Overview
The concept of time encapsulates elements of the physical and metaphysical world. This paper will explore Time from the perspective of the Physical World, from a Philosophical point of view and lastly how it relates to Aiki. In particular this paper will explore two key viewpoints of time, they being; a) time exists as a fundamental component of this Universe and b) time only exists as a concept within our minds.
Definition of Time
There are dozens of definitions of time. Three definitions have been chosen to define time in a broad sense that will be compatible with concepts explored within this paper.
- A nonspatial continuum in which events occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past through the present to the future. [1]
- An interval separating two points on this continuum. [1]
- A similar number representing a specific point on this continuum. [1]
Philosophical Concepts of Time
One particular Philosopher (Anil Rajvanshi) writes that "Time is Life and Life is Time" [2]. Anil later adds to this by stating that "Time, space and energy are interchangeable and have similar characteristics, which may be geometric in nature. This is the only way in which time can evolve from and devolve into space." [2].
Through the observation of young children and the anthropological study of primitive tribes we can determine that an understanding of the concept of time is not required for basic survival. People who do not understand the concept of time live purely in the Present and have no need to track time past or future.
So clearly we are able to perform the basic functions of life without understanding the concept of time. So if we can exist without understanding the concept of time, is it possible that time is only a concept within our minds?
Material Concepts of Time
In the material World in which we live, Time is extensively used to measure how much Money needs to be exchanged for services delivered. Time is used to monitor the progress of financial investments and obligations. Time is used to determine rewards and penalties. Time affects the way we sleep, eat, study, work, relax and procreate.
Time is used by Governments to regulate when we are permitted to socialise, obtain a drivers license and begin and end our working lives. Governments also regulate according to time when we may be able to perform household chores such as lawn mowing and use power tools.
Physical Concepts of Time
- Time is a fundamental quantity.
- The motions of the Sun, Moon and Earths rotation have demonstrated and symbolised time throughout humanity's existence.
- Time is not always a constant. It just appears this way at the slow speeds and constant gravitational force we typically deal with.
- Time dilation is the phenomenon whereby an observer finds that another's clock, which is physically identical to their own, is ticking at a slower rate as measured by their own clock.
- Time dilation is manifested in 2 circumstances - Special relativity and General relativity.
- Special relativity - if 2 identical clocks are used and one is accelerated towards the speed of light it will measure that time occurs more slowly.
- General relativity - the stronger the gravity the slower that time passes. This concept is confirmed by the effect on clocks aboard GPS satellites, which need to be corrected (due to a lower amount of gravitational force applied to them) so that they synchronise with Earth bound clocks.
Time Related Formula
In the world of Classical Mechanics (Newtonian) there are several Time related formula that will be referenced within this paper. These formulae are as follows;
- Speed = Distance/Time
- Velocity = delta distance / delta time
Another famous time related formula is found in Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Where;
E = Energy
m = mass
c2 = Speed of Light Squared. (89,875,517,873 Km/sec)
Time Concepts relative to Aiki
Time is a dimension that can be measured against every physical action we take.
The Nage needs to align his response to the Uke attack within the same time frame. In other words a fast attack (conducted in relatively short time) from the Uke would require a fast response from the Nage. And conversely a slow attack from the Uke would require a similarly time aligned response from the Nage.
When the Nage makes contact with Uke, their relative Velocity should be Zero. In other words at the point of contact the Nage and Uke should be traveling in the same direction at the same speed. By ensuring that at the point of contact the relative velocity is zero, this allows the Nage to intercept the Uke and change their velocity with minimal impact and required energy input.
An example of this concept is often performed when spacecraft (such as one of the Progress re-supply craft) dock with the International Space Station (ISS) orbiting the Earth at 7.7 Km/sec. To achieve a successful docking, the relative velocity between Progress and the ISS should be as close to zero as possible. However once the two craft are docked, Progress is able to deploy rockets to boost the orbit of both craft. Hence we have a situation where two objects come together at near zero relative velocity and after this connection, one of the objects applies a force to change the velocity of both objects.
From a non-physical point of view, when a Nage is confronted by an attacking Uke, the Nage's mind must be focused in such a way that the only point in time that exists is the Present. In fact for the entire duration of the Nage's response, the Nage and Uke should exist in a completely focused state of Presence.
Summary
In summary Time is a critical and real component of modern life. Time probably affects us in more different ways than any other element of nature.
Within Aiki, Time defines the difference between a Nage receiving the attackers blow or being able to smoothly transform the Uke’s attack into a controlling pin.
When practicing Aiki both Nage and Uke should at times become so focused on the situation that they become immersed in the Present and when this occurs Time no longer exists.
References
[1] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/time
[2] P2, Time and Universal Consciousness by Anil Rajvanshi. http://nariphaltan.virtualave.net/time.pdf
