Zen Bow, Zen Arrow: The Life and Teachings of Awa Kenzo

by John Stevens The inspirational life and teachings of Awa Kenzo (1880-1939)—the master archer from Eugen Herrigel's classic Zen in the Art of Archery. Zen Bow, Zen Arrow offers an insightful exploration into the life and teachings of Awa Kenzo, a legendary archery master who seamlessly blended the art of kyudo (archery) with Zen principles. Kenzo’s inspirational life and teachings illustrate how archery transcends physical skill to become a profound spiritual practice. Through a masterful translation, John Stevens captures Kenzo’s philosophy, emphasizing the harmony between mind, body, and spirit, and how this balance leads to enlightenment.Kenzo uses the metaphor of the bow and arrow to challenge the practitioner to look deeply into his or her own true nature, gaining insight into self-awareness, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner harmony. His teachings offer a pathway to personal growth and mastery, encouraging readers to cultivate virtues such as humility, compassion, and menta