The Art of Peace

The true path of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, courage, and love. Thus taught the founder of the Japanese martial art Aikido, the great Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969). Aikido is a training of the mind and body that Ueshiba called "The Art of Peace." When faced with the threat of conflict, this art offers a non-violent path to victory. Ueshiba was convinced that the principles of Aikido could be applied to any challenges we face in life—both in personal relationships and in interactions with society.

The main part of this book consists of a collection of profound and aphoristic teachings of Ueshiba, drawn from his conversations and written works. The collection is compiled and translated from Japanese by the renowned aikido practitioner, Ueshiba's student, John Stevens. He also wrote the preface, a biography of Ueshiba, and a study of the Master's views on The Art of War and The Art of Peace. The book also includes selected doka (didactic "Verse of the Way") by Ueshiba and his calligraphic works.