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Old 02-28-2001, 10:26 AM   #8
Jim23
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 482
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Quote:
BC wrote:
I recall reading in a number of articles and interviews that these tall tales were just that. A number of sources have debunked much of the tales John Stevens discusses in his book. Additionally, even the late Nidai Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba denied these events and discouraged belief in them.

Another explanation offered by historical researchers was that O Sensei expressed himself very much in terms of his view of the world through his spiritual beliefs - those of Shinto and Omoto. Therefore, O Sensei's verbal expressions reflected the kinds of imagery consistent with these spiritual beliefs, and shouldn't be taken literally or out of context. This is how I have decided to regard and interpret such tales. I believe O Sensei was, in the end, just a human being. A very gifted martial artist and highly spiritual person, but a man nonetheless.
Robert, this is the most sensible thing I've read in a while!

I think that people who believe in the myth are a bit naive. Great people can do great things, but magic or superhuman feats?

Jim23

Remember, all generalizations are false
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