Intoku (Good Done in Secret)

Koichi Tohei, the founder of Ki Aikido enumerates the concept of Intoku as a practice of self enlightenment or as a necessary concept to incorporate into our life’s path. This practice of Intoku is the philosophy that guides our “gift giving”. Kokua as I have come to understand is service and giving and the best way to give is to give is without expectation of reward - something the AJJF strives and succeeds to do at its best moments...

An early definition: Just as the number One can never be reduced to zero, once we act or speak, our action or speech is never completely erased. An old Oriental saying tells us, Sow good and the harvest will be good. Sow evil and reap evil. We must understand that everything we do comes back to ourselves. Therefore, before wishing for our own happiness and welfare and that of our children, we must do good in secret. To do good in secret means to act without seeking attention and praise, to act without any hope of reward. This is called Intoku.

Among the various ways of performing Intoku, to walk the way of the universe and to lead others along this way is best.

Simply put, in the West, many times when we do good we expect accolades. We say, "here I am, I did it." This secret agenda slows our growth and self-development. True "good" acts are done with a selfless attitude. We can do this best when we are mind and body unified.
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Above written by Sensei Franko Ferris, High Sierra Jujitsu Dojo, Sept. 30, 2007, email to AJJF Blackbelt email list.

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In other words, Karma Yoga.