Meditation has been the core spiritual practice throughout human history. In fact, Aikido began with a profound awakening that was triggered by the founder's deep commitment to the spiritual path. Meditation is the spiritual depth from which O Sensei's creative genius emerged. It is the very source of the art we all know and love as Aikido.
However, over time the potential of awakening through Aikido has been largely lost. These days spirituality in Aikido has been reduced to a vaguely defined esoteric idea that is out of reach of the average person.
The fact is, Aikido’s rich spiritual potential is all too often reduced to the material dimensions of technical training, self defense and martial arts. It is true that the technical and martial aspects of the art are amazing. But was this O Sensei's mission for Aikido in the world? Did you ever wonder what happened to Aikido as one of humanities sacred awakening traditions?
Has Aikido as a spiritual path been completely lost?
Spiritual traditions have used the practice of meditation as a technology for awakening throughout millennia. But chances are that you've accepted the common assumption that awakening in Aikido is either impossible, or simply out of your reach. An exception for a rare few, and only then after years of committed practice.
But the fact is that awakening to your deepest spiritual nature has been the liberating goal of all spiritual traditions, including Aikido. These traditions are in clear and unanimous agreement in their declaration that:
True awakening can never be attained as long as you consider it to be an out of reach mystical secret. Could it be possible to awaken the Spiritual Unity of O Sensei's Aikido... here and now? Could Aikido be a higher path of attaining wisdom, compassion and creativity?
Let's be clear. Aikido is an authentic spiritual path that deserves a place as one of humanities sacred spiritual traditions. Surely you have experienced:
And yet, the chances are that you believe the common assumption that the spiritual wisdom at the core of Aikido is only accessible after years of austere training, and only for a rare few.
Now thanks to the pioneering efforts of meditation teacher and Aikido Sensei Miles Kessler this is about to change.
"Meditation For Aikidoka" is a groundbreaking course that will empower you to awaken the wisdom and compassion at the core of the art of Aikido. When you join "Meditation For Aikidoka" you will get straight forward guidance, simple meditation practices and Aikido exercises that are easy to understand and in plain english. Through the course of this program you will immediately see your capacity for deep empathy, connection and creativity increase and directly impact both your Aikido, and your life.
Now the secrets to the art are available to you and the best thing about "Meditation For Aikidoka" is that it doesn’t take decades to awaken. Instead of spending years of endless technical repetition, you will immediately begin experiencing the spiritual heart of Aikido. Which is also the fundamental core of your Being.
All you need to do to unlock your own spiritual potential is to learn the spiritual practices and principles that enable you to awaken Aikido's liberating wisdom any place and any time.
We’re excited to announce that, starting Nov. 26th, 2017, for only the second time, the online course "Meditation For Aikidoka" will be available to the global Aikido community.
Meditation teacher and Aikido sensei Miles Kessler will guide you through a comprehensive step-by-step program where you will learn the practice of Meditation that will unlock spiritual awakening in your Aikido practice, and your life.
Over 8 consecutive weeks, from the privacy and comfort of your own home, you’ll learn the powerful, effective, and life-changing meditation practice that has already impacted the lives of many people around the world.
Hello All,
I'm excited to announce that for only the second time I will be offering a comprehensive 8-week on line program to teach you the practice of "Meditation For Aikidoka".
I have been teaching both Aikido and meditation for over 20 years and even though these two disciplines do have the same spiritual core... all to often they are not connected.
On my own spiritual path I have had the honor of deep learning from some of the greatest masters in both the Aikido and Buddhist meditation traditions. Together with their invaluable guidance I have also had the great privilege of being in spiritual friendship with a global community of teachers and researchers who are tirelessly working to evolve Aikido and meditation in a way that meets the needs of life in the 21st century.
Both in my teaching travels and here at home, I am regularly approached by students who long to bring together the spiritual wisdom of Aikido and of meditation. It is with this clear communal need that I have developed this course... just for you.
Through out this course, together with your global practice community (and some simply awesome guest teachers) you will learn the potent, life-changing meditation practice that has already transformed the lives of many.
I hope that you will join me in this spiritual journey of awakening through the practice of "Meditation For Aikidoka".
With Love,
Miles
"The course "Meditation for Aikido" has enabled me to establish meditation as a part of my life. Miles's teaching is both profound and simple because it is based on his own true understanding of the dharma. It has given me the skills to connect with and explore my own inner awareness and freedom."
"Miles is a modest and precious teacher who creates an atmosphere that is very pleasant and special. He provides practical tools that helped me to integrate the teachings in daily life and better contain the challenges of a long day."
