Table of Contents

A Word of Recommendation Japanese version

A Word of Recommendation by Mitsugi Saotome-sensei

Acknowledgments

A Note to the Reader

Introduction

1. The Origins of Aikido

2. The Way of Harmony

3. Shinto: The Spiritual Roots of Aikido

4. Kototama: The World of Ki

5. One Spirit, Four Souls

6. Three Origins, Eight Powers

7. Practice and Principle

8. The Order of the Universe

Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

William Gleason has studied aikido and Japanese medicine and philosophy for more than two decades, including ten years’ study in Japan. The director of Shobu Aikido of Boston, Massachusetts, he also has translated books by George Ohsawa and Mitsugi Saotome.

Reviews

"If interested in a serious exploration of Japanese religion, the practice of Zen, or aikido history, this title could serve well. It thoroughly explains the basic philosophical concepts behind this martial art and the components of Shinto and Zen."
*Library Journal*