oter

The archer must become one with their surroundings from "summary" of Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel

The archer must not only focus on hitting the target but also on being in perfect harmony with their surroundings. This means that they must be able to feel the wind, hear the rustling of the leaves, and sense the presence of all living beings around them. By immersing themselves in the present moment and becoming one with nature, the archer can tap into a deeper level of awareness that goes beyond mere physical skill. In order to achieve this state of oneness, the archer must let go of all distractions and ego-driven desires. They must surrender themselves completely to the act of shooting, allowing their body and mind to become vessels for the arrow to flow through. This requires a level of trust and surrender that can only be attained through years of dedicated practice and self-discipline. By becoming one with their surroundings, the archer is able to tap into a higher level of consciousness that transcends the limitations of the individual self. In this state of unity, the archer is no longer separate from the target, the bow, or the arrow – everything merges into one seamless flow of energy that moves with effortless precision and grace. Through the practice of archery, the archer learns to let go of their attachment to outcomes and simply trust in the process. They understand that hitting the target is not the ultimate goal, but rather a natural consequence of being fully present and aligned with the universe. In this way, the archer transcends the dualities of success and failure, victory and defeat, and enters into a state of pure being where the act of shooting becomes a form of meditation and self-expression.
    oter

    Zen in the Art of Archery

    Eugen Herrigel

    Open in app
    Now you can listen to your microbooks on-the-go. Download the Oter App on your mobile device and continue making progress towards your goals, no matter where you are.