The way of the Bow

Paulo coelho explores the Zen thoughts and art of archery in his book 'The way of the Bow'. Author writes about Tetsuya who teaches archery to a boy in his village and deals with various aspects of life using the metaphor of archery. An inspiring book indeed !!!

Few excerpts from the book:

'You have skill, dignity and posture,' said Tetsuya. 'You have a good grasp of technique and you have mastered the bow, but you have not mastered your mind. You know how to shoot when all the circumstances are favourable, but if you are on dangerous ground, you cannot hit the target. The archer cannot
always choose the battlefield, so start your training again and be prepared for unfavourable situations. Continue in the way of the bow, for it is a whole life's journey, but remember that a good, accurate shot is very different from one
made with peace in your soul.'

We should never judge people without first learning to hear and to respect them.

The archer who does not share with others the joy of the bow and the arrow will never know his own qualities and defects. Therefore, before you begin anything, seek out your allies, people who are interested in what you are doing. I'm not saying 'seek out other archers'. I'm saying: find people with other skills, because the way of the bow is no different from any other path that is followed with enthusiasm.

Join with those who sing, tell stories, take pleasure in life