Striving leads to failure from "summary" of Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
The idea of striving leading to failure is a central theme in the teachings of Zen. The author explores this concept through the art of archery, a discipline that requires precision, focus, and a deep understanding of oneself. When one strives too hard in archery, they inevitably fail to hit the target. This is because striving implies an attachment to a specific outcome, which hinders the archer's ability to flow with the natural rhythm of the bow and arrow. In Zen philosophy, the act of shooting an arrow is not about hitting the target, but rather about embodying the essence of the archer's being. It is a practice of letting go of the ego and surrendering to the present moment. By letting go of the desire to succeed, the archer is able to tap into a state of pure awareness, where actions flow effortlessly and without thought. The author emphasizes the importance of trusting in the process and letting go of any preconceived notions of success or failure. When one is able to release their attachment to outcomes, they are able to fully immerse themselves in the practice of archery. This state of surrender allows the archer to tap into a higher level of consciousness, where the mind is clear and focused, and actions are executed with precision and grace.- The author learns that striving only serves to create tension and resistance, which ultimately leads to failure. It is only when one is able to let go of the ego and surrender to the present moment that true mastery can be achieved. This concept of non-striving is at the core of Zen philosophy, and is a lesson that can be applied not only to archery, but to all aspects of life.
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