions of terms-some very well-known like ki or kata and some obscure such as tohosen (warfare on foot).
  • Biographical sketches of both historical and modern people, ranging from Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido to Otusubo Yoshihide Dozen, founder of a school of combative horsemanship in the 15th century.

 

The entries are arranged alphabetically.  For the reader who can read Asian languages there are references to Japanese, Chinese and Sanskrit words.  In many cases these are highly specialized terms and would not be found in modern language dictionaries.

Comparison to Other Books

In comparing the information to other books in the field, the entries are not as detailed but cover a much broader spectrum of information.

One example is the entry on Aikido.  It is a short two paragraphs. But if all the relevant entries on Aikido were put together there are many pages of information on topics such as predecessor arts, instructors, philosophy and techniques.

Another book that focuses on Japanese martial arts is Budo:  the Martial Ways of Japan, published by the Nippon Budokan in 2009.  The entry on Aikido is 16 pages in length with numerous photographs. The book also comes with a companion DVD that illustrates many of the arts described.   While there are also sections on martial arts history and terminology they are not nearly as numerous as in the Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts. The Budokan book is more like a collection of articles than an encyclopedia.

The book Martial Arts of the World:  An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation, is a two volume work edited by Thomas A. Green and Joseph R. Svinth, published by AB –Clio in a revised edition in 2010.  The entry on Aikido is 7 pages long and was probably written by Peter Goldsbury a professor at Hiroshima University and a 6th dan in Aikido.  Overall this book is more like the Budokan book in that it is a series of articles written by various authors.  It also covers martial arts from all over the world.

Neither of these books is an encyclopedia in the sense of having several hundred entries on both familiar and unfamiliar topics.  They are both more expensive at $79.00 and $168.00 respectively.

A book in a more popular format is The Way of the Warrior:  Martial Arts and Fighting Styles From Around the World, by Chris Crudelli, published by DK Publishing in 2008.  This is a coffee table sized book with numerous photos.

The Aikido entry is 2 pages long, as are most of the profiles of arts from all over the world.  This book is priced at $27.00.

In comparison with these three books this volume is a true encyclopedia in that it contains shorter and more specific entries without numerous (but has some) photos and drawings.   For both the scholar and interested student it fills an important gap in the available information on Japanese Martial Arts due to its level of detail and Asian language references.

A related question, in the internet age, is whether any book is obsolete when information can be accessed online.  Taking three topics at random:

 

  • Koshitate-a standing shield used to protect from arrows-no information online
  • Nitenki-anecdotal collection of stories about Musashi-one reference online in entry on Sasaki Kojiro
  • Saki-a term in Japanese police tactics-no information online.

 

While much of the information could be accessed online there is likely a great deal of information not available on any English language sites.  There is also the difficulty in judging the accuracy of information on line.

The Author

The author Dr. David A. Hall comes with impressive credentials in both martial arts and Asian culture.  He has studied Japanese martial arts for over 45 years in both the U.S. and Japan. He is an ordained Tendai Buddhist Priest.  He holds a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies/Military History from the University of California at Berkeley. He has done research in Japanese, Classical Chinese, Sanskrit, Pali and French.  He also received a Fulbright fellowship to study in Japan. He is currently a professor at Montgomery College in Maryland.

He was also an associate of the well-known authority and author Donn Draeger to whom the book is dedicated.

Who Would Benefit From This Book?

The book will appeal to a broad spectrum of Japanese martial arts enthusiasts from the dedicated student looking for detailed information on a specific term, art or person to the scholar or researcher looking for authentic information for use in an article, novel or film.

It is a book those who love Japanese martial arts and are seeking authentic information will appreciate.

