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One Arrow, One Life: Zen, Archery, Enlightenment: Zen, Archery and Enlightenment
 
 
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One Arrow, One Life: Zen, Archery, Enlightenment: Zen, Archery and Enlightenment [Kindle Edition]

Kenneth Kushner (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review) |
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Product Description

One Arrow, One Life is the ultimate study of kyudo (the art of traditional Japanese archery) and its relation to the ideals and practice of Zen Buddhism. But it's much more: It also serves perfectly as an informal manual of practice for anyone who wants to bring a living, moving Zen into the activities of everyday life. Beginning with a solid introduction to the foundation techniques of both kyudo and zazen-breathing, posture, and concentration-and quickly moving on to the subtleties of advanced practice, Ken Kushner then ties it all together into a personal testimony of the pervasiveness of Zen in everyday 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, beautifully illustrated with line drawings by Jackson Morisawa, is an indispensable guidebook.

Synopsis

A guide to the study of kyudo, the art of traditional Japanese archery, and its relation to the ideals and practices of Zen Buddhism. It includes an introduction to kyudo and zazen foundation techniques; breathing, posture and concentration, and covers the subtlties of more advanced practice.

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Kenneth P. Kushner
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Introduction to Zen 6 Oct 2007
By M. A. Ramos TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
The author uses his study of Kyudo and relates to the ideals and practice of Zen Buddhism. This is a good book of practice for anyone who wants to bring a living, moving Zen into the activities of everyday life. Kushner takes us through his life experience in learning Zen. Is failures and his success. Lets us know that Zen can be understood and practiced by anyone. This book is very a important addition to all who study Zen. The addition of this book should be required for all practictioners of Martial Arts who wish to reach the pinnicle of their art. Kushner begins with a solid introduction to the foundation techniques of both kyudo and zazen-breathing, posture, and concentration. Shares his experiences with us. And lets us follow him through his advance studies.
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Amazon.com:  7 reviews
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
The arrow may not hit, but it does not miss 17 Sep 2001
By Dave English - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The traditional Japanese school of archery -- Kyudo -- is more than a technique to have an arrow hit a distant target. As one of the classic Ways, like flower arranging or kendo, it is an exploration into oneself. The author, now a Zen teacher and university professor, is not some a kid talking about how a day of Zen turned him into a Judo machine; rather this is a well thought-out, well-written journey of both Zen philosophy and martial arts practice. We follow Kenneth to Japan where he sits cleans the dojo, sits in zazen meditation, and becomes expert in Kyudo.

One of the first books to introduce a Way of Zen to the West was 'Zen in the Art of Archery.' Now `One Arrow, One Life' references Herrigal's classic, while providing a fresh expression of learning an ancient physcal skill, making them perfect accompaniments. The author has a deeper understanding of the history and methods of Zen, and clearly explains how they mate with a big bow, and how to carry the lessons on to your whole life. This book would be super for someone new to Zen, as well as someone who wants to revisit Herrigal. A lot of ideas that people talk about were put into place in my mind, then to my body and soul, thanks to this book.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Beautiful Observations 9 Mar 2004
By Swing King - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Ken Kushner is a professor at the University of Wisconsin's School of medicine who has been practicing Zen Buddhism since 1978. In 1981 he began learning the art of kyudo, or Japanese archery. The main thrust of this book is showing us the "oneness" of life in archery and life in zazen. The point is not to promote archery as the ultimate path towards liberation, but rather, to demonstrate how any task we do can become a spiritual practice with the right attitude. Yet he does use many analogies by means of archery to make points about life in general.

In kyudo, it is said that it can take up to 30 years to master the art, so indubitably the way of archery requires a lot of practice. It's a lot like Zen, it takes practice which really doesn't end. To enhance his abilities concerning archery, Kushner realized zazen meditation was the driving force behind it all; for in zazen we face the difficulties of our lives, and with dogged determination they diminish. Zazen is all about attaining a one pointed mind, which of course is never without us, enabling ourselves to take on each task as though it is our one and only task. No future, no past, and not even a present. Only "this."

The title says it all. Everything is included in this life, there is no real dualism or separation. Every arrow which is flung is it, no going back. That's life. You must believe in your shot 100%. This book truly is a must have for all practitioners of Zen for it's contributions to our philosophy and way of life. Enjoy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
My number two pick 27 July 2007
By Alexander J. Kaznica - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
I need to make this point clear: If you are looking for a technical manual on Kyudo to teach yourself how to do it, your wasting your time. You will never find a Kyudo book with information detailing all the little nuances, tricks, short-cuts, or even how to release the Ya (arrow). Why? Because Kyudo is a journey and figuring it out of yourself is part of that journey. You do this by first mastering yourself, then you can go on to mastering the bow. The best books on doing this are not technical manuals, but the personal narratives of Kyudo masters. You learn a lot more by learning of their journeys, trials, and tribulations through Kyudo. Through this you can make distinctions between your questions, the questions they had, and how they inevitably achieved those solutions, but for your questions, the answers lye only within yourself. This is the only way you will 'really' understand what it means when someone says, "The arrow exists in the target before it is shot."
As for personal narratives by Kyudo masters, this is one of the best.
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Each arrow should be shot without regard to one's past performance or to one's performance in the future, &quote;
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"Each arrow is final and decisive as each moment is the ultimate."1 Time cannot be recaptured. Once a moment is gone, it cannot be repeated. In Zen, it is recognized that there &quote;
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Because the target is stationary in kyudo, one must accept full responsibility for one's performance. &quote;
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