Aikido-Yoga and Beginner’s Mind
The Aikido-Yoga training uniform is called a Dogi (or Gi for short), and literally means “Way Clothes“. Just as a dojo is not a gym, our Aikido-Yoga dogi is not just the clothes in which we train. Our dogi is what we wear on our path toward self-perfection. It is therefore always kept clean and in good repair. In the words of a Japanese master,“To wear an old uniform is no disgrace, but to wear a torn or dirty one is.” Over time, however, our Aikido-Yoga black-belt (obi) becomes frayed, and slowly turns back to its original colour – white – signifying our long journey back to our original, natural, authentic self – free of any negative limitations.
The Aikido-Yoga dojo is therefore a place where we can safely confront our strongest opponent:- our own ego. But beware – our egos do not fight fair, and will utilize every trick in the book to keep us from any training or discipline that subjugates its total domination of our personality.
It will whisper inside our heads; “this is not for you” or “you’ll look like an idiot!”or “you will get hurt!” Even if we overcome our initial fears, and begin training, it will not cease. It will whisper;“you’re really awkward and clumsy at this” or “your body hurts, your muscles are sore… what a stupid waste of time”. If this were not enough, there are many more obstacles to overcome – the weaknesses and limitations of our body, our lack of natural athletic ability, our mental limitations of willpower and discipline, or our natural aversion to physical confrontation.
Some people have a hard time looking at the world through innocent, inquisitive minds, open to all possibilities. This is because although everybody starts out ‘open, optimistic and enthusiastic’, through a series of life experiences, that quickly changes to being ‘sensible, realistic and practical’. Some slide straight on through to becoming ‘cynical and negative’, and sometimes even ‘self-defeating or destructive’. Some “slide” quicker than others… but either way, once we are not open to other possibilities anymore, we lose something very vital in our lives. A tell-tail sign is when we find that it’s more important for us to “defend our position” rather than be alert to and aware of what is really happening. When this happens, we set ourselves up to get disappointed, upset and angry – we start to criticize and complain.
“Instructors can impart only a fraction of the teaching. It is through your own devoted practice that the mysteries of Aikido are brought to life.”
[ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) ]
Before we can let go of your limitations, we first have to notice them; otherwise, we will remain ignorant of their effect on everything we do, and every relationship we have. Once aware – it is then possible for us to start the process of letting go. Therefore, while training, we are encouraged to remain constantly attentive to the workings of our own mind, and how they affect our physical movements and balance. It gives us an opportunity to look again – more carefully – at how our minds work. As we slowly become more aware of how many limitations we actually have, we begin to appreciate the negative impact that they have on the quality of our lives. This process of going within ourselves, of becoming more aware, raises fundamental questions about what is truly important in our lives. A growing awareness of our own true nature emerges – along with the growing conviction to act in accordance with our values.
Therefore, in order to progress, we must do the simplest thing… and yet the hardest thing:- we must remain totally vigilant, and maintain a child-like quality about our training. Our ego, however, does not give up that easily. Even after many years of training we can still fall into the trap of complacency, and stop paying close attention to what’s happening in our heads. Without continually cultivating a beginner’s mind, where infinite possibilities always exist, we can get trapped in an “expert’s” world where we constantly make judgments about the ‘right’ way and ‘wrong’ way of doings things. This mentality severely limits our possibilities.
The Aikido-Yoga instructor therefore keeps bringing you back to the present moment all the time. Even simple things, like bowing when we enter the dojo, is just a way for us, at that moment, to notice if our mind is in the present moment, or somewhere else. Aikido-Yoga’s formalities and etiquette help us to focus on what’s happening right now, and bring our mind and body together so that we are wholly present. As we progress in Aikido-Yoga, we develop the growing skill of remaining right here, right now, complete, whole, undivided, in touch with something bigger than ourselves. A growing feeling of connection to nature and other people slowly emerges.
A “beginner’s mind” is empowered to just be present – to explore, observe and see things as they really are instead of how you currently perceive them to be, or how you want them to be, or even how you would like them to be. The Japanese refer to this state of mind that remains ever alert, open and aware as “hoshin”. It is a state of awareness where you are always prepared to see things as if for the first time in order to continually gain deeper and deeper insight, understanding and practical application. Therefore, based on this attitude, you are encouraged to be comfortable with not knowing everything, and continue to search with the curiosity and wonder of a child at play. This also directly implies that the accountability for learning and growth therefore rests squarely on the shoulders of the student, who must “steal”each technique from the teacher and weave the principles of the art into authentic personal experience. This ancient and time-tested approach to authentic personal self-discovery taps you into a wellspring of collective knowledge and wisdom that pours forth from this inquiring, fresh and vital state-of-being we refer to as ”beginner’s mind”.
“The techniques of the Way of Peace 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. The Art of Peace has no form – it is the study of the spirit.”
[ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) ]
Julius Aib,
Founder World Aikido-Yoga
