The Art of Peace - (Shambhala Pocket Library) by Morihei Ueshiba (Paperback)

About the Book

The "counterpoint" to The Art of War--an inspiring collection of sayings and teachings on the peaceful resolution of conflict. Unlike other popular Eastern philosophies which accept the inevitability of violence as a means to victory--such as Musashi's Book of Five Rings--Aikido fosters fearlessness, wisdom, and compassion and is based on the universal principles of harmony and love of life.

Book Synopsis

Inspirational teachings on fearlessness, compassion, and nature by the founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido--now part of the Shambhala Pocket Library

The real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. So taught the great Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Aikido is a mind-body discipline Ueshiba called the "Art of Peace." It offers a nonviolent way to victory in the face of conflict, and Ueshiba believed that Aikido principles could be applied to all the challenges we face in life--in personal and business relationships, as well as in our interactions with society. This special pocket edition of The Art of Peace features these succinct and pithy teachings--all drawn from Ueshiba's talks and writings, and compiled into one portable collection by Aikidoist John Stevens.

The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.

Review Quotes

"This small, elegant book is filled with the wisdom and artistry of a great man. This collection of Morihei Ueshiba's sayings and poetry resonates with deep meaning, making this a gem of a book. The book itself is of very high quality--compact and well-bound, with clear print and beautifully reproduced images of Ueshiba's calligraphy. A CD of the book, read in a clear, calm voice, is also a very nice inclusion. It is an important collection for the reflective artist, and practically applicable to those intent on living a grounded, sensitive life."--Journal of Asian Martial Arts

About the Author

Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) was the founder of Aikido. At age eighteen, Ueshiba joined the Japanese military, during which time he also developed his skills in the martial arts. He eventually left the military, deeply discouraged by the death and destruction that results from combat. Ueshiba continued to experiment with a variety of martial arts, finding particular joy in the spiritual aspects of martial arts. He came to believe that a real warrior was one who was rooted in love, and it was in this spirit that he began to develop Aikido, a martial art that emphasizes harmony and the peaceful resolution of conflict.