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NUGGETS OF WISDOM
for
Successful Living
The Art of Peace
Many of us are familiar with Sun Tzu’s The
Art of War. It is frequently referred to as a guide for business
success. We agree that vision, strategy, leadership, focus,
discipline, tactics, and implementation are necessary in the success of any
endeavor. However, it is so easy to internalize the Art of War philosophy
in our daily lives. When we do, we create potential problems for our world
view.
It is necessary to consider that The Art of
War is a Chinese military treatise that was written during the 6th century
BC by Sun Tsu. Each of the thirteen chapters is devoted to an aspect
of warfare.
If we plan and live our lives as if we were
waging war, we can’t expect peace to be an integral part.
The Art of Peace was developed by Morihei
Ueshiba, recognized as history’s greatest martial artist. Even as an
old man of eighty, Morihei could disarm any foe, down any number of
attackers, and pin an opponent with a single finger. However, despite his
prowess as a martial artist, he was a man of peace who detested fighting,
war, and any kind of violence. His way was Aikido, which can be
translated as “The Art of Peace.”
Dr. Gerald began reading The Art of Peace
over a decade ago, and recently re-discovered the book and completed
reading it. Although his teachings already embrace Mr. Ueshiba’s
philosophy, Dr. G is expanding the role of The Art of Peace throughout his
work.
We want you to begin now understanding how
you can apply the Art of Peace in your life. Following are excerpts
from the book.
The
Art of Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in
the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that
can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here for
no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your
innate enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art
to all that you encounter.
The Art of Peace
is medicine for a sick world. There is evil and disorder in the world
because people have forgotten that all things emanate from one source.
Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty
desires, and anger. Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.
Contemplate the
workings of this world, listen to the words of the wise, and take all that
is good as your own. With this as your base, open your own door to truth.
Do not overlook the truth that is right before you. Study how water flows
in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from
holy books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and
trees - should be your teacher.
As soon as you
concern yourself with the good and bad of your fellows, you create an
opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with,
and criticizing others weaken and defeat you.
The Art of Peace
is not easy. It is a fight to the finish, the slaying of evil desires and
all falsehood within. On occasion the Voice of Peace resounds like thunder,
jolting human beings out of their stupor.
We hope that you can apply this philosophy to
your life, beginning now.
Dr.
G’s address at the East St. Louis Economic Council is now on You Tube, in
three parts. Click on each link to view the video.
Part
1
Remember
to invite others to the Thursday and Saturday Information Sessions at
the SMART Center.
Continue to pray for our country's
leaders.
Be sure to visit www.llife.org
for Dr. G's events and class schedule.
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