Osensei is speaking about the path of Egolessness. He
doesn't mean his personal ego self but rather the path
of Unification. When he looks back he saw everyone learning
Aikido to defeat others. He maintained that Aikido was
the path of Love and not to defeat others but rather that
when someones mind was turned to attack and injury to
another they in fact broke the unity with the universe
and therefore brought about their own downfall. If one
was at peace and at one with the universal mind then in
fact you dont do anything. It is the outward appearance
which gives that impression. Osensei maintained that he
did nothing and his attackers bought about their own downfall,
his awareness controlled his actions,rather than his attachment
to the idea of winning. He could not only see their movement
before the physical manifestation but he could see their
mind and intention. His body moved in accord with his
perception yet he (his true self- the witness) observed
it take place. You cannot be that which you observe...
otherwise who is observing?
This is why we need to constantly reflect on his teaching
and strive to pursue the spiritual path
( the "do") rather than defeating others...
easy said rather than done. We have no choice but to work
on the principle of defeating our opponent, initially,
simply to bring about a heightened awareness. It is the
initial desire which begins our journey in self discovery
so to speak From that state we may glimpse or have a satori
which will drive us further eventually seeing within ourselves
our true state.i.e one of untty with all and everything.
So yes we have no choice but to pursue our so called "own
path" but through diligent practice we may possibly
be shown the next step, it depends on the desire and efforts
of each individual. Then we may follow Osensei or else
we pusue our own way and stay attached to our Ego and
self importance as symbolized by our "martial skills".
Selfless action is the path of which Osensei speaks. |