 

Book Review: A Light On Transmission, by Mitsogi Saotome

Sensei Noha has provided an excellent review of the book “A light On Transmission” by Mitsugi Saotome

alightontransmissionReview of A Light On Transmission

By Mitsugi Saotome

Translated by Josh Drachman

and Steve Earle

Published by Cedar Forge Press

ISBN 978-1936672-9-81

145 Pages

Publication Date:  2015

Review by Robert Noha

Introduction

This book is by Mitsugi Saotome, one of the few remaining students of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba.  Saotome Sensei had 15 years of long term, in-depth practice with O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba.

This is Saotome Sensei’s fourth book.  His first book is Aikido and the Harmony of Nature, published in 1986 by SEDIREP.  His second book is The Principles of Aikido, published in 1989 by Shambhala. His third book is Aikido Living By Design, published in 2003 by Arete Press/Aikido Today Magazine.

A Light on Transmission is subtitled The Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba Founder of Aikido and is a personal memoir of Saotome Sensei’s relationship with the Founder.

There are many stories from Saotome Sensei’s training with the Founder.   He then very effectively provides an instructional context that can be applied to practice both on and off the mat.

There are also many photographs of Saotome Sensei training with O Sensei. Cedar Forge Press has done a good job of high quality book design in a hard cover and nicely bound format.

The book does not focus on specific techniques (his book The Principles of Aikido does that).  It offers very deep approaches to training that are the result of Saotome Sensei’s lifetime of dedicated training and teaching.  He also shares his views and experiences on the spiritual aspects of Aikido practice and Japanese culture.

Chapter Summaries

Preface

The book starts with a riveting story about his final time as uke for O Sensei shortly before O Sensei’s passing:

“Attack!” His shout cracked at me like thunder…in the same instant as my attack, this little old man transformed into a colossal mountain of rock…A dart of intense pain…pierced to the core of my head, while my body floated high and feather-like in pitch dark space…This was the last time that I took ukemi for the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba.  He passed away just one month later. (Page 1)

The preface continues by discussing the spread of Aikido throughout the world and O Sensei’s view of it.  He concludes with:

Aikido belongs to no single individual, organization or country.  It is a cultural asset of the world community to be shared and developed by people everywhere.  (Page 2)

Chapter 1 The Founding of Aikido

Chapter 1 provides information on the founder’s life and how the art was created and spread throughout Japan and the world.

In this chapter he discusses Aikido from the context of both cultural and scientific principles.  He also pays tribute to O Sensei’s son, Kisshomaru, for his leadership as the art spread worldwide after the Second World War:

One of my fondest memories of Kisshomaru Sensei is…listening to his stories about the difficulties encountered in building Aikido and his dreams and vision of Aikido’s future.  (Page 14)

Saotome Sensei concludes the chapter with his own wish to preserve Aikido’s origins:

But now that Aikido has spread and become known throughout the world, the time has come for us, as Aikido practitioners, to return to the state of beginner’s mind and to ask the question, just what is it that we are doing?  (Page 15)

Chapter 2 The Universe as Life Giver The Womb of Life

This chapter discusses many of the deepest elements of Aikido cosmology and spirituality.

The sub-headings of this chapter include:

 

  • The Eternally Active Universe
  • Emptiness Is the Origin of All Form
  • The Universe Realizes Itself in the Generation of Matter From Emptiness
  • The Realization of Divine Love and The Hidden Secrets of the Martial Arts comes through Discovery of the Wellspring of Life.

One of the most valuable features, spread throughout the book, are dialogues between O Sensei and Saotome Sensei.  Here is an example:

The Founder:  Your very existence as a living entity with a unique personality is nothing less than a miracle and expression of universal love.  Short of that realization, you cannot expect either to master Aikido or to become an example of what it means to be a compassionate human being.

Saotome:  I am a miracle?

