Below some of O-Sensei’s sayings on the Divine. Morihei Ueshiba clearly emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong relationship with the Divine, by recognizing and acknowledging the Divine Presence, and by developing, strengthening and maintaining a bond with this Divine Presence.
“Whom do I make a companion of? The Divine.
Aikido’s only purpose is to perform the work of the Divine.
You should first make the Divine’s heart yours. It is a Great love, Omnipresent in all quarters and in all times of the Universe.
There is no discord in love. There is no enemy of love. A mind of discord, thinking of the existence of an enemy is no more consistent with the Will of the Divine.
I leave everything as it is to the Divine, not only when being attacked but also in daily live.
The “Way” means to be one with the Will of the Divine and practice it. If we are even slightly apart from it, it is no longer the Way.
Those who seek to study Aikido should open their minds, listen to the sincerity of the Divine through Aikido, and practice it.
A mind to serve for the peace of all human beings in the world is needed in Aikido.
You are here for no other purpose than to realize your own inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment.
It is my wish that you master aikido including its spiritual dimension. Let us study together devoting ourselves fully.
We must accomplish our missions as human beings and become guideposts for the Great Union and Harmony of the Universal Family. Therefore, we must understand Universal Truth, the true state of things, and attain oneness with the Divine Spirit. We must learn from the manifestations and works of the Divine in this Great Universe, and assist in His administration serving as a sword (tsurugi).
In aikido, it is absolutely indispensable that we stand on the Floating Bridge of Heaven (Ame no Ukihachi). This is essential for us to return to and be unified with the Divine, who is the spiritual source, the Original Parent.
And we must stand on the Floating Bridge even if we can find nothing else. Before the Divine we must give up our ego, freeing our mind of all thoughts and endeavor to be able to execute divine deeds by calming our spirit and returning to the Divine.
The primary divine work is attaining oneness with the Divine, the Creator, returning to and unifying with the Divine in harmony. We can realize this work by carrying out our God-given missions and unifying ourselves with the Divine Spirit, that is, becoming one with the Great Universe.”
– Morihei Ueshiba