Morihei Ueshiba Quotes

True victory is victory over oneself.

The Art of Peace is medicine for a sick world. There is evil and disorder in the world, because people have forgotten that all things emanate from one source. Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and anger. Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.

True victory does not come from defeating an enemy, true victory comes from giving love and changing an enemies heart.

A warrior's mission is to foster the success of others.

Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.

The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood. It is not a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst thing a human being can do. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter – it is the Art of Peace, the power of love.

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

The penetrating brilliance of swords, wielded by followers of the Way, strikes at the evil enemy, lurking deep within, their own souls and bodies.

Aikido is not an art to fight with enemies and defeat them. It is a way to lead all human beings to live in harmony with each other as though everyone were one family. The secret of aikido is to make yourself become one with the universe and to go along with its natural movements. One who has attained this secret holds the universe in him/herself and can say, 'I am the universe.'

Be grateful even for hardship, setbacks, and bad people. Dealing with such obstacles is an essential part of training in the Art of Peace.

Life itself is always a trial. In training, you must test and polish yourself in order to face the great challenges of life.

The best strategy relies upon an unlimited set of responses.

Each person is the universe from a particular perspective.

IN THE ART OF PEACE we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any 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.

Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.

Create each day anew by clothing yourself with heaven and earth, bathing yourself with wisdom and love, and placing yourself in the heart of Mother Nature.

The techniques of Aikido change constantly; every encounter is unique, and the appropriate response should emerge naturally. Today's techniques will be different tomorrow. Do not get caught up with the form and appearance of a challenge. Aikido has no form - it is the study of the spirit

Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountain and hidden valleys to restore your link to the source of life.

Focus on stillness, rather than on movement

The heart of a human being is no different from the soul of heaven and earth. In your practice always keep in your thoughts the interaction of heaven and earth, water and fire, yin and yang.

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

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

Those who are enlightened never stop forging themselves.

Cast off limiting thoughts and return to true emptiness. Stand in the midst of the great void. This is the secret of the Way of a Warrior.

All the principles of heaven and earth are living inside you.