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

Here are the inspirational life and teachings of Awa Kenzo (1880-1939), the Zen and kyudo (archery) master who gained worldwide renown after the publication of Eugen Herrigel's cult classic Zen in the Art of Archery in 1953. Kenzo lived and taught at a pivotal time in Japan's history, when martial arts were practiced primarily for self-cultivation, and his wise and penetrating instructions for practice (and life)--including aphorisms, poetry, instructional...

• 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.