The purpose of this note is threefold. First to provide a short historical background to the development of the notions of universal mind and related concepts in Aikido and Ki Aikido. Second, to provide an even briefer critique of certain efforts to apply ideas from Aikido and Ki Aikido to issues concerning everyday life, management, and leadership. And third, to examine a set of critical concepts, or principles, which aim to provide a more practical, real-world understanding of universal mind.