Aikido and conflict
The function of aikido is not to remove conflict from society, but rather to keep it under control. Removing conflict from society is an impossible task because conflict is a natural part of existence, just as death is a natural part of life. If there was no death, life on earth would be hell- there would not even be room to sneeze. Death is needed for the wheel of life to keep turning. And so, in the same way conflict is needed for normal existence. If an imbalance grows in society, conflict will arise and it will re-instate the balance. Conflicting interests keep our behaviour in check.
But conflict is also like a fire: if it goes out of control it can cause great destruction. Violence is a sign that conflict has gone out of control. It is fair to say that the role of aikido is to stop violence and re-instate harmony. Conflict may continue, but violence is the thing that must be stopped.
Violence wil always be around somewhere because it is a natural part of the human behavioural spectrum. So Aikido is always a handy skill to have.
The principals of aikido are not only effective in stopping violence, but also in resolving ordinary conflict. On the deeper level aikido is more than just a martial art. It is way of conflict resolution, a way of creating peace and harmony.
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