I’ve just re-read two books: The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba, history’s greatest martial artist,  and Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise by Thich Nhat Hanh.  I recommend them both as an anchor in these times of being led by those who are ruled by power and greed, with no awareness of a world we share, a world of interdependence and connection.

You can read Morihei’s three visions in his book translated by John Stevens.  I give two.  

“After defeating a high-ranking swordsman by avoiding all his cuts and thrusts (Morehei was unarmed), Morihei went into his garden. “Suddenly the earth trembled. Golden vapor welled up from the ground and engulfed me. I felt transformed into a golden image, and my body seemed as light as a feather. All at once I understood the nature of creation: the Way of a Warrior is to manifest Divine Love, a spirit that embraces and nurtures all things. Tears of gratitude and joy streamed down my cheeks. I saw the entire earth as my home, and the sun, moon, and stars as my intimate friends. All attachment to material things vanished.”

“The third vision was in 1942, during the worst of the fighting of World War II and in one of the darkest periods of human history. Morihei had a vision of the Great Spirit of Peace, a path that could lead to the elimination of all strife and the reconciliation of humankind, “The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood as a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek competition are making a grave mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst sin a human being can commit. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent slaughter – it is the Art of Peace, the power of love.”