The Harmony of Love

A Lecture by the Founder

"Aikido is none other than the manifestation of the workings of love.  Love gives form to the universe and purifies all things.  The universe scatters the seeds from which all things grow; it contains the infinite power which nourishes and allows them to prosper.  I gave the name Aiki to the manifold laws of the universe brought forth from love which govern the destiny of the intricate tapestry of life as it is woven on this earth.  To carry out the mission of universal compassion on earth, to protect and cultivate all things in nature, this is the task of Aikido.

What is the source of the materialization of life in the universe?  It is the expression of the Infinite Spirit and of love.  Aikido is a pure expression of that source.  It is the original path to the blessed harmony of all humankind with the universe.  Only if we follow the Aiki principle of unity with Kami₁ and bring humanity back into balance with all things will we be a part of the infinite growth toward perfection.  To bring about the end of malice and suffering is the vital mission entrusted to us by the universe.

The actual forms of the universe are revealed within the human body.  We must begin to see the universe within us and awaken to the principles of balance and of love, sacred principles given to us by the universe.  The universe unfolds in a never-ending mosaic of many forms; each one a different aspect of its fullness, each one in balance with all others.  Just as the universe expresses love in different ways, we must express through our own lives the dynamic balance and harmony of the universe in all of our many relationships.  Through this process the universe itself will enter into the human body and spirit, giving nourishment and true power.

All things in the universe come from one source, one creative energy.  All things on the earth are the expression of this universal love.  The heart of the universe beats in harmony within all of creation and bows in reverence to all of its glories.  Each one of us must strive to understand this rhythm and experience the heart of the universe which brings about the harmony of perfect balance.  The mission of Aikido follows the absolute path of universal love.  Its teachings are the teachings of Kami.  Its principles are the laws of harmony and balance in all the elements, in the creation of life on earth.  Its function is to join with the heart of the universe and give love."

1.Kami--O Sensei thought that Kami was anything that inspired reverence, mystery, or awe.
    "For the true follower of the Way, all actions arise from an unconscious and sincerely felt respect
    and appreciation for the perfection of nature's process and from the knowledge that all things have
     within them a living part of the divine Spirit of Kami, the Creator of the Universe."