Japanese Archery For A Healthy Body And Mind
Looking for a way to balance the mind in body in a harmonious dance of moving meditation that may potentially even enhance your daily focus to help you target your worldly goals? There is a special form of Japanese archery that is surprisingly rooted in the tradition of Zen that may just be the perfect way to do so. It is called “Kyudo” which literally translates to “The way of the bow”.
When we say “way” in this context, it is essentially referring to a framework or methodology for awareness which is primarily intended to act as a pattern to sculpt or forge a more balanced and functional person. It is a special process designed to train its students in self-control and self-discipline while simultaneously making them stronger and more perseverant, yet humble and polite. It is ultimately a way of life.
Without any such guidelines for living, it is evident that people are often less functional as they are essentially just improvising with no real understanding of a proven successful method. Finding a method of self-training that has survived through the centuries, while changing very little, is likely something truly worth taking a closer look at. Generally such traditions last because they are effective and countless people have benefited from practicing them and integrating that practice into their daily activities.
Kyudo, as it is generally practiced today, has apparently arisen from a combination of Zen and Samurai cultures merging in a rather unique form. Many of the Samurai also studied and practiced Zen, which inevitably enhanced their capabilities and influenced other arts such as Haiku (a form of poetry) and Shakuhachi (a Japanese flute). As times grew progressively more peaceful, the opportunity emerged for a more refined and artistic form of techniques which were previously essential for successful warfare. The meditative form of Kyudo being practiced today is seemingly a product of this refinement.
What many may find particularly intriguing about Kyudo is the way in which it is practiced and how its intended goals are often very different from other forms of archery found in various areas of the world. The most shocking aspect may be that the goal is not actually the target itself. In fact, if a student obsesses about hitting the target then their Kyudo practice is likely way off target! The primary focus, as with many of the most wonderful Japanese art forms, is in how things are done rather than what is the final outcome. It is in how something is made rather than how many have been made. This kind of training is especially essential to anyone living in modern society, as composure has too often given way to speed. Kyudo essentially reminds us that the journey is the destination.
So if you are tired of competitive sports that seem more interested in scoring points than in the health of the players, it’s likely time to give something more traditional like Kyudo a try. The target is you and your journey into health and harmony.