"Before taking this course, I didn't know much about meditation, let alone how it was relevant to aikido. Today, I have a daily meditation practice as well as a theoretical framework that influence my aikido and my life in ways I could not have predicated. This course is invaluable for any aikidoka of any rank. I am grateful for what I have learned from Miles and the amazing people who joined me."
"The MFA course helped me to make important progress in both my meditation and aikido practice. The virtual classes, community calls, along with the dharma discussions available online all helped to implement into daily practice what earlier was sort of a struggle. On my journey Miles has been an immense source of wisdom, a very approachable teacher, and an attentive coach."
"The Meditation for Aikidoka course has taken my Aikido to a new level of understanding. More importantly, this course has opened new visions in my spiritual practice. It has been a turning point in my life. "
"Connecting with Miles and the MFA community has helped me to grow by finding deeper meaning in my practice. What Miles offers is an important and it has made a wonderful difference for my own meditation, Aikido, and my work as a hypnotherapist. I feel very grateful for his deep, special work."
"This course has absolutely enriched both my aikido and meditation practices, intertwining them forever! Miles Kessler skillfully blends his solid experience in both Aikido and meditation into this excellent and unique course that serves both beginners and experienced practitioners in both arenas. This course is very interactive and rich in content, activities, and support."
"After many years of trying to find a way to connect a meditation practice with my aikido practice, Meditation For Aikidoka finally enabled me to do that in a very meaningful way. Miles Kessler is unique. He is extraordinarily skilled as a teacher and guide and I highly recommend this course to all aikidoka everywhere."
"I started this course knowing next to nothing about meditation. Miles' style of instruction was ideal because it was easy to understand, but complex enough for experienced students as well. He is an endless resource and inspiration. I actually look forward to meditating daily. I hope I get a chance to take this class again!"
"Miles Kessler’s understanding of both Aikido and Meditation runs very deep, and very wide. His class is reflective of his lifelong practice; and his ability to synthesize vast amounts of learning in order to meet each student where they are on this path. I am deeply grateful for his guidance. "
Self discovery always begins with the unknown, curiosity and the simple question of "Who am I?" SHOSHIN means "beginner's mind" and it is the fundamental attitude of every seeker of self discovery. It is an attitude that is essential for the beginning of your journey, but also for each and every step on the Path of higher wisdom.
What you will learn in this module:
Perhaps the most empowering injunction that O Sensei's left to us was "Masakatsu Agatsu", or "true victory is victory over oneself". What ever external challenges you may face they are nothing compared to the internal challenges of your own mind. Walking a higher Path of development means to face, work with, and integrate you own limitations. "Masakatsu Agatsu" is the battle cry for the Spiritual Warrior.
What you will learn in this module:
Most likely you believe that you are in control of your mind. However, at least sometimes it's probably the other way around. You don't have thoughts such as blame, judgment, fear, desire and hatred. But rather, it is usually the case that these thoughts have you. By purifying the mind through meditation these negative mental states and emotions will gradually become replaced by more positive states of being.
What you will learn in this module:
The unconscious mind is constantly ruminating on the past, and being concerned about the future. This can have practical benefits, but it also removes you from the present moment. Zanshin literally means "remaining mind" and it is the state of sustaining your awareness in the here and now. True Aikido, whether in the dojo or in life, can only happen when we meet each moment fresh and new.
What you will learn in this module:
We all see the world through rose colored glasses. The conceptual lenses of our education, our culture and our personal beliefs. Mushin means "No Mind" and it is the state of emptiness where all concepts drop away and you have a direct experience of reality. O Sensei said "To understand Aiki you must first understand emptiness." Mushin is the classic state to be attained to by the Spiritual Warrior.
What you will learn in this module:
Change is the universal state of all phenomena. Your body and mind are in constant flux and flow, never coming to complete rest. And yet paradoxically, it is possible to rest as a pure witness of all that is changing. This is a capacity that you can develop. "Fudomyo" is the mind that does not move. Rest as the unshakable witness in pure consciousness, you will discover what it truly means to be with the raising and passing away of all experience.
What you will learn in this module:
If the meditative state of "No Mind" dissolves all into emptiness, then the state of "Big Mind" embraces all in Oneness. Remaining limited in the dualistic view of self and other is a closed loop from which you can never escape the zero-sum cycle of conflict. Making the shift into the state of Big Mind will give you the liberating perspective where self and other truly come together as One.
What you will learn in this module:
Takemusu Aiki is the highest expression of Aikido. It is the tantric practice that merges the absolute and the relative together as one Path. With Emptiness & Oneness as the ground of being you are able to radically embrace all of reality. By bringing together the duality of conflict and harmony, true creativity becomes possible. The dance of conflict & harmony is the evolutionary unfolding of Aikido.
