Aikido is
often described as moving meditation, that is we strive to be in this
'zone' or detachment from self amidst the flurry of combat. In this head
space we are free from negative thoughts of failure, fear or being hit
or hurt and can truly perform at our best. Its a state desired by
athletes who need to push their bodies beyond normal limits and pain to
achieve competitive success and also by climbers and mountaineers who
cannot allow fear of falling to enter their mind..or they surely will.
Within Aikido there are a number of meditation practices to help us understand how to achieve this mindset, starting with sitting practices and then integrating this into moving practices. One
first needs to control the mind, then get the mind to control the body,
then under some physical stress and finally the mind can let go.
An
important note is that meditation when practiced in the dojo is a group
meditation and thus the practices are geared not just to the self but
the whole group. For example in the breathing exercises the leaning
forward at the end of the exhale is a signal to the meditation leader
that you are ready to breather in again, when most of the dojo lean
forward the next in breath clap or begins.
The four ways of Aikido
These are:
- Ki no fudo ho (The four basic principles)
- Ki no i shi ho (Ki meditation)
- Ki no kokyu ho (Ki breathing)
- Ki no taiso ho (Ki exercises).
Ki no fudo ho
Understanding the four basic principles enables us to develop immovable mind and immovable body.
Ki no i shi ho
The study of meditation includes
Ki no toitsu ho (Keep One Point) and
Ki no kakudai ho (Extend Ki).
In the understanding of this Way a strong will and positive attitude.
Ki no kokyu ho
There are many different ways of Ki breathing. They all lead to a healthy body and calm mind.
Ki no taiso ho
