Zen in the Art of Archery: Training the Mind and Body to Become One (Arkana)

"It helps to have an understanding of Zen and the seemingly idiosyncratic ideas put forward, but as an introduction to Zen as experienced through Archery it is superb.
A small book, but one which may lead to an opening of the senses if the time is right for the reader.
Beautifully written it is an accessible read."
~ Written on 2010-04-30

"First published in 1953 this classic still is fresh and full of profound insights today. Earnestly wishing to understand Zen Herrigel with great difficulty manages to get accepted by an archery master in Japan and enters on a troublesome journey to acquire the art of archery. Exasperation and despair follow for two years and yet his determination not to give in to the humiliation of defeat pushes him on to continue unable at this stage to see that it is his very fear of failure that is standing in his way. A further three years of study and Herrigel succeeds in penetrating the essence of Zen.

This is a masterful book giving as it does an almost allegorical description, through his real life struggles with a martial art, of the true purpose that underlines the struggles that the acolyte goes through. The more the struggle to do well is present the less accomplishment comes and it is not until that egoic desire to achieve is relinquished that the perfection of the art is accomplished.

This short and easy read says more than some tomes on the subject of the relinquishment of the conditioned mind in favour of potential enlightenment which is the fundamental teaching of Zen Buddhism. Zen in the Art of Flower Arrangement: An Introduction to the Spirit of the Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement"
~ Written on 2009-12-01

"The task Professor Herrigel set himself was to experience true Zen, he did this without realising that abandonment of self was a primary objective. In other words the pratice or the decision to undertake anything very much is a step into the unknown even when the person involved never considers the possibility of his very self undergoing radical change, somehow one believes "I" will always remain afterwards. Little by little Herrigel underwent powerful changes in his Zen experience which literally must be undertaken in an authentic way i.e. by the sort of practice having no limits or bounds, a wholehearted approach somewhat alien to most westerners. The book is an honest and clear account of his experience in Japan and is somewhat akin to that of Jan Whilhelm van de Wetering in "The Empty Mirror", humourous experiences such as when the master wishes to find out more about what he does and in this way try to understand why the practice of archery is so difficult for him : exclaiming after he reads a philosophy book that "no wonder you have so much difficulty", adds to the humanity of the story. Although a small book it is rich in personal experience and a treasure which can be read again and again to revitalise one's own practice. It is also far more readable than his other books which are full of difficult philosophical concepts and lack the depth of humanity shown in this one. The book stresses what must be said again and again, Zen is about doing rather than knowing (in the conventional sense) and Herrigel realises that only in the practice of Zen, rather than just reading about it, can it be truly "known". He also demonstrates the great challenges to be faced in this practice especially as regards the conflicts which arise between the "artless art", Zen, which is free of thought and that of his profession which is never free of the constricting domain of thought. A superb book which never fails to inspire.
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~ Written on 2007-04-21

"This is a personal account of the process of learning subtle skills. The author sets out with great honesty the difficulties he encountered and the time and persistence needed to reach his goal. His insights are more widely applicable than just Zen or Japanese archery."
~ Written on 2006-12-26

"I am only 15, this book has really helped me understand, if only a small aspect, but still a very important one of life.
Read this book first before any other zen books."
~ Written on 2006-04-19