What you will learn in this module:
Miles Kessler Sensei is an American teacher of Aikido (6th Dan), meditation, and Integral Practice. He lived in Asia for over 12 years achieving mastery in both Aikido and meditation.
Miles studied Aikido full time at the famous Iwama dojo with the late Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th dan Aikikai), including one year as a live-in apprentence (uchi deshi).
After leaving Japan Miles spent a total of 3 years on intensive Vipassana meditation retreats. He practiced under the guidance of the renowned Burmese meditation master Sayadaw U Pandita in Burma, and Sayadaw U Vivekananda in Lumbini, Nepal. It was under their close guidance that Miles finished his formal meditation training in the Mahasi tradition in 2006.
Miles holds lineage in both the Iwama tradition of Aikido, and the Mahasi tradition of Vipassana meditation. This dual lineage is a rare accomplishment, making Miles a unique gift among western teachers.
Miles has been teaching internationally and guiding individuals and groups in developmental and transformational work for the past 20 years.
Miles has lived in Israel since 2006, where he is the guiding teacher of the Integral Dojo - Tel Aviv, a center for Aikido, Dharma, and Integral Practice.
Diane Musho Hamilton - Zen Roshi, Integral Facilatator, Author Of "The Zen Of You And Me"
“Miles Kessler is a rare kind of teacher. He has cultivated deep meditative discipline, he is a fully embodied Aikido master, and most importantly, his heart is wide open. You can't help but grow in his company."
Richard Strozzi-Heckler, PhD - 7th dan Aikido Sensei, Executive Leadership Coach, Author
"A bow of acknowledgement to Miles for creating the Virtual Dojo. If Aikido is going to have a part to play in this rapidly changing world, then we need Virtual Dojos to bring us together to share, collaborate and practice musubi. With this work Miles is helping us move towards leaving the world a better place.”
Lawrence Koichi Barrish - Senior Shinto Priest of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America, Dojo-Cho Kannagara Aikido
"Kessler Sensei embodies an abundant passion, penetrating understanding, and unusual depth of ability. Koichi Tohei Sensei once remarked that we human beings are like “people who have been bequeathed golden treasure by our parents, yet leave that treasure locked away, and instead beg for pennies”. It is my opinion that this describes much of what we see under the umbrella term “Aikido”. A welcome and bright exception would be the clarity and vision so elegantly expressed through the work of Miles Kessler Sensei.”
Linda Holiday Sensei - 6th Dan Aikido Teacher, Author, Director of Aikido Santa Cruz
“Miles’ teaching resonates with clarity and truth. You get a sense that his mind, heart and body are all in alignment as he speaks. His sincerity and humility make what he offers even more accessible and valuable.”
Mark Walsh - Coach of “Embodied Facilitation”, “Leadership Training”, & Director of Integration Training
“Miles is one of the wisest and most human facilitators I know. I love him dearly and respect his work."
Patrick Cassidy - 6th Dan Aikido Sensei, Meditation Teacher, Conflict Resolution Trainer
"Miles' spiritual insight, understanding of the Integral perspective, and embodiment of the principles of Aikido make him a rare facilitator and teacher. His unique capacity to share directly with others is an inspiring vision of human transformation.”
"I share a background with Miles of long-term mindfulness and aikido practice. I feel great appreciation for the energy and effort he generates to create opportunities for practitioners of aikido and mindfulness to share how they bring their practice to the world. It is such a gift!"
These live weekly 90 min. sessions are the heart of your MFA course experience. Together with the global MFA sangha you will meet via the Zoom video conference platform for a powerful and supportive community learning experience. With each module Miles will guide you through the "Mediation For Aikidoka" course, combining Dharma Talks, guided meditations, Dharma Discussions, breakout sessions, and a clarifying Q&A session with the course participants at the end of each call.
These sessions will be held on Sunday's at 11:00 a.m. PST. , 2:00 p.m. EST, 19:00 BST and Ireland, and 20:00 Central European timezone.
These weekly Q&A sessions are the perfect opportunity to gain deeper understanding of your meditation practice. Each week Miles will answer your questions on Facebook Live in our members only FB group. In these Q&A's Miles will guide you in fine tuning and clarifying your practice, as well as help you overcome any challenges you may be encountering. Q&S's with Miles is a powerful process where you have the opportunity to share your practice, or simply benefit by learning from the experiences of others. These sessions are the perfect way to tap into the collective intelligence of our global sangha.
