The life and inspirational teachings of Awa Kenzo, the Japanese master archer first introduced in the martial arts classic Zen in the Art of Archery A Zen and kyudo (archery) master, Awa Kenzo (1880–1939) first gained worldwide renown after the publication of Eugen Herrigel's cult classic Zen in the Art of Archery in 1953. Kenzo lived and taught at a pivotal time in Japan's history, when martial arts were practiced primarily for self-cultivation, and his wise and penetrating instructions for practice (and life)—including aphorisms, poetry, instructional lists, and calligraphy—are infused with the spirit of Zen. Kenzo uses the metaphor of the bow and arrow to challenge the practitioner to look deeply into his or her own true nature.

One Arrow, One Life is a classic treatise on kyudo, the art of traditional Japanese archery, and its relation to the ideals and practice of Zen Buddhism. With a solid introduction to the form and practice of Zen meditation, as well as a thorough description of the Eight Stages of Kyudo, One Arrow, One Life captures the subtleties of the complementary nature of thought and action, movement and stillness. Demonstrating the importance of bringing movement, posture and breathing into harmony, One Arrow, One Life interweaves Zen philosophy with daily experience and techniques, teachers, and the dojo, to give a name and face to kyudo. Beginning with its discussion of the breathing, posture, and concentration that is fundamental to both disciplines, then quickly moving on to the subtleties of advanced practice, author, Ken Kushner ties everything together into a personal testimony of the pervasiveness of Zen in everyday life. Illustrator, Jackson Morisawa's line drawings bring the art of kyudo to life. For those interested in Zen and moving meditation, kyudo practitioners of all levels, as well as students of the Way of martial arts, this volume is an indispensable guidebook.

A classic work on Eastern philosophy, and a charming, deeply illuminating story of one man’s experience with Zen. Eugen Herrigel, a German professor of Philosophy in Tokyo, took up the study of archery as a step toward an understanding of Zen Buddhism. This book is the account of the six years he spent as a student of one of Japan’s great kyudo (archery) masters, and of how he gradually overcame his initial inhibitions and began to feel his way toward new truths and ways of seeing.

Discusses the techniques and principles of Zen Buddhism, stresses the importance of breathing, posture, and concentration, and identifies the goal of Zen archery

Get the Summary of Eugen Herrigel's Zen in the Art of Archery in 20 minutes. Please note: This is a summary & not the original book. "Zen in the Art of Archery" by Eugen Herrigel explores the spiritual discipline of Japanese archery, or Kyudo, which transcends mere physical skill and becomes a path to self-mastery and enlightenment. Herrigel recounts his six-year apprenticeship in Japan, where he learns that the essence of archery is an internal struggle, aiming at oneself, and becoming one with the bow, the arrow, and the target. The book delves into the importance of breathing, relaxation, and the right mental state for archery, which are deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism...

A fascinating introduction to Zen principles and learning.

Both a fascinating glimpse of the interaction between spiritual master and disciple and a lucid analysis of the Zen path of awareness, this book describes techniques for breathing, standing, walking, concentrating, moving the mind, overcoming ego, healing the body, and finally, opening a “window of opportunity” between stillness and motion that allows the expansion of time and consciousness.