(from Dust Jacket) Everyone should realize the natural abilities we all have that enable us to pass successfully through this life, but unfortunately there are too many people who continue aimlessly along overshadowed psychologically and physically because they are not aware of their own abilities. Such people are a great minus of course from their own viewpoint of society as well. The 'spirit' of aikido lies in bringing to light man's natural strength and his hidden natural abiliities. The author's two earlier works, in which he introduced both the spirit and the techniques and trainng methods, met with great response in many countires, and created a demand for a still more detailed explanation of what aikido really means. The present work is an answer to that demand. In the first section, while delving deeply into the spirit of aikido, the author gives a number of practical examples which anyone an easily perform. These examples are straight to the point and concrete and avoid abstractions such as how much power is there in the spirit and the nature of feeling. The author's point is to have the reader learn the proper method of mastering the spirit and to have the spirit pervade the reader's body so that he will be able to grasp the basic meanings of aikido. In part two of the book, the author gives detailed and concrete examples of how to apply the principles of aikido to our daily lives. The author's devout wish is that even one person more, not only those who are in positions of leadership, who have physical or spiritual problems, or who do not fully realize their own abiities and strength, will learn the full meaning of aikido, instill that meaning in his heart, and be able ot help those around him walk a brighter and happier path. Koichi Tohei was born in 1920 and graduated in 1942 from the economics department of Keio University. While a student, he engaged in judo training, but later entered aikido. Today he is a ninth dan aikido master and is chief instructor at the Aikido Headquarters. He has already made four trips (1953, 1955, 1957, 1961, and 1964-65) around the United States popularizing aikido. In addition to the present work, Mr. Tohei has also published Aikido, the arts of self defense, and What is Aikido? Contents Preface Part One: The Principles of Aikido Chapter 1 Human Life Chapter 2 The Value of Our Existence Chapter 3 Unification of the Body and the Spirit Chapter 4 Breathing--the Misogi Breathing Method; The Breathing Method Used in Aikido; The Breathing Method that Transcends Breathing Chapter 5 The Single Spot in the Lower Abdomen-Seika-no-itten The Spirit Controls the Body--Two Fingertips Naturally Joined; The Unbreakable Circle; The Unbreakable Arm; The Human Bridge Free and Unrestricted Use of the Spirit--Shifting Your Spirit to the End of Stick; The Heavy Arm An Object's Center of Gravity (Its Lowest Part)--The Unraisable Face; The The Center of Gravity in the Lowest Part of the Arm Relaxing Mastering the Single Spot in the Lower Abdomen--The Push on the Left Shoulder; The Unbendable Arm; The Opponent Pushes You Back by the Wrist; Standing on One Foot; Both Hands Raised; Stooping; Bending Backward; A Leaning on B; Rowing Exercise; Being Pushed from Behind; Swinging the Arms; Direction Change Chapter 6 The Basic Principles of Ki--The Basic Nature of Ki; Plus Ki and Minus Ki Chapter 7 The Divine Spirit Chapter 8 The Spirit of Love and Protection for All Things Part Two: The Aikido Way of Life Chapter 9 Getting Up Chapter 10 Sleep Chapter 11 The Subconscious Chapter 12 The Simple Way Chapter 13 Eating Chapter 14 Our Faces, Our Eyes, and the Way We Speak Chapter 15 The Principle of Non-dissension Chapter 16 The Unity of Calm and Action Chapter 17 Rules for Beginners--Be Candid; Persevere; Differences in Techniques and Teaching Methods; Grades; Be Both Pupil and Instructor Chapter 18 Rules for Instructors--Growing Together; An Instructor Must be Modest; Pupils are the Teacher's Mirror; Right not Might; Attitude not Seniority Makes an Instructor; Be Fair and Impartial; Instructors Must Work Together Conclusion Appendix; Thirteen Rules for Aikido Instructors

"The 'spirit' of aikido lies in bringing to light man's natural strength and his hidden natural abilities." A detailed explanation of what aikido really means and of how to apply the principles to our daily lives. A very good book for the westerner to help himself to understand Ki and the universal. A must have for everyones library. Anyone can benefit from this book. ( )