The archer must let go of ego from "summary" of Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
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 of failure. This attachment to outcomes can hinder the archer's ability to truly master the art of archery. It is only when the archer is able to let go of the ego that they can reach a state of true harmony with the bow and arrow. To let go of the ego, the archer must surrender themselves completely to the present moment. They must release any preconceived notions of success or failure and focus solely on the act of shooting the arrow. This requires a deep level of concentration and mindfulness. The archer must be fully present in each moment, letting go of distractions and external influences. By letting go of the ego, the archer is able to tap into a deeper level of awareness and intuition. They are able to connect with the true essence of archery, transcending the limitations of the mind. In this state of egolessness, the archer can experience a sense of oneness with the bow and arrow, moving beyond the physical act of shooting into a realm of spiritual connection. When the archer lets go of the ego, they are able to shoot with effortless precision and grace. Their movements become fluid and natural, guided by a deep inner knowing. They are no longer constrained by thoughts of success or failure, but are able to shoot with a sense of freedom and spontaneity. In this way, letting go of the ego is essential to mastering the art of archery. It is only when the archer is able to release their attachment to outcomes and surrender themselves to the present moment that they can truly reach a state of mastery. By letting go of the ego, the archer is able to access a deeper level of awareness and connection, allowing them to shoot with effortless precision and grace.
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