Zen In The Art Of Archery Analysis

THE ART OF NOTHINGNESS The teachings of Zen as many would view it as the representation of a meditating Buddha or a Zen rock garden, but to reach Zen mind does one solely must do it through meditation? In Zen in the Art of Archery written by Eugen Herrigel, one can graduate and transcend into nirvana through any art. Finding Zen through mindless activity with the right focus allows one to be part of that Buddha Nature. When one clears the mind, one can achieve that perfect shot, dance freely, and achieve national titles. When one aspires to reach nirvana through meditation we must take into consideration of the Buddha’s method of doing so taught through the Eightfold Path. Mainly focusing on right effort and concentration. First, right effort, in the Dhammaphada, translated by Eknath Easwaran, right effort as taught by the Buddha is,
“Right effort is the constant endeavor to train oneself in thought, word, and action. As a gymnast trains the body, those who desire nirvana must train the mind. Hard it is to attain nirvana, beyond the reach even of the gods. Only through ceaseless effort can you reach the goal. Earnest among the indolent, …show more content…
As Bodhidharma describes concentration, we are the only ones who can achieve it ourselves, but to tell others will give away the light to what you have attained. For the Buddha, the art of kendo as a means of meditation would contain some components of the Eightfold Path. Meditation in the eyes of the Buddha would be expressed differently, because in life there are many ways to reach a meditative state, not just through sitting meditation. Zen in the art of kendo gives each participant on the emphasis of vigilance and tranquility. Meditation brings tranquility to one’s mind, much like kendo does for one before they strike, through hard practice of learning how to strike as well as the stances, one can attain a Zen