The release of the arrow is a moment of surrender from "summary" of Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
When the arrow is released, it is not just the fingers that let it go, but also the will. For in the archer's hands, the bow becomes a living thing. It is not merely a mechanical device, but an extension of the archer's body and mind. The archer must let go of his desire to control the outcome, his need to hit the target. This act of surrender is not a passive resignation, but an active release of all preconceived notions and expectations. In that moment of release, the archer enters a state of pure concentration and unity. He becomes one with the bow, the arrow, and the target. There is no separation between the archer and his action. The arrow flies true because the archer has let go of his ego, his doubts, and his fears. He has surrendered to the moment, to the flow of the universe. This concept of surrender is at the heart of Zen practice. It is not about giving up or losing c...
Similar Posts
Cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning
To truly live a fulfilling and meaningful life, it is essential to cultivate a deep sense of purpose. This purpose serves as a ...
Set healthy boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries is a key aspect of self-care and maintaining emotional well-being. Boundaries help us define our lim...
The practice of Zen involves the cultivation of mindfulness
In the practice of Zen, the cultivation of mindfulness is of utmost importance. Mindfulness is the state of being fully present...
Learn from failure
The Archer knows that failure is inevitable in the journey toward mastery. It is through failure that one learns valuable lesso...
Archery is a path to selfdiscovery
Archery, as I have come to understand through my practice, is not merely a physical skill but a journey of self-discovery. It i...
Stillness precedes action
In the practice of archery, the archer must first achieve a state of complete stillness. This stillness is not merely the absen...
The ultimate goal of Zen is to experience liberation from suffering
The ultimate aim of Zen is not merely to gain insight into the true nature of reality, but to go beyond all concepts and experi...