Aiki Jinja
(Extracted from Aikido-L)

Date:    Tue, 30 Apr 2002 10:48:13 -0700
From:    David Monahan-Lesseps
Subject: Re: Aiki Jinja

>I put up a very simple page with some photos from the Aiki Jinja at Iwama
>
><http://homepage.mac.com/christopherli/PhotoAlbum2.html>
>
>Best,
>
>Chris


Fun pictures, I particularly enjoy seeing the photos that provide a clear view of the shrine interior; made me wish I was there. This also lead to a question I've been pondering for a while.  What is the purpose of the shrine, and how is it viewed today by contemporary japanese aikidoka?  My understanding is that Morihei Ueshiba built the shrine to house the Kami of Aikido, and as a place for training the spirit. How is it viewed in Japan now? It seems to be more than just the dojo of Saito Sensei, and you mention that the ceremony for O'Sensei and Doshu Kishomaru Sensei, but do you think that O'sensei's original intent is preserved?  What does the non-Saito camp think of the shrine?
A tangent to this question is, what about Saotome Sensei's Aiki-shrine in Florida?  I am aware that it exists, and have seen a few photos, but that is
the extent of what I know about it.  What is Saotome's intent in building the shrine?  It seems like it is more than just a retirement home.  Is it open for regular training, or just the occasional seminar?  Does it have any connection to the Iwama shrine, and does the Aikikai give it any official recognition?
If anybody on the list has personal experience with either shrine I would love to hear your views on these questions.

David "I don't have a Shrine" M-L

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 1 May 2002 06:41:17 +0900
From:    Christopher Li
Subject: Re: Aiki Jinja

>Fun pictures, I particularly enjoy seeing the photos that provide a clear
>view of the shrine interior; made me wish I was there.
>This also lead to a question I've been pondering for a while.  What is the
>purpose of the shrine, and how is it viewed today by contemporary japanese
>aikidoka?  My understanding is that Morihei Ueshiba built the shrine to
>house the Kami of Aikido, and as a place for training the spirit. How is it
>viewed in Japan now? It seems to be more than just the dojo of Saito Sensei,
>and you mention that the ceremony for O'Sensei and Doshu Kishomaru Sensei,
>but do you think that O'sensei's original intent is preserved?  What does
>the non-Saito camp think of the shrine?

Originally, the purpose (as I understand these things) was to house the 42 (?) protective dieties of Aikido.  It also gave M. Ueshiba a place to pray every morning, which apparently could go on for a couple of hours each day.

I don't think that there's any particular division between non-Saito and Saito folks in views of the shrine in Japan.  It's certainly regarded as an important historical landmark.

>A tangent to this question is, what about Saotome Sensei's Aiki-shrine in
>Florida?  I am aware that it exists, and have seen a few photos, but that is
>the extent of what I know about it.  What is Saotome's intent in building
>the shrine?  It seems like it is more than just a retirement home.  Is it
>open for regular training, or just the occasional seminar?  Does it have any
>connection to the Iwama shrine, and does the Aikikai give it any official
>recognition?

Not that I know of - I would think it unlikely.

Best,

Chris

------------------------------

Date:    Wed, 1 May 2002 09:41:06 -0400
From:    "Drysdale, Alan E."
Subject: Re: Aiki Jinja

>A tangent to this question is, what about Saotome Sensei's Aiki-shrine in
>Florida?  I am aware that it exists,

Near Myakka City, home of the swamp ape.

and have seen a few photos, but that is
>the extent of what I know about it.  What is Saotome's intent in building
>the shrine?  It seems like it is more than just a retirement home.  Is it
>open for regular training, or just the occasional seminar?

Can't say for sure what his intent was, but he teaches seminars there, invitation only.  Very nice building at the 2 acre "Aiki Ranch" where the Saotomes also live (in a separate building).  I hear that he would like to extend it and add accommodations for students.

Saotome Sensei is cutting back on his rather busy seminar schedule, but I don't think he would be considered retired.

Does it have any
>connection to the Iwama shrine, and does the Aikikai give it any official
>recognition?

I have no idea.

Alan

------------------------------

Last updated on 13 Sep 2002