Bow and Zen

Author: (German) Ogen Hergilge
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: You have not truly let go of yourself yet. Please feel this act. It is a very simple act. The key can be learned from ordinary bamboo leaves. Bamboo leaves are pressed down and lowered the heavier the snow. Suddenly, the snow slides off, but the leaf does not move. When you draw the bow fully, wait like the leaf for the arrow to shoot out on its own. In reality, archery is just like this. If your bow reaches the state of fulfillment and maturity, the arrow will surely shoot out on its own. Just as snow slides off the leaf, the arrow flies effortlessly without the archer even thinking about it! When we read this book, do not limit Zen to the archery path. In fact, you can spread the spirit of Zen throughout all aspects of daily life just as you learn archery; if you do so, washing bowls, drinking tea, dressing, sleeping, every movement, every interaction—all will manifest the emptiness, vitality, freedom, and extraordinary artistic creativity of Zen, just like archery. The "Way" of the bow is not only reflected in the act of archery but also in every moment of daily life when you are not shooting. If you pay attention to experiencing Zen in daily life, you can also shoot an extraordinary arrow like the famous master of archery.
Dr. Ogen Hergilge, a renowned German philosopher, developed a strong interest in Eastern mysticism during his student years but could never delve deeply into it, struggling to grasp its essence. Later, he traveled across the ocean to Japan, teaching at a university while learning archery. Under the strict guidance of the great archery master Abe Kenzo, he underwent a six-year training process that was both heart-wrenching and transformative, ultimately reaching the highest level of archery—shooting with the heart. Along the way, he also comprehended the esoteric spirit of archery and experienced Eastern Zen. This book records the author's journey in archery training and Zen enlightenment through both reflection and narrative. The six years of archery practice were also six years of a quest that filled the body with vitality and brought the soul to life and death. The content of this book is authentic and filled with profound philosophical insights, offering deep inspiration for Zen studies, philosophical research, as well as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and our ordinary lives. The original text was in German and has now been translated from the Japanese version.