This is a short yet interesting book, that offers guidance concerning archery from the perspective of Zen Buddhism. The underlying premise of this book is that the central principles of Buddhism can assist with the practice of archery. What are these principles? Well, offering a simplified overview, one might say that through the rejection of material things so clarity of focus may be attained. Applied to archery, this involves meditation and self-control - striving to be fully aware of one's surroundings and one's goals - which, in this case, involves the drawing of the bow string, the aiming of the arrow, and the hitting of the target. By way of achieving a state of 'zen' (total focus) so archery may be mastered.



This is, more than anything else, a philosophical introduction into the ideas of practicing Zen ... and archery is the example offered, so as to demonstrate such practice. If you're after a thorough guide to archery, look elsewhere (e.g. Archery: The Art of Repetition ). But if you're looking for a short guide to aspects of Buddhism, this is a good book.