The archer's ego dissolves in the act of shooting from "summary" of Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
When the archer shoots, he does not just release the arrow; he releases himself. His whole being is involved in the shot. He becomes one with the target, the bow, and the arrow. There is no separation between the archer and the act of shooting. In that moment, there is no room for the ego to assert itself. The archer is in a state of pure concentration, free from distractions and doubts. The archer's ego dissolves because he is no longer thinking about himself or his abilities. He is completely absorbed in the present moment, letting go of all desires and fears. The focus is solely on the task at hand, without any attachment to the outcome. The archer does not worry about hitting the target or missing it; he is simply shooting. In this state of egolessness, the archer experiences a sense of effortless action. There is no struggle or striving; everything flows naturally. The bowstring is pulled back, the arrow is released, and it finds its mark without any interference from the ego. The archer is like a vessel through which the shot is delivered, without any personal agenda or intention. Through the practice of archery, the archer learns to let go of his ego and surrender to the process. He realizes that true mastery comes from transcending the self and becoming one with the art. Shooting becomes a form of meditation, a way to quiet the mind and connect with the present moment. The archer discovers that the more he lets go of his ego, the more powerful and accurate his shots become. In the act of shooting, the archer experiences a profound sense of unity with the universe. He is no longer a separate individual; he is part of something greater than himself. The bow, the arrow, the target, and the archer all merge into one harmonious whole. The ego dissolves, and what remains is pure, unadulterated presence.
Similar Posts
Practice selfacceptance and self-compassion
In the process of learning and mastering tennis, as well as any other skill in life, it is crucial to cultivate self-acceptance...
Gratitude for what we have promotes contentment
Gratitude for what we have is a powerful practice that can bring about contentment in our lives. When we take the time to appre...
Joy is a journey, not a destination
The concept of joy as a journey rather than a destination is a profound and enlightening idea that can shift our perspective on...
The path to enlightenment involves selfdiscovery
The journey towards enlightenment is a deeply personal one that requires individuals to look within themselves and discover the...
Stay focused on the task at hand
Achieving mastery in any skill or task requires a consistent and unwavering focus on the present moment. When we allow our mind...
The practice of meditation can alter our relationship to our thoughts
Meditation has the power to transform our relationship with our thoughts. When we sit down to meditate, we are instructed to si...
Dogen's manuals provide a comprehensive guide to Zen meditation practice
Dogen's manuals offer detailed instructions on the practice of Zen meditation, providing practitioners with a comprehensive gui...
Trust in the inherent goodness of human nature
When we talk about trust in the inherent goodness of human nature, we are actually talking about trusting ourselves. We are tal...
Cultivating a sense of gratitude shifts our perspective
When we make a conscious effort to notice and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives, we begin to see things in a new lig...
Eddie's coach believes in his abilities and encourages him to do his best
Eddie's coach, Coach Walski, always has faith in Eddie's skills on the basketball court. He sees the potential in Eddie and mak...