Sono Mama

Embracing Death : The samurai and the farmer

Thank you to Dan Sensei for a great class last evening. We look forward to your return.

Oxygen Atom

TEN

Can you coax your mind from its wandering and keep to the original oneness? Can you let your body become supple as a newborn child's? Can you cleanse your inner vision until you see nothing but the light? Can you love people and lead them without imposing your will? Can you deal with the most vital matters by letting events take their course? Can you step back from you own mind and thus understand all things? Giving birth and nourishing, having without possessing, acting with no expectations, leading and not trying to control: this is the supreme virtue.

Winter Semester Schedule

Hi All!

I hope the holiday break was a good one.

Beginning this week (January 6) keiko times are:

Mondays 10-11am
Wednesdays 10-11am & 5:30-7:20pm

*Please notice the earlier evening keiko time.

See you on the mat!

Happy Holidays!

Here's wishing a safe and happy holiday season to all of you followers of the way! I hope to see you soon!

Messisco Sensei

Here are a couple of highlights from the recent seminar with Dan Messisco Sensei. Thank you Dan!

Day Seminar with Dan Messisco Sensei

On Saturday, Oct. 17 Michigan Aikido will host a day seminar with Dan Messisco Sensei (6th Dan). Training will be from 10-noon and 3-5pm. Cost $50. Mat space is limited. For more info contact: danny_kline@hotmail.com / 419.494.8058

Beginner's Mind

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. ecc. 1:18

15

The ancient Masters were profound and subtle.
Their wisdom was unfathomable.
There is no way to describe it;
all we can describe is their appearance.

They were careful
as someone crossing an iced-over stream.
Alert as a warrior in enemy territory.
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water.

Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself?

The Master doesn't seek fulfillment.
Not seeking, not expecting,
she is present, and can welcome all things.
-Lao Tzu

Old and New

Here is a link to an interesting article comparing rankings systems over the years in japanese martial arts. http://www.judoinfo.com/ranks.htm

38:5

"Ritual is the husk of true faith, the beginning of chaos." Lao Tzu