Founder:  Yes. And until you wake up to this reality, you will neither understand the ultimate meaning of Aikido nor be capable of the true expression of love.  (Page 30)

Chapter 3 The Mission of the Martial Way

This chapter provides Saotome Sensei’s perspective on Aikido and the martial or warrior path.  The subheadings in this chapter include:

 

  • Martial Discipline is the Essence of Culture
  • Culture is a Product of Martial Discipline
  • Oral Teachings of the Founder:  The Mission of the Warrior

 

Here is an example:

Once, when I asked Aikido’s Founder, “What is the most important thing in martial training?”  he responded as follows:

Proper conduct in everyday life-because getting along well with others and showing respect for others is part of the art of not making enemies and not leaving yourself open to attack.  (Page 44)

Chapter 4 Aikido as a Martial Art

This chapter includes several subheadings on Oral Teachings of the Founder:

 

  • Oral Teachings of the Founder:  The Fulfillment of One’s Mission as Bestowed By Heaven
  • Oral Teachings of the Founder:  The Internalization of Wisdom, Benevolence, and Courage

 

Here is an example:

One must look beyond the historical texts to awaken to the true meaning and divine purpose of the martial way.   Awakening occurs from within; it is incumbent upon on each of us to look deeply into the core of our own being and to discover where we came from and what we are meant to do.  This is the mission imparted to each of by heaven. (Page 65)

Saotome Sensei echoes O Sensei in this regard:

As human beings, we participate volitionally in the charting of the course of our lives and are not limited to reactivity but, rather, imagine the future and recognize the distinction between life and death.  We have the ability to live with awareness and understanding. (Page 70)

Chapter 5 Attunement to Divine Will-What is to be Expected of Aikido Practitioners

This chapter provides guidance on how to apply the deep teaching outlined in the earlier chapters into on the mat training.

Some of the subheadings in this chapter are:

 

  • The Importance of Ukemi
  • Offence and Defense as One
  • The Significance of Training with Weapons

In the section on ukemi, for example, Saotome Sensei shares some insight from O Sensei:

The Founder’s concept of ukemi, thus, included the cultivation of judgement with regard to one’s relationship with the people and objects of the natural world.  Learning to take ukemi is not just a physical discipline but a mental discipline with a profoundly spiritual dimension: it demands the development of sensitivity and sensibility through greater awareness and expansion of consciousness.  (Page 77)

Chapter 6 Discovering the True Nature of the World-Conversations with O Sensei

The subheadings in this chapter include:

 

  • Transcending Individual Consciousness
  • Finding Value in Training
  • When Self and Universe become as One

In response to a question from a student regarding the proper goals and value of training Saotome Sensei shares O Sensei’s answer:

“Ichikawa-san,” O Sensei responded.  This man, Ueshiba, is just an old fool.

Don’t waste your time trying to become like me, but put your energy into becoming better and stronger at what you do in your business.  To be strong means many different things, so please seek to become strong in your pursuit of the mission attributed you by heaven. What good is it to become physically strong if at the same time you let your life’s work go by the way?”  (Page 110)

Chapter 7 Japan’s Place in the World

The contribution of Japanese culture and its place in the world is the focus of this chapter.

Subheadings include:

  • Flexibility and the Japanese Mind
  • Bringing Samurai Consciousness back into the World of Today
  • What the World can Learn from the Japanese Example

Saotome Sensei shares his views on how Japanese culture can provide beneficial examples for the world at large:

We Japanese are known to have a hearty appetite for learning and knowledge…The background to this life-long dedication to learning, I believe, is to be found in the “samurai way of life” and is grounded in the traditional cultivation of the “heart and mind of budo.”  (Page 133)

Epilogue:  In a Foreign Land

Here Saotome Sensei discusses his own legacy and accomplishments as someone entering his eighth decade and with over 60 years of dedicated training and teaching.

Saotome Sensei concludes the epilogue and the book with these inspiring words:

There is no sole path to truth or spiritual salvation.  However, in this atomic age, the path of coexistence and mutual prosperity is the only one that does not lead to mass suicide.  In the interest of continuation of human society and of a world with a future, we must realize the integration of Eastern and Western wisdom.  (Page 143)

This book and Saotome Sensei’s lifelong dedication to the practice and sharing of Aikido is a wonderful example of contributing to this worthy goal.