One must let go of desire for perfection from "summary" of Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
The pursuit of perfection in archery is a common misconception. Many beginners believe that hitting the bullseye every time is the ultimate goal. However, the true essence of archery lies not in achieving perfection, but in letting go of the desire for it. When one becomes fixated on hitting the target perfectly, they lose sight of the present moment. Their mind becomes clouded with thoughts of success and failure, causing them to lose touch with the flow of the act itself. In archery, as in life, it is not the end result that matters most, but the process of getting there. By releasing the need for perfection, one can fully immerse themselves in the act of shooting the arrow. They can feel the tension of the bowstring, the weight of the arrow, and the stillness of their own body. This level of awareness allows them to connect with their surroundings on a deeper level, enabling them to shoot with greater accuracy and grace. In this state of mind, the archer becomes one with the bow and arrow. They are no longer separate entities, but a unified force moving in harmony with the target. The arrow seems to shoot itself, guided by an unseen hand that transcends the limitations of the self. It is in this surrender to the present moment that true mastery is achieved. The archer no longer seeks perfection, but instead embraces the imperfections of each shot. They learn from their mistakes and use them to grow stronger, more skilled, and more attuned to the art of archery. In the end, it is not the perfect shot that brings fulfillment, but the journey towards it. By letting go of the desire for perfection, one can truly experience the beauty and depth of archery in its purest form.
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