The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido

As of this writing I am 67 years old and have only been training at aikido for just less than three years. And as O'Sensei recommends, I do now train every day and am learning to be more perceptive of everything around me. Although difficult to put into words, I believe I was attracted to aikido initially because I felt something was missing in my life and aikido seemed to present an opportunity to find out what that might be within the context of mind/body/spirit. For me, aikido has become a continuous and never ending process of becoming and existing more fully (beginner's mind) in each and every moment. I found what William Gleason Sensei has written in "The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido" helps to confirm what I have been discovering and has helped me to establish some of the initial structures (co-ordinated mind and body) I needed to facilitate the process, or flow, (spiritual) of blending, maintaining connection and becoming one with those with whom I train and all others .

William Gleason Sensei has put together a well structured description, with poignant examples, of the spiritual mindset of the founder of Aikido ([...]), before he started to teach a martial art intended to end fighting. It is NOT an easy read, or accessible to everyone, but is intended for people of a particular physical/spiritual awareness, such as those who practice Aikido or Yoga. If you are an Aikidoka (one who practices Aikido) and are curious about the purpose behind some of the movements, and the point of view of Osensei when he set them in motion, this book is for you. There is advice to take away on every page, even if you might come from a different religious point of view. There are undeniable universal truths worth noting, and this book builds on them, step by step.

Gleason Sensei has created a beautifully written insight into the Way. This is a must read for anyone who desires a foundation into the kototama.

Aikido should really be more about the spiritual aspects of the same rather than merely being a pursuit of martial arts expertise and this well written work by a life long adherent of the same serves as to open the doors to such an understanding for the aikidoka.spirituality does not simply happen to one, although many a "sensei" seems to think that such does.Spirituality and awareness must be sought and trained in just as the physical aspects of aikido must be trained in.Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei himself, stated that until one awakens to the spiritual reality of life he will never actually practice aikido.I would and do recommend this book for all aikidoka, espeically for those who teach the art.namaste

What insight lies behind this art of peace? Very interesting. Deep dive into thought!

I recently met & trained w/ sensei Gleason. He is an amazing Martial Artist. The book is great. The man knows the art & history like no other.

My Husband was super thrilled to receive this book on his birthday. The condition of the book was excellent and he is excited to read it.

The chapter on hara alone is worth the price of admission! An excellent reference for the serious Aikidoka wanting to understand the spiritual ontogeny of Aikido from the perspective of a gifted teacher.

Excellent livre sur les principes spirituels de l'aikido. Un peu difficile à comprendre si on n'a pas de base en shintoisme, mais cela ne doit pas vous arrêter. Il faudra probablement quelques relectures vu la grande quantité d'informations de ce livre. Ouvrage de référence très pertinent qui suivra l'aikidoka tout au long de sa pratique autant sur le tatami que dans le quotidien avec les situations de la vie moderne. Ce livre aide le pratiquant d'aikido à se rapprocher de la vision de l'Aiki de O-Sensei.

Very bad but not for the book..book is good. Bad is the fact that kindle app obnligate me to write a review otherwise it is impossible to read the book. So take the fake review!