Using Aikido and Transpersonal Psychology Concepts as Tools for Reconciling Conflict

Abstract

Aikido is often presented as a martial art that reconciles conflict, rather than focuses merely on winning and losing. Its founder, Morihei Ueshiba (n.d., n.p.), is frequently quoted as stating: “Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat an enemy. It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family.” Conceptual tools from psychology, and particularly its specialized area known as transpersonal psychology, provide avenues to deepen the understanding of Aikido’s potential for reconciling conflict, including at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and even global levels. These tools situate Aikido within a scientific, albeit a very open-minded and broad, framework, that provides a naturalistic lens through which to examine Aikido. This chapter explores the relationship between Aikido, psychology, and transpersonal psychology for reconciling conflict.