PRACTICE OF THE Art of Peace is an act of faith, a belief in the ultimate power of nonviolence. It is faith in the power of purification and faith in the power of life itself. It is not a type of rigid discipline or empty asceticism. It is a path that follows natural principles, principles, that must be applied to daily living. The Art of Peace should be practiced from the time you rise to greet the morning to the time you retire at night.
THE BODY SHOULD be triangular, the mind circular. The triangle represents the generation of energy and is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolizes serenity and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands for solidity, the basis of applied control.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote explains the importance of balance between physical stability and mental serenity.
Morihei Ueshiba emphasizes the significance of aligning one's physical form with energy and stability, represented by a triangle, while also cultivating a serene and perfected mind, symbolized by a circle. The triangle represents strength and a solid foundation, necessary for energy generation, while the circle denotes mental peace and the potential for creativity and techniques. This interplay between physical and mental states is essential for personal development and mastery in any discipline.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
A yoga class focused on balancing physical poses with meditation could use this quote to inspire participants.
More from Morihei Ueshiba
All quotes →Study the teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo, and the plum blossom. The pine is evergreen, firmly rooted, and venerable. The bamboo is strong, resilient, unbreakable. The plum blossom is hardy, fragrant, and elegant.
EACH DAY OF HUMAN life contains joy and anger, pain and pleasure, darkness and light, growth and decay. Each moment is etched with nature’s grand design-do not try to deny or oppose the cosmic order of things.
Foster and polish the warrior spirit while serving in the world; illuminate the path according to your inner light.
Aikido is the spirit of loving protection for all beings.
The Way of a Warrior is based on humanity, love, and sincerity; the heart of martial valor is true bravery, wisdom, love, and friendship. Emphasis on the physical aspects of warriorship is futile, for the power of the body is always limited.
Similar quotes
I think that we had a different view of what the 21st century could be like, with much more of a sense, from our perspective, of trying to have an interdependent world: looking at solving regional conflicts, having strength in alliances, operating within some kind of a sense that we were part of the international community and not outside of it.
The only time laughter is wicked is when it is turned against Him Who gave it.
Not only the words (vocabula) which the Holy Spirit and Scripture use are divine, but also the phrasing
Of what significance is one's existence, one is basically unaware. What does a fish know about the water in which he swims all his life? The bitter and the sweet come from outside. The hard from within, from one's own efforts. For the most part I do what my own nature drives me to do. It is embarrassing to earn such respect and love for it.
After the doctor's departure Koznyshev felt inclined to go to the river with his fishing rod. He was fond of angling, and seemed proud of being able to like such a stupid occupation.
He who climbs above the cares of this world, and turns his face to his God, has found the sunny side of life.