Each week you will receive a practice video from Miles (approx. 20 min.) where he will take you on a further exploration of the module topic. In these videos Miles will help you to gain a deeper understanding of your meditation practice and how it relates to your Aikido and your life.
Each week you will receive a 30-minute recorded guided meditation audio to listen to throughout the week. Created exclusively for this course these "meditation downloads" are a powerful catalyst for awakening in your daily life through out the week. They will be available to you for listening to on line, or to download the audio file for listening on your portable device.
For each of the eight modules you will receive a PDF worksheet with easy to do exercises to help you carry the course practice into your dojo and daily life. These worksheets are great resources outlining the key points from each weekly module and help you integrate the practices and principles of "Meditation For Aikidoka."
Following each weekly session you will have the opportunity to meet with other members of the MAF community. In these 30 min. meetings you'll be about to connect with community members from around the world to discuss and share about your practice. These cohort meetings a great way to bond with other members of our global sangha.
An empowering part of the MAF program are the "Dharma Learning Pods". In these learning pods you will be grouped with one or two other members for self-organized meetings to practice together, and discuss your experience of the weekly modules. These Dharma Pods are a wonderful support for the course and a great way to bond with you fellow practitioners.
All of the course sessions and Q&A's will be recorded and together with the 8 practice videos will be available for replay on your member's site. You will have life-time access to the member's site where you can watch, re-watch, download and study the complete course at your convenience.
As a course participant you will gain access to our exclusive, closed facebook group. This forum is a learning community where you can interact with Miles and other course members as you go through your weekly modules and practices. Sharing your challenges, insights and breakthroughs in the practice can be extremely supportive and have a grounding effect on your practice.
Each one of the course module and Q&A sessions will be recorded and available to you on our audio archives page. You will be able to listen to these recordings on line, or to download to listen at your convenience. These audio archives will be a valuable Dharma resource for you to keep and re-listen to for years to come.
In addition to the MFA course you will get 4 live "Masterclass" sessions w/ our guest faculty
who are leaders in the fields of Meditation, Mindfulness, Therapy, & Leadership.
Dr. Ginny Jiko Whitelaw
Zen Master, Aikido Sensei, Author, & NASA Biophysicist (See More)
"Fudoshin & Hara"
Dec. 16th, 2018
Paul Linden Sensei
Aikido Sensei, Trauma Healing, & Peace Work Facilitator (See More)
"Aikido Is Meditation For Life"
Nov. 25th, 2018
Dr. Dominique Cassidy
Aikido Sensei, Meditation Teacher, Psychotherapist (See More)
"Centering In Centerlessness"
Date TBA
Rob Vincken Sensei
Aikido & Mindfulness Teacher, SeeTrue Mindfulness (See More)
"Mindfulness & Acceptance"
Date TBA
In this series of teaching and practice sessions you will be guided into Aikido's spiritual depth by some of the leading Aikido and meditation teachers in the world.
John Stevens, Wendy Palmer, Koichi Barrish, Patrick Cassidy, Teja "Fudomyo" Bell, Dominique Cassidy, Eran "Junryu" Vardi, Rob Vincken, & Miles Kessler.
This is the place for you to learn the powerful, effective, and life-changing practices that have already impacted the lives of many people around the world.
In this mini-course meditation teacher and Aikido sensei Miles Kessler will guide you through Aikido's spiritual dimensions into the perspectives and practices that will awaken Aikido's spiritual potential in your practice, and your life.
You will learn the powerful, effective, and life-changing practices that have already impacted the lives of many people around the world.
When you register to "Meditation For Aikidoka" you'll have a full month - that's 30 days - to go through the first 4 sessions and apply the teachings to Aikido and your life.
If you complete all the modules, complete the practice worksheets, attend the live Q&A sessions - and you're still not satisfied with tangible results, just let me know and I'll give you a full refund.
That's how confident I am in the value of the transformational experience you'll get from "Meditation For Aikidoka". I can't think of a more fair and reasonable offer than that.
Miles Kessler
Enroll Today And Join The "Meditation For Aikidoka" Global Community!
1 Payment
PLUS 3 ADDED BONUSES
($241 VALUE IN BONUSES!)
3 MONTHLY PAYMENTS
PLUS 3 ADDED BONUSES
($241 VALUE IN BONUSES!)
*All the live course sessions will be recorded for sharing with course participants. When purchasing this course, to the extent that you participate in these sessions, you are consenting to the recording of your image and voice for possible inclusion in future training programs from the Integral Dojo.
Once registration closes this course will not be available for a full year. Join our "Meditation For Aikidoka" community now and take your meditation to the next level!