A friend of mine is considering beginning aikido, which I’ve always been rather interested in myself. He sent me a quote by the founder of it, Morihei Ueshiba, whom they refer to as “O Sensei” or “Great Teacher.” Not sure the URL this came from, but:

Since then I have grown to feel that the whole earth is my house and that the sun, the moon, and the stars are all my own. I had freed myself from all desire, not only for position, fame, and property, but also the desire to be strong. I finally understood the essence of budo. Budo is not about defeating your opponents by force, nor is it a tool to lead the world into destruction with weapons. True budo is to accept the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, correctly produce, protect and cultivate all beings in Nature. I understood that training in budo is to take God’s love–which correctly produces, protects and cultivates all things in nature–and assimilate it and use it within the mind and body.

There are also some cool quotes from The Art of Peace (which is what aikido means, but is also a book of Ueshiba’s teachings, I guess). I always liked the stuff in aikido where you are supposed to let your attackers basically be their own undoing, and stuff like that.

Thirty Seven

Even though our path is completely different from the warrior arts of the past, it is not necessary to abondon totally the old ways. Absorb venerable traditions into this Art by clothing them with fresh garmets, and build on the classic styles to create better forms.

Fifty Two

To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.

Sixty Five

When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.

Sixty Eight

If your heart is large enough to envelop your adversaries, you can see right through them and avoid their attacks. And once you envelop them, you will be able to guide them along the path indicated to you by heaven and earth.

Eighty Three

In the Art of Peace we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it.

Eighty Eight

Do not stare into the eyes of your opponent: he may mesmerize you. Do not fix your gaze on his sword: he may intimidate you. Do not focus on your opponent at all: he may absorb your energy. The essence of training is to bring your opponent completely into your sphere. Then you can stand where you like.

I think number sixty-eight is my favorite, the one about having a heart large enough to envelop your adversaries.