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...
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