Aikido and Words of Power: The Sacred Sounds of Kototama

Description

For the first time in English, the secrets of the sacred sounds that unlock the principles and spiritual strength of aikido

• Explains the nature of the five vowels that govern the physical manifestations of universal consciousness

• Uses more than 300 photographs to demonstrate a unique approach to aikido techniques that supports advanced spiritual practice

• Creator is a 6th dan aikido instructor

Aikido founder Ueshiba Morihei described the discipline as one spirit, four souls, three origins, and eight powers. One spirit and four souls are the five vowel dimensions of infinite space, the source of the sacred sounds of Kototama. Now, for the first time in English, William Gleason explains how to use the sounds of Kototama in the practice of aikido.

Aikido is regularly approached as a purely physical discipline, but this is a in point of fact profound spiritual vehicle for many who approach it with sincerity of purpose. The five vowels represent more than a few dimensions and stages of awareness, whose different powers are revealed through aikido practice. The usage of more than 300 photographs, Gleason sensei presents physical routines that provide an introduction into the Kanagi, Sugaso, and Futonorito levels of spiritual development.

Understanding the sacred sounds related to each of these dimensions, the adept gains not only the ability to realize the stages inherent in spiritual mastery but also the ability to handle health and balance in his or her own life. “When fish move through water, there’s no end to the water; when birds fly, there’s no end to the sky.” In a similar fashion, humans swim and fly in an ocean of sounds. Understanding Kototama allows human beings to view the world without distortion and allows the creative powers of the mind to flourish.