The mind must be empty to hit the mark from "summary" of Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
The most important thing in archery is to be completely empty. This means that one must have no purpose, no intention, no goal in mind. The mind must be clear, like a mirror reflecting everything without being affected. Only in this state of emptiness can one truly hit the mark. This concept may seem paradoxical at first, but it is fundamental to the practice of Zen in archery. When one is completely empty, there is no room for doubt or hesitation. The archer becomes one with the bow, the arrow, and the target. There is no separation between the self and the act of shooting. In this state, the archer does not think about hitting the target or missing it. The focus is solely on the present moment, on the act of shooting itself. Through years of practice, the archer learns to let go of the ego and surrender to the flow of the universe. This is not something that can be achieved through force or willpower. It requires a deep understanding of the nature of reality and a willingness to let go of all preconceived notions. The empty mind is like a vessel that can be filled with the essence of the universe. It is receptive and open to whatever comes its way. In this state, the archer is able to tap into a higher level of awareness and intuition. The arrow flies true because it is guided by a higher power, not by the limited perceptions of the ego.- The concept of emptiness is essential to the practice of Zen in archery. Only when the mind is completely empty can one truly hit the mark. This requires a deep understanding of the nature of reality and a willingness to let go of the ego. Through years of practice, the archer learns to surrender to the flow of the universe and become one with the act of shooting.
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