Zen and the Art of Archery (Essay Sample)

First and Last Name Professor's Name Religious Studies 21 April 2016 Zen and the Art of Archery The art of Zen has a significant impact on Japanese culture. It is apparent that it has influenced martial arts, paintings, poetry, ceremonies, architecture, decoration, and archeryCITATION Suz70 \p 223 \l 6154 (Suzuki 223). Its origins date back to the time of the Samurai. When Japanese warriors practiced Kung-fu and other types of martial arts, they considered such forms to be external physical strengthsCITATION Suz70 \p 225 \l 6154 (Suzuki 225). Therefore, they concluded that in order to improve their form, they needed inner mental strength. This resulted in the Japanese seeking out other forms of internal martial arts. Eventually, they stumbled upon Taoists monks who practiced internal Kung-fu, which consisted of gaining power from focusing the mind. Hence, internal martial arts. From this, the term "qi" or "prajna" arose, which means breath flowing in through the nose and into the navel area, such circulation of breadth reaches the heart and the top of the head CITATION Luk93 \p 9 \l 6154 (Luk 9). Such breathing exercises proved effective in improving traditional Kung-fu forms, and after the Japanese had been taught by Zen masters in the art of internal Kung-fu, Japanese warriors could attain a state of "no-mind”, which referred to an individual who was selfless, and full of compassion. Hence, Zen is synonym with harmony, love, selflessness, and consciousnessCITATION Luk93 \p 11 \l 6154 (Luk 11). While Samurai translates to warrior or fighter in Japanese, they tended to travel far and wide in order to attain "Zen”. In many ways, once a Samurai reached a Zen state of mind, he became harmonious with nature, his wisdom was that of a Buddhist monk, and rightly so as many of the teacher of Zen where Buddhist practitioners. In Eugen Herrigel's "Zen in the Art of Archery" written in 1953, the author explains how he found Zen Buddhism through learning archeryCITATION Her53 \p 23 \l 6154 (Herrigel 23). It started as a quest for spirituality in India when he was presented with the opportunity to attend silent meditation sessions in a retreat in Dharamsala. At the time, the city was filled with Tibetan refugees due to the war. While reluctant at first, after a few days of agonizing silence, the author began to realize he had garnered the ability to become aware of his thoughtsCITATION Her53 \p 27 \l 6154 (Herrigel 27). The days in the retreat constituted of deep meditation, yoga, and reading. Herrigel's reflections speak of becoming aware of his moods, feelings, and desiresCITATION Her53 \p 36 \l 6154 (Herrigel 36). He then approached his friend Soza Komachiya and asked him to introduce him to his former archery teacher Master Kenzo Awa. Henceforth, Herrigel studied the art of Zen through archery for six years, which was the inspiration for his book. Zen archery is referred to as "artless art" in his book. This expression is representative of selflessness and self-awareness which is attained through Zen Buddhism. Although archery is considered a sport, Herrigel was driven by the pursuit of spirituality. Eugene Herrigel explains that his archery training was "a preparatory school for Zen”CITATION Her53 \p 23 \l 6154 (Herrigel 23). In a traditional sense, he realized that the art of Zen was more of a religious act which permeated all aspects of Japanese society. He perceived each aspect of his training as a preparation which would allow him to ground himself and harness his spirituality. A critical point in the story transpired while learning to aim his bow. Evidently, Zen Buddhism is depicted in Japanese art, decorations, rituals, and way of thinking. One of the most reoccurring themes throughout Japanese culture is the ability to see oneself, or become self-less so to speak. To learn how to become aware of your thoughts and differentiate negative from positive. He goes on to explain how he was taught to "hit himself" with the arrow, rather than hit the targetCITATION Her53 \p 14 \l 6154 (Herrigel 14). This ideology is crucial to connec...