Unlike the authors of such warrior classics as The Art of War and The Book of the Five Rings, which accept the inevitability of war and emphasize cunning strategy as a means to victory, Morihei understood that continued fighting-with others, with ourselves, and with the environment-will ruin the earth. “The world will continue to change dramatically, but fighting and war can destroy us utterly. What we need now are techniques of harmony, not those of contention. The Art of Peace is required, not the Art of War.

When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.

If you have not linked yourself to true emptiness, you will never understand the art of peace.

To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.

One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train.

Foster and polish the warrior spirit while serving in the world; illuminate the path according to your inner light.

Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.