Japanese Kyudo: Zen in the Art of Archery
Japanese Kyudo: Zen in the Art of Archery
Kyudo, literally meaning "way of the bow", is far from being just an archery type sport. It is considered by Japanese to be a personal search for truth and perfection--and is often referred to as Tachi-zen (standing meditation.)
I started practicing Kyudo several years ago, thinking that it would be something like the western archery sport I had practiced many years ago while I was in college. I could not have been more wrong.
Kyudo has been practiced in Japan virtually unchanged since the 12th century, and the only martial art in which there is no opponent. As such, it is the embodiment of fighting "the enemy within." In Kyudo, much as in life, consistently achieving goals is believed to be the result of doing the right things, the right way--and the ends do not justify the means. Luck can work, but not consistently.
Kyudo masters simply believe that hitting target is a result of righteousness of mind, adherence to correct form and caring for the equipment at one's disposal. Unlike archery, which emphasizes hitting a target, the supreme goal of Kyudo is for the practitioner to constantly reach for Shin (Truth,) Zen (Goodness) and Bi (Beauty.) In Kyudo, the primary goal is to achieve a state which Japanese call "San-Mi-Ittai" which is a state of perfect union and harmony of mind, body and the "universe at large." The Kyudo equipment (bow, arrow, the target, glove and ceremonial outerwear) are used solely as a representation of this "universe at large."
The practitioner is taught correct posture, calmness of mind, humility, respect and supreme care of his or her equipment, as a means of becoming a better being. Thus, it is believed that at the highest level, Kyudo masters do not need a bow and arrow since they themselves become the embodiment of all which Kyudo represents. This is not an exaggeration. Many, including myself, can testify to feeling the commanding presence of a humble-looking Kyudo master.
If you like to learn more about Kyudo, one of the best books ever written in English on the
subject is a paperback called "Zen in the Art of Archery" by Eugene Herrigel. You can get it from Amazon for a few dollars. Kyudo is practiced by hundreds of thousands of practitioners all over the world. There is probably a dojo near you. If so, stop by for a visit. You will not be disappointed.
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