Musubi – The Triangle, Circle and Square in Aikido

The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, used the symbols of square, triangle, and circle to describe the philosophy of Aikido. These symbols represent the concept of Musubi 結び, which is a Japanese Shinto 神道 term that describes the force or energy that brings different individuals or things together.

Each of the Musubi symbols has a special meaning and is associated with a kami 神 (deity). Iku Musubi (Triangle) represents the kami of life 生靈 and is associated with the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Taru Musubi (Circle) represents the kami of plentifulness 足靈, and Tamatsume Musubi (Square) represents the kami of completion and stability 玉留霊. The three symbols also represent the Sangen 三元 in the concept of Ichirei Shikon Sangen Hachiriki 一霊四魂三元八力 (One Spirit, Four Souls, Three Elements, Eight Powers), which is a framework used by Ueshiba to explain the structure of the universe. However, further discussion of this concept is beyond the scope of this article.

From the perspective of Shinto rituals, Musubi is frequently represented by the binding of Shimenawa 標縄 (sacred ropes) around trees, rocks, and other objects to signify their association with the Kami. Additionally, Musubi is symbolized by the act of creating a ceremonial knot called Mizuhiki 水引, which is commonly employed in Japanese culture to indicate unity and harmony. The concept of Musubi underscores the interdependence of all things in the universe.

Shimenawa 標縄 and Mizuhiki 水引

Ueshiba was a dedicated Shinto follower, and his Aikido is highly influenced by Shinto concepts. One of his popular quotes is:

“The body should be triangular, the mind circular. The triangle represents the generation of energy and is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolizes serenity and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands for solidity, the basis of applied control.”

Here are some more quotes about the symbols:

• “The circle symbolizes the spirit of harmony, the triangle symbolizes the spirit of progress, and the square symbolizes the spirit of solidity.”
• “The triangle represents the points where the spiritual, mental, and physical sides meet and the energy that is generated when these three points are united. The circle represents the infinite possibilities of unity and harmony, and the square represents the solid foundation of physical strength.”
• “The square is a symbol of stability and a solid foundation. It represents the earth, which is firm, solid, and dependable. This is why we use a square stance in Aikido, to ensure a strong foundation for our movements. But we must remember that the square is not complete without the circle. It is the circle that gives life and movement to the square, just as our spirit gives life and movement to our techniques.”

To summarize, the Musubi symbols carry deep religious significance and are integral to the framework that Ueshiba used to interpret the universe. Aikido is a martial art that emphasizes unity, alignment, and equilibrium with the universe. Therefore, understanding Ueshiba’s comprehension of these symbols and their connection to the universe is critical for understanding the essence of Aikido.

Author’s Note: We appreciate your readership! This article serves as a preliminary introduction to the subject matter. While we aim for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the content’s precision and it may contain elements of speculation. We strongly advise you to pursue additional research if this topic piques your interest. Begin your AikidoDiscovery adventure! 🙂