(Re-posted from General Discussion 12/04/23)

I'm reading a new book at the moment - Total Aikido: The Master Course, and came across this quote by the author, Gozo Shioda. Shioda sensei was one of the last living links directly back to Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.

"It is said that aikido is the Way of Harmony.

I think it is simple to explain this saying.

If you face someone, and you can make that person's animosity disappear, by your own true character, this is the Harmony of Becoming One. This is not a compromise.

Harmony is a matter of having strength yourself, and then making the other your ally.

He becomes your partner. This is 'making harmony in opposition.'

But, unless you accumulate virtue, it is impossible.

To sum up, the foundation is your own inner strength."

I am an avid reader and have this prized collection of MA books in my library, many I've had for 50 years. Here's a picture of some of them. The pages are yellowed and worn in several but every page still speaks to me and every time I pick up anyone of these much loved pages of my life, I never fail to learn something new.

Do any of you of any of these titles in your library? If so what's your favorite? Why? Do you have others you would recommend?