Zen Bow, Zen Arrow

The Life and Teachings of Awa Kenzo, the Archery Master from Zen in the Art of A rchery

Paperback
$14.95 US
On sale Feb 20, 2007 | 128 Pages | 978-1-59030-442-6
ZEN BOW, ZEN ARROW contains 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. This book presents his wise and penetrating instructions for practice--including aphorisms, poetry, instructional lists, and calligraphy--all infused with the spirit of Zen. Kenzo uses the metaphor of the bow and arrow to challenge the practitioner to look deeply into his or her own true nature.

Respected author, aikido teacher, Zen practioner, and Zen calligraphy expert John Stevens presents Kenzo's teachings in an accessible way for students. He also presents several classic stories about archery in the East as well as rare photographs of the master.
John Stevens is Professor of Buddhist Studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. He is the author or translator of over twenty books on Buddhism, Zen, Aikido, and Asian culture. He has practiced and taught Aikido all over the world.

About

ZEN BOW, ZEN ARROW contains 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. This book presents his wise and penetrating instructions for practice--including aphorisms, poetry, instructional lists, and calligraphy--all infused with the spirit of Zen. Kenzo uses the metaphor of the bow and arrow to challenge the practitioner to look deeply into his or her own true nature.

Respected author, aikido teacher, Zen practioner, and Zen calligraphy expert John Stevens presents Kenzo's teachings in an accessible way for students. He also presents several classic stories about archery in the East as well as rare photographs of the master.

Author

John Stevens is Professor of Buddhist Studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. He is the author or translator of over twenty books on Buddhism, Zen, Aikido, and Asian culture. He has practiced and taught Aikido all over the world.