'Zen in the Art of Archery' by Eugen Herrigel is a profound exploration of Zen Buddhism through the disciplined practice of traditional Japanese archery. Based on the author's personal experiences while living in Japan, the book recounts his years of training under a master archer, where he gradually learns that true mastery is not about physical skill alone but about transforming the mind and spirit.At the beginning of his journey, Herrigel approaches archery with a logical and an...

A classic work on Eastern philosophy, Zen in the Art of Archery is a charming and 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...

Herrigel, a German philosopher and professor, spent six years studying archery in Japan under the tutelage of a master archer, and "Zen in the Art of Archery" is based on his experiences and observations during that time. The book is structured as a series of essays and reflections on the practice of archery, as well as the philosophy and spirituality of Zen Buddhism.Herrigel uses the practice of archery as a metaphor for the path to spiritual enlightenment, and he explores the idea that m...

The book sets forth theories about motor learning and control that provide lessons for learning any sport or physical activity. For example, a central idea in the book is that through years of practice, a physical activity becomes effortless both mentally and physically, as if the body executes complex and difficult movements without conscious control from the mind.

This intriguing, influential work of literature—an outstanding way to experience Zen—is now available on cdIt is almost impossible to understand Zen by studying it as you would other intellectual pursuits. The best way to understand Zen is, simply, to Zen. This is what author Eugen Herrigel allows us to do by sharing his own fascinating journey toward a comprehension of this illuminating philosophy. In Japan, an art such as archery is not practiced solely for utilit...