Today's message comes from Robert Frager Shihan, 7th dan, founder of Sofia University (formerly the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology) in Palo Alto, California. Keynote speaker at this June's Aiki Extensions conference in Virginia, Frager Sensei is a pioneer in applying aiki principles to daily life. He is also a Harvard-trained Ph.D. in psychology, ordained Sufi spiritual guide, and direct student of O Sensei. This is his message:
‘I was immediately drawn to Aikido when I read O Sensei’s saying, “The martial arts are love.” It touched me very powerfully. Then I read O Sensei’s explanation: Love is the spirit of protection of all things and the martial arts are meant to protect our families, towns and countries. The best way to protect others is love not violence. More recently I’ve been struck by another saying of O Sensei: “The goal of Aikido is to turn an enemy into a friend.”
Aikido gives us a practical way to practice peace. May we all practice Aikido with this loving attitude, especially during this coming Peace Week.’
Best,
Bob
