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In the tranquil seclusion of Iwama, distanced from the destruction of the recent world war and the confines of urban life, a man deeply distressed by violence and evil dedicated himself to the practices of martial arts, farming, and meditation.

After years in the mountains, he developed Aikido—a martial art emphasizing the integration of body, mind, and spirit and resolving conflict through harmonious movements.

Aikido, which means "the way of harmony with life energy," teaches us to confront aggression not with force but with redirection and control.

In every instance of the art, from the physical to the mental planes, we are taught to accept the aggression, bring the adversary towards us, and neutralize the conflict.

Evil thrives in a vacuum of goodness.

Thus, the more goodness we spread, the less room there is for evil.

Life tests our wealth, well-being, and safety, presenting us with tribulations and trials.

The critical question is not whether we will face these challenges but how we respond when they arise.

The Sunnah provides clear guidance: respond with patience and purity, the essence of our spiritual journey.

In adversity, we should not retaliate with harm but with goodness.

Respond to any foul deed, whether from ourselves or others, with a good deed that will blot it out.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) exemplified wisdom, patience, and calmness in adversity.

He remained patient and gentle when provoked, mastering his anger rather than being mastered by it.

True strength lies not in overpowering others but in having the discipline to control one’s impulses.

We are often provoked out of ignorance.

We may face slander, falsehoods, and ridicule, but like the moon, which remains glorious no matter how much the dogs bark at it, we must remain steadfast, embodying our faith's teachings.

In this era of manipulation and deceit, where the path to wrongdoing is well-tread, we maintain our dignity and integrity through our faith, endurance, surrender, and patience.

These virtues are essential in maintaining our dignity and integrity in times of strife, a wisdom integral to our faith.

We can only conquer the external and internal challenges we face today by adhering to these principles.

PS: For more insights into Aikido, we’ve shared a summary of Ueshiba’s book, The Art of Peace below.