Divine Revelation and Enlightenment: Morihei Ueshiba’s Vision for Aikido

In the realm of Aikido, the founder Morihei Ueshiba embarked on a transformative journey, guided by profound divine revelations that bestowed upon him a sacred mission to manifest harmony and purification in a world fraught with turbulence.

According to legend, Ueshiba received numerous Shinji 神示 (divine revelations) throughout his life. One significant revelation occurred on December 14, 1940, which coincided with Ueshiba’s birthday. At 2:00 AM that day, Ueshiba performed a one-hour Suigyo ritual, a water purification ceremony. During this ritual, he prayed for the descent of deities (kami) associated with Aikido, resulting in the arrival of 43 guardian deities. The first to descend was Sarutahiko-Okami 猿多毘古大神, followed by others, and eventually, Ama-no-Murakumo-Kuki-Samuhara-Ryu-O 天の村雲九鬼さむはら竜王.

Ama-no-Murakumo-Kuki-Samuhara-Ryu-O stated, “I have merged with the bloodline of the Ueshiba family. I am the guardian deity of Aikido. You should embody Izunome and purify this world.” Ueshiba was initially surprised and skeptical. He struggled to believe and understand this revelation and became so sick he almost died. During this severe illness, he reached a stage of Satori 悟り (enlightenment), realizing that the purpose of Aikido is not to kill or fight but to love and fulfill the heavenly duty of purifying the world. Aikido is love, and with love one can encompass the opponent and cleanse him. And for this reason, Ueshiba prohibited competition in Aikido.

Ama-no-Murakumo-Kuki-Samuhara-Ryu-O is the guardian deity of the Ueshiba family and Aikido. The name itself carries several meanings. Ama-no-Murakumo 天の村雲 refers to “heavenly gathering clouds” and is often associated with divine or supernatural powers in Japanese mythology. Kuki 九鬼 literally means “nine oni (demons)”. In Japanese mythology, oni are often depicted as large, muscular humanoid figures with wild hair, sharp horns with either red or blue skin. Oni symoblize fear, malevolence and power. However, they also appeared as guardians or protectors in some traditions. Samuhara (さむはら or サムハラ) is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word Saṃvara 三跋羅, meaning “protection.” It was commonly engraved on blades as a symbol of safeguarding. Ryu-O means “dragon king”. The Dragon King, also known as Hayatakemusu-OKami 速武産大神, is regarded as the source deity of all Ki 気, possessing the purifying power to cleanse impurities and governing the creative forces in heaven and earth.

A painting of Ama-no-Murakumo-Kuki-Samuhara-Ryu-O and a calligraphy of Hayatakemusu-OKami

In this revelation, Ama-no-Murakumo-Kuki-Samuhara-Ryu-O instructed Ueshiba to embody Izunome (伊豆能売). Izunome is a female deity mentioned in the Kojiki (古事記). When Izanagi (伊邪那岐) returned from the underworld, two deities were born from the impurities of the underworld. Izunome, as the third-born deity, emerged to rectify the calamities caused by the first two. Izunome is interpreted as either a pure priestess responsible for purification rituals or a goddess symbolizing the cleansing and purifying of impurities.

Izanagi went to the underworld to see his death wife Izanami

This revelation is cited in various sources, including the book “A Life in Aikido” by the Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba. While it incorporates strong mythological elements, how one interprets it is a matter of personal perspective. However, its underlying message is profound: Aikido surpasses being a mere martial art, as it is infused with divine power, serving a higher purpose. Ueshiba, together with Aikido, assumes the responsibility of purifying the world, resolving conflicts, and fostering peace among humanity. It is important to note that this revelation occurred during a time of global upheaval, with the outbreak of World War II following Germany’s invasion of Poland the previous year and the signing of the Tripartite Pact by Germany, Italy, and Japan on September 27, 1940, further contributing to the turbulent state of the world. These historical circumstances, coupled with Ueshiba’s faith in the Omoto-kyo religion, undoubtedly influenced his visionary perspective on Aikido.

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