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Aikido and Yoga The “Ai” in “Ai-ki-do” refers to the universal principle of harmony and integration. The Japanese concept of “Ki” refers to the “universal life-force" present in all of creation (similar to the concept of “Prana” in India or “Chi” in China). “Do” refers to a method, “Path” or “Way” of self-development and self-realization - a discipline and philosophy with moral as well as spiritual implications (similar to the terms “Marg” in India and “Tao” in China). The word “Yoga” comes from a Sanskrit term “yuj” which means “to unite" or "yoke" with something greater than ourselves. Like the meaning behind the word Ai-ki-do, this "union" is the realization of our intimate connection with all of creation. The underlying assumption of Aikido and Yoga (as well as modern science for that matter) is that, having all come from the one source, we are all intrinsically connected. Both Aikido and Yoga share the goal of the realization of this connection free from dogma and religious belief systems. Aikido and Yoga effectively accomplish this by offering a pragmatic, structured experiential learning process to facilitate self-discovery with unique training methods designed to foster the realization and intuitive experience of this "union" for ourselves.
Through the ages, great sages have attempted to point the way to this "union" with symbols, allegory, poetry, art, music and dance - as well as with disciplines such as yoga and martial arts. All approaches to self actualization are valid. All share the same requirements of courage, dedication, commitment and persistence. However, for some, ignorance, intolerance, prejudice or fear result in negative judgment of others methods for trying to gain a better understanding of their place in the universe. In the midst of division and interpretation, where storms of passionate belief intermix with apathy, both Aikido and Yoga advocate “going within oneself” to a source not attached to any external object, person, belief system or desire. Still, neither system advocates passivity or retreat. Both advocate that - through courage, determination and dynamic application of mind and body, we conquer ourselves, thereby conquering ignorance, negativity, hatred and greed etc. One form of training method in Aikido comes from the challenge of accepting realistic, committed attacks from one or multiple training partners. We see whether we are able to sustain control over our training partner's (uke's) balance using the fundamental principles of centralised extension of Ki, Kokyu etc. Also, in Aikido, we learn by being uke. In traditional physical yoga exercises, we generally do not practice with partners - we position ourselves into the challenging yoga postures (asanas) and calmly endure the discomfort while maintaining posture, balance and a heightened awareness of breath and self. Both Aikido and Yoga foster a state of pure awareness free of intellectual chatter. A state-of-being that is not clouded by judgment, defensiveness, resentment, fear, or any feelings of superiority or inferiority etc. When we leave the Aikido dojo or Yoga mat and walk into the real world of hectic activity and conflict, we naturally carry this inner-strength and stillness with us.
Besides sharing this end, Aikido and Yoga share the same training strategy: slow, methodical practice, with emphasis on technical precision along with a unified and sustained application of mind, body and spirit. Both require the technical direction of a competent teacher – although both also acknowledge that, ultimately, we are our own principle teachers. Both require that we never allow our egos to assume mastery over our training by adopting an open mind and an unquenchable thirst for discovery.
Julius Aib, |
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