Summary
- Eugen Herrigel was a German philosopher who moved to Japan in order to teach and learn the ways of Zen. This book describes his six year path of learning Zen through archery
Key Takeaways
- Herrigel describes the process and mentality required to truly master something – until it becomes an artless art with purposeless detachment
- The true experts are always humble as they realize how little they truly know
- Proper breathing is crucial and ties together any exercise as it provides rhythm and unity
- Must experience total failure before willing to give in, listen and accept teachings fully
- “You know already that you should not grieve over bad shots; learn now not to rejoice over the good ones. You must free yourself from the buffetings of pleasure and pain, and learn to rise above them in easy equanimity, to rejoice as though not you but another had shot well. This, too, you must practice unceasingly – you cannot conceive how important it is.”
- The master is as unselfconscious as the beginner
- Must get to the point where you trust yourself so completely that you know you do not need to think consciously about your art
- “He [the master] lives – and this is thoroughly characteristic of Zen – happily enough in the world, but ready at any time to quit it without being in the least disturbed by the thought of death.”
What I got out of it
- Beautiful book. The dedication and frame of mind one needs to become a true master of any art is daunting but admirable. Must read.