The art of Peace I practice has room for each of the world's

"The art of Peace I practice has room for each of the world's eight million gods, and I cooperate with them all. The God of Peace is very great and enjoins all that is divine and enlightened in every land." These words, spoken by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, reflect a profound truth about peace, unity, and the divine. Ueshiba teaches us that true peace is not the imposition of one belief over another, but the harmonious blending of all that is sacred and enlightened in the world. His vision of the art of peace is all-encompassing, accepting the diversity of the world's religions, gods, and spiritual paths. It speaks to a universal truth, one that transcends borders, sects, and ideologies, and calls us to recognize the divine in all forms, while striving for unity and understanding.

In the ancient world, the concept of peace was often intertwined with the divine. Homer, in his epics, spoke of peace as a gift from the gods, something that could only be achieved when the divine will aligned with the actions of mortals. The ancient Greeks viewed the gods not as distant figures of judgment, but as forces that interacted with the world in profound ways, guiding individuals toward virtue and justice. The gods were many, but they were all part of a greater unity, a divine harmony that governed the world. Similarly, Ueshiba’s art of peace reflects the ancient understanding that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of harmony between all things, human and divine alike.

The ancient Romans, too, understood that peace required the integration of diverse beliefs and practices. The Roman Empire, though vast and encompassing many cultures and religions, was held together by the concept of Pax Romana—a peace that came not from the domination of one religion or culture over another, but from the acceptance and inclusion of various beliefs under the overarching law of Rome. The Romans respected the gods of their many conquered peoples, understanding that the unity of the empire depended on recognizing the divine in all forms. Ueshiba’s approach mirrors this ancient wisdom—true peace does not demand uniformity, but embraces the diversity of spiritual paths, finding common ground in the pursuit of justice, compassion, and enlightenment.

Consider the story of Mahatma Gandhi, whose life was dedicated to the nonviolent pursuit of peace and justice. Gandhi’s vision of peace was deeply rooted in his belief in ahimsa—nonviolence—not just as a strategy, but as a spiritual principle that transcended the boundaries of any one religion. Though Gandhi was deeply influenced by his Hindu faith, he also drew upon the wisdom of Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam in his fight for Indian independence. He understood that peace could only be achieved when all people—regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs—worked together in cooperation and respect. Like Ueshiba, Gandhi believed that true peace was not the victory of one group over another, but the unification of diverse traditions in the pursuit of a common good.

The lesson of Ueshiba’s words is one of inclusivity and respect for the divine in all its forms. True peace cannot be achieved by forcing one belief upon others, but by recognizing the beauty and wisdom that exists in all religions and spiritual practices. The art of peace, as Ueshiba calls it, is not about the dominance of one ideology, but about the cooperation of all that is divine. Whether it is the gods of the Hindus, the Buddhists, the Christians, or the Muslims, the God of Peace calls us to recognize the inherent truths in each of these paths and to work together to build a world of justice and compassion. This is the true meaning of universal peace—one that transcends the boundaries of individual faiths and reaches toward a higher, common good.

In our own time, we are often divided by the barriers of religion, culture, and ideology. But Ueshiba's vision of peace offers us a path forward: a path where we acknowledge the divine in all traditions and work together to heal the wounds of the world. Whether we are dealing with political or personal conflicts, we must remember that true peace is not about winning or imposing our will on others. It is about recognizing the humanity and spirituality in each person and seeking common ground in the pursuit of a better world. This requires humility, the willingness to listen, and the courage to set aside our differences in favor of unity.

The lesson here is not just for leaders, but for each of us in our everyday lives. We must strive to be agents of peace, understanding that peace is not a passive state, but an active force that requires effort, respect, and cooperation. Whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, we must foster an environment where diversity is celebrated and where peace is the ultimate goal. Just as Ueshiba practiced the art of peace, we, too, can dedicate ourselves to this noble cause. It starts with us—each individual has the power to contribute to a peaceful world by embracing the wisdom of all paths and working toward a common good that honors the divine in each of us.