Zen Bow, Zen Arrow: The Life and Teachings of Awa Kenzo, the Archery Master from Zen in the Art of a Rchery

By John Stevens

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

Zen Bow, Zen Arrow offers an insightful exploration into the life and teachings of Awa Kenzo, a legendary archery master who seamlessly blended the art of kyudo (archery) with Zen principles. Kenzo's inspirational life and teachings illustrate how archery transcends physical skill to become a profound spiritual practice. Through a masterful translation, John Stevens captures Kenzo's philosophy, emphasizing the harmony between mind, body, and spirit, and how this balance leads to enlightenment.

Kenzo uses the metaphor of the bow and arrow to challenge the practitioner to look deeply into his or her own true nature, gaining insight into self-awareness, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner harmony. His teachings offer a pathway to personal growth and mastery, encouraging readers to cultivate virtues such as humility, compassion, and mental clarity. The book serves as both a guide and inspiration for those seeking to deepen their understanding of themselves and their connection to the world around them. Zen Bow, Zen Arrow is not just for martial arts enthusiasts but for anyone interested in reflecting on their own journeys, making it a must-read for those yearning for a deeper understanding of life through the art of archery.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 159030442X
• ISBN13: 9781590304426
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 4.7" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

A different kind of hunting

Zen Bow, Zen Arrow is a different kind of hunting book for most people. To hunt for and find an understanding of self and this life we live is, perhaps, the greatest adventure of all.

Zen Bow, Zen Arrow

a small book but diamonds are small-as is the brief instant of satori. a wonderful history of the great Zen archer Awa Kenzo with a treasure of gems of wisdom from his teachings: statements, aphorisms, koans and haiku. whether you are seeking thru t'ai chi, target shooting or archery, the wisdom here will guide you in your practice.

A pearl of wisdom

Don't miss this book if you are interested in "Zen in the Art of Archery" and "The Method of Zen" by Eugen Herrigel. The teaching of Awa is a pearl of wisdom.

Bullseye

John Stevens produces another one of his find vignettes of prominent Japanese martial artists. The field of Kyudo is not well known in the U.S. and anything that can be done to remedy that should be. I believe this book is best read alongside Herrigel's "Zen and the Art of Archery."

A wonderful introduction, or re-introduction, to Awa Kenzo's life and philosophy

Informative, readable and inspiring account of Kenzo's life as well as an excellent anthology of his actual teachings. I loved John Stevens' way of explaining complex Zen terms in simple English: e.g., kensho - "see your nature" or "look into your nature;" jobutsu - "become Buddha;" and the ultimate Zen experience, satori, which Stevens explains means literally "remove distinctions," and which he, along with many others, translates as "enlightenment." This is great stuff for anyone interested in Japanese language and culture as well as providing a springboard for deeper investigations of Zen, of archery as a form of "practice" and of martial arts in general. Includes detailed notes on sources and an excellent bibliography. Highly recommended.