Itoism, a concept born from the intricate philosophies of Nishio Ito and his students, isn’t simply a school of thought; it's an active practice. It begins with the realization that existence itself is not fixed, but rather a perpetual flow – a ceaseless becoming. This ‘flow,’ termed “Kihon,” isn't merely a physical movement, though movement certainly plays a role. It’s fundamentally about recognizing and harmonizing with this underlying current of change.
Ito believed that the human mind, trapped in linear thought patterns, actively resists this Kihon. We cling to definitions, labels, and fixed identities, creating artificial boundaries that sever us from the true nature of reality. Itoism proposes a radical shift: to dismantle these constructed barriers through rigorous self-observation – “Shikibo” – and an unwavering commitment to letting go.
Think of a river. A rigid dam tries to hold it back, creating stagnation and potential for catastrophic failure. The flow, however, adapts, finding new channels, eroding the dam itself, ultimately returning to its source and continuing its journey. Itoism advocates not for resistance, but for surrender to this process.
Nishio Ito’s teachings were initially passed down within small, private groups, emphasizing direct experience over dogma. His students, including Toshiharu Suzuki and later Kenji Tanaka, further developed the practice, adding elements of Zen Buddhism and martial arts training (particularly Aikido) to deepen the understanding of Kihon.
Tanaka’s work, in particular, explored the application of Itoism to everyday life – from professional performance to personal relationships. He argued that the principles of Kihon could be used to enhance creativity, improve communication, and foster genuine connection with others. He even theorized a ‘Kihon Field,’ a subtle energetic matrix that permeates all things, connecting everything within it.
Today, Itoism is experiencing a resurgence of interest, driven by a growing dissatisfaction with traditional philosophical frameworks and a desire for more embodied approaches to self-discovery. Many practitioners describe feeling a profound sense of liberation and interconnectedness through the practice.