Today, I’m announcing the establishment of the Doshinokai Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. This organization will be focused mainly on promoting and learning The “Do” (or way of), the beauty and spirituality behind the Japanese Cultural Heritage Arts, such as Ikebana (Kado) – the way of flower arrangement; Sado – the Art of Tea, Shodo – Japanese Calligraphy (Particularly Abe Sensei’s Shodo arts); and Kojiki and Kotodama (Abe Sensei’s way). The Foundation will help people learn about the traditional Japanese healing arts of Misogi, Sotai, and Macrobiotics. There are so many Japanese Cultural Heritage arts, but what they all share is their simplicity, societal influence, the dedication of their historical originators and influence of their modern practitioners. In this way, their cultural identities are not separate from Aikido. In fact, they directly influence the way of Aikido as expressed in many of O’Sensei’s writings, his teachings, his way of moving and his activities throughout his life.
The main focus of these arts is to enhance one’s appreciation of nature and to clarify one’s own place in the environment. Furthermore, the characteristic of all these arts is that mind, body and spirit become integrated through a flower, a cup of tea, or brush to express the essential nature of each subject. By promoting the beauty, spirituality and simplicity behind these cultural arts, we can seek the true state of nature, calmness in one’s mind. We can receive rejuvenated power and as a result we can give inspiration to the people in our community. This is the main idea and purpose of The Doshinokai Foundation.
The Doshinokai Foundation has been a dream of mine from very early on in my Aikido career, back from when I first came to the United States, as some of you may remember. I am grateful for all the work that was put into creating this movement by a few of my long time and closest students. Even during this difficult period with many complications, my determination has not changed. I believe, on the contrary, now is the time to organize, develop, share, support and grow stronger together.
Everyone is seeking for something that positively activates and encourages one’s inner world, kokoro or heart; this seeking enhances one’s self-control and brings rejuvenating power to one’s society. I believe that this is the only way to fight against our invisible enemies.
The Doshinokai Foundation will be planning various events in the coming months that will allow us to learn more about these Japanese Cultural Heritage Arts. More information will follow soon as well as ways that you and our community can get involved and support this cause.
I know we are living in the middle of chaos; however life goes on and we must move forward toward our future. So, we will make it happen somehow, this celebration of the cultural events, and we will receive many inspirations from these cultural activities by sharing with our community. We are going to prepare and move forward little by little.
Please stay healthy!! And I look forward to seeing you soon!
Haruo Matsuoka, President