The Art of Peace

So I admit, I bought this book after watching an episode of the “Walking Dead” during the shows sixth season. However, I have also studied Aikido for 5 years under one of Morihei Ueshiba’s students in New York and was excited about reading this book. The Art of Peace is a short and small pocket sized book which contains various quotes, sayings, and proverbs from Morihei Ueshiba throughout his lifetime. Aikido is a unique art because it is defense focused and has a special spiritual connection between the person, the universe, and the opponent. There is a lot of useful life advice in this text. Although a lot of it is easier said than done, it takes time and mental practice to get a good grasp of the described concepts and use them in real life circumstances. I intend to read this book over and over throughout my life to practice its key elements. If you want to find inner peace in a difficult and broken world, this book is a good guide to help you get there.

Like many, I bought this book after seeing it on "The Walking Dead". It's a pretty good book though ... inspirational. Each message is short and can be used almost like a daily devotion. I'm surprised with how many times I pick this book up to read a bit. Small size, so it's easy to pack in a shirt on jean back pocket. Even it you're not going to study Aikido for an upcoming zombie apocalypse, this might still end up being an enjoyable read for you. It was for me!

I just got this little gem-of-a-book in the mail a few days ago from Amazon. This book is loaded with amazing aphorisms which I put on the same level or higher than "A Joseph Campbell Companion." I'm a serious student of the Gospel and find that the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba mirrors Jesus' teachings in a secular [and spiritual] way. As an example on page 141: [When someone stands in opposition to you, there is an even fifty-fifty split. Greet an opponent who comes forward, bid goodbye to an opponent who withdraws. Keep the original balance and your opponent will have nowhere to strike. In fact, your opponent is not really your opponent because you and your opponent become one. This is the beauty of The Art Of Peace.] And on page 97: [When your eyes engage those of another person, greet him or her with a smile and they will smile back. This is one of the essential techniques of The Art Of Peace.] Granted, this book probably isn't for everyone; however, if the two former quotes "sparks" something within your soul, then this book is for you!! I'm very sure that anyone whom buys and reads this book will be pleasantly comforted by its rich teachings!!

Philosophy of Aikido. I always like to understand the theory that goes with the movements. Small but powerful.

Awesome little book to carry with you anywhere you go.

I find myself returning often to this little book, capturing says by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Except for the introduction by John Stevens, each page consists of a single quote. The Art of Peace is about an approach to living harmoniously in this world, recognizing that conflicts, which are a natural part of the world, can be approached through a different way of viewing one's opponent or the force that one has to deal with. Some of the quotes are more directly applicable to martial training, but most seem to apply more with how we interact with others in the world. I've bought several copies of this book to give away, and keep extras on hand for when I realize someone would enjoy these thoughts.

Taking up the practice of aikido has really changed my life for the better. The art of peace has shown me that life doesn't have to be hard. Maybe things could be better if I just tried a little. I like to read this book when I don't feel at peace, and this book helps guide me back to serenity. I know that I have anger management problems, and I always feel better after reading this and reflecting on the lessons. I had to buy another because I gave my old copy to a good friend of mine and it really helped him. I remember reading a passage about how big doesn't always beat small. Big can be defeated by being broken up into pieces, and little can defeat big by growing. As I read it for the first time, I witnessed an ant defeat a mosquito hawk by taking off the larger bug's legs. It had to be a sign from the universe. At the time I had only pondered the physical nature of this proverb. I only needed to disarm my opponents to be safe. Now, with a new set of eyes, perhaps it could be applied to life's immense problems. Sometimes it feels like a tsunami is crashing down on you. Why not try to break apart your struggles into smaller, bite sized pieces. Buy this book! It will change your life for the better.

Lesen und nachdenken. Für mich ist es ein Buch zum Nachdenken. Es sind oft kleine Texte die einem zum Denken einladen. Immer einen friedvollen Weg zu finden, in jeder Situation unseres Alltags erscheint uns oft nicht einfach oder wir realisieren unsere Aggresivität nicht immer. Mir helfen diese Texte auch mich selbst zu reflektieren. Von daher kann ich das Buch nur empfehlen. (Hier möchte ich noch vermerken, ich betreibe keine Kampfkunst im eigentlichen Sinn und betrachte es daher als von einem philosophischen Ansatz als wichtig. Auch Worte/Gesten/Mimiken sind Waffen und wir sollten behutsam damit umgehen. Just my 2 cents

Libro de citas sobre situaciones hostiles de vida muy interesantes. Ayuda a reflexionar y proporciona otro punto de vista en situaciones de enfrentamientos con otras personas. Da paz y calma a la mente.

Great book! I recommend

`The Art of Peace' is a collection of quotes from the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. This book is often portrayed as an accompaniment to Sun Tzu's `Art of War' but that isn't really the case and there is so much more to this book than merely that misrepresentation. This has a wide selection of quotes and poems from Ueshiba based on his martial art and from his experiences gained through a lifetime of training. They are often succinct and extremely insightful and this book is perfect to dip into for that quick burst of inspiration when you need it most. Be aware that there are two versions of this book, a normal sized book format and a small pocket sized format (3 inches wide by 4 ½ long). I thought I was ordering the normal size and received the pocket size instead and although I now often carry this around with me, it pays to be aware what book you're ordering so that you receive what you actually expect. This also has a brief introduction to put the quotes into context before you are left to explore the gems of wisdom enclosed. If you are an Aikidoka then this is required reading and if you just want some clear, concise and pertinent wisdom then this is well worth considering as well. Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.

Very inspiring...