Mastery is achieved through surrender from "summary" of Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
The idea of mastery through surrender may seem paradoxical to the uninitiated. How can one become a master by letting go, by surrendering? It is a concept that goes against our natural instincts, our desire to control and manipulate the world around us. However, in the practice of archery, surrender is key to achieving true mastery. When a student first begins to learn the art of archery, they are filled with preconceived notions and ideas about how to shoot. They approach the bow with a sense of control, trying to force the arrow to hit the target. However, as they progress in their training, they come to realize that true skill is not about control, but about surrender. In order to become a master archer, one must let go of their ego, their desire to control every aspect of the shot. They must surrender to the process, to the bow, to the arrow, and to the target. Only by letting go of their need to control can they truly become one with the bow and arrow, allowing the shot to flow naturally and effortlessly. Through surrender, the archer becomes attuned to the rhythm of the shot, to the subtle movements of their body and the bow. They become one with the bow, moving in perfect harmony with it. It is in this state of surrender that true mastery is achieved, where the archer is no longer thinking about the shot, but simply letting it happen. In the end, mastery through surrender is about trust. Trusting in the process, trusting in oneself, and trusting in the universe. It is about letting go of the need to control and allowing oneself to be carried along by the current of the moment. Only then can one truly achieve mastery in the art of archery.
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