That precious way of Izu and Mizu.....

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[jvdz]

I suppose those two are deities from Shinto, or Shingon Buddhism?
I ran onto those names a couple of times before and I'm curious what they mean, or what they stand for.
Anyone out there who would comment on the subject?

Thanks.

[Nick]

"IZU is the masculine, stern aspect that gives form to the universe; MIZU is the feminine, gentle aspect that gives it function. IZU, associated with Izanagi, is the Father, MIZU, accociated with Izanami, is the Mother. IZU sanctions and corrrects, MIZU offers love and goodness. The two aspects interect to shape the Cross of Aiki, which sustains the world. Morihei stated that this cross of IZU-MIZU was the basis of Aikido."

from "The Essence of Aikido", Ueshiba/Stevens, pg. 47.


Hope that helps,

Nick

[jvdz]

Thank you very much Nick.

That definetly makes sense,too, if Izu and Mizu somewhat represent basics.

First you learn a technique (form) then you add functionality to that technique.
Very interesting.

[Edited by jvdz on December 21, 2000 at 12:38am]