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 g...
Similar Posts
Stay true to yourself
In the pursuit of our dreams, it is essential to remain authentic and true to our innermost desires and values. By staying true...
Practice radical acceptance
Radical acceptance is about accepting life as it is, without trying to change it or make it different. It means fully acknowled...
One must let go of desire for perfection
The pursuit of perfection in archery is a common misconception. Many beginners believe that hitting the bullseye every time is ...
The target is merely a formality
The target, in the practice of archery, serves as a mere formality. It is a symbol, a tool for the archer to focus his attentio...
The archer must let go of ego
In the practice of archery, the ego plays a significant role. The archer's ego is tied to the desire for success and the fear o...
Zen in archery is a path to enlightenment
The path to enlightenment through archery is a journey that requires dedication, discipline, and a deep understanding of onesel...