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“ZEN IN THE ART OF ARCHERY”
Eugen Herrigal; publ. Penguin Arkana
A student loaned this book to me and now I have my own copy.
A little gem, it is written by a German philosopher and it chronicles the hurdles, frustrations and rewards encountered by a westerner learning an esoteric Japanese art.
Here is a small extract that is relevant to shakuhachi students:
“… ‘You cannot do it', explained the Master, 'because you do not breathe right. Press your breath down gently after breathing in, so that the abdominal wall is tightly stretched, and hold it there for a while. Then breathe out as slowly and evenly as possible, and, after a short pause, draw a quick breath of air again - out and in continually, in a rhythm that will gradually settle itself If it is done properly, you will feel the shooting becoming easier every day. For through this breathing you will not only discover the source of all spiritual strength but will also cause this source to flow more abundantly, and to pour more easily through your limbs the more relaxed you are.’ And as if to prove it, he drew his strong bow and invited me to step behind him and feel his arm muscles. They were indeed quite relaxed, as though they were doing no work at all.
The new way of breathing was practised, without bow and arrow at first, until it came naturally. The slight feeling of discomfort noticeable in the beginning was quickly overcome. The Master attached so much importance to breathing out as slowly and steadily as possible to the very end, that, for better practice and control, he made us combine it with a humming note. Only when the note had died away. with the last expiring breath were we allowed to draw air again. The breathing in, the Master once said, binds and combines, by holding your breath you make everything go right, and the breathing out loosens and completes by overcoming all limitations. But we could not understand that yet….. “
Available from “Readings Books and Music” 03 9347 6633
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