The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemusu Aiki

This book is an important documention of the spiritual beliefs of O-Sensei. While one reviewer has stated that it is esoteric and difficult to understand, I think this has to do with the style of Ueshiba's presentation rather than the actual translation. For those of us who want to gain some understanding of Ueshiba's philosophy but are not planning to do years of graduate studies on Japanese religious traditions, this book is a great resource.I gave this book four stars because I personally would have preferred a more exact translation with footnotes explaining obscure references. However, John Stevens' goal has always been to make the spiritual beliefs that lay at the foundation of aikido accessible to everyone, and I believe this book does a good job of this. There has been a long debate about the importance of spirituality in aikido, and I think this explains O-Sensei's point of view on the matter.This book does not contain any overt discussions of waza, so if you are looking for the best angle to bend your elbow to get a good shihonage or how much weight to put on your front foot v. your back foot, this is not the book for you.

This book is a nice compendium of O Sensei's spiritual thought, but without any discussion or explanation. From the beginning where the author compares O Sensei to the Dali Lama, an unnecessary and distracting aside given that the book was supposed to be all about O Sensei’s spiritual writings, the intro could have been better used to flesh out his practices and beliefs far better. For the reader who has not read other works on O Sensei's spiritual practices and thought they may feel a bit lost. Also the book is a pretty expensive format for the content, it could have been much better produced in a paperback edition to make is cheaper for the average Aikido reader. Before you read this book I suggest The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido  and  The Essence of Aikido: Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba  to give one a better foundation.

After reading John Stevens' excellent translations, interpretations, and his own comments on O'Sensei's 'Heart,' I feel much more confident in my own teachings of Ki in Aikido. Nearly 40 years have passed since I began as a neophyte trying to understand Aikido as taught by O'Sensei through several outstanding masters in Ki Aikido. Throughout these years I gradually learned many parts of this difficult martial art. However, I had difficulty understanding Aikido as a whole.Having now read, and continuously re-reading of "The Heart of Aikido,"I'm beginning to visualize and 'see' the whole of Aikido. I'm grateful and appreciative of John Stevens' efforts in attempting to share with committed students of Aikido, such as myself, his excellent translations and interpretations of O'Sense (Morehei Ueshiba Sensei). "The Heart of Aikido" is an excellent reference text for any serious student of Aikido.

O Sensei gave us many things and the most wonderful is his understanding of what it means to live, breathe and be in harmony with the energy or ki of the universe that is aikido and which is well expressed in this short work by John Steven Sensei.For those who have a true interest in Aikido and not simply the often too common Western ideal of the mere physical techniques, this is one of the works you should include in your library.namaste

This lovely book gives a good foundation understanding of the spiritual/energetic basis behind AiKido. I am not an AiKiDo practitioner. As one who is a Japanese Reiki practitioner and a Shin Buddhist I saw many ways in which this philosophy gives me a clearer understanding of the Japanese spiritual mindset. This book is inspiration one's spiritual path. I will return it often for inspiration.

I truly loved this little book for its clarity and deep wisdom. I recommend it to all Aikido practitioners and people searching the true value of any martial art in the 21st century.

AIKIDO IS THE BEST ART YOU WILL FIND.YOU CANT LOOK AT AIKIDO AS A FIGHTING ART IT IS WAY DEEPER THAN THAT.IT TEACHES HOW TO BETTER YOURSELF AND NOT TO FIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME ENJOYING THIS BEAUTIFULFLOWING FEELING AND GRACEFUL ART.

This is a strange read. The language used seems unorderly and pretty tough to follow. But that is if you have grown up in the culture I have grown up in. Maybe I just need to read again.

Wonderful translation of Morihei Ueshiba's writings on the heart of the spiritual path of Aikido. So much of this information is left out of most Aikido student's education as so few understand it well. If you are interested in how Aikido became born and what it is that lies in its depths then this book is really helpful.

Great book on the essence of Aikido! I would recommend the Secret teachings of Aikido as it offers a more in depth explanation of the art. Great book nonetheless!

Amazing book

A very interesting book and a must for any budding Aikido enthusiast! I am sure it must be easier to understand as you develop in your Aikido! Enjoy!

This is such a revealing little volume packed with stories and explanations behind O Sensei's formulation and expression of Aikido.