Morihei Ueshiba Quotes

“When you bow deeply to the universe, it bows back; when you call out the name of God, it echoes inside you.”

“As soon as you concern yourself with the “good” and “bad” of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with, and criticizing others weakens and defeats you.”

“The Art of Peace is the religion that is not a religion; it perfects and completes all religions.”

“Those who are enlightened never stop forging themselves.”

“Your spirit is the true shield.”

“Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead.”

“The Art of Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow.”

“Never fear another challenger, no matter how large; Never despise another challenger, no matter how small.”

“Every sturdy tree that towers over human beings owes its existence to a deeply rooted core.”

“The true meaning of the ‘samurai’ is one who serves and adheres to the power of love.”

“When you lose your desire for things that do not matter, you will be free.”

“We can no longer rely on the external teachings of Buddha, Confucius, or Christ. The era of organized religion controlling every aspect of life is over. No single religion has all the answers.”

“The divine is not something high above us. It is in heaven, it is in earth, it is inside us.”

“In Aikido 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.”

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

“Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.”

“The Art of Peace is the principle of nonresistance. Because it is nonresistant it is victorious from the beginning. Those with evil intentions or contentious thoughts are instantly vanquished. The Art of Peace is invincible because it contends with nothing.”

“You are here for no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your inner enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.”

“Large does not always defeat little. Little can become large by constant building; large can become little by falling apart.”

“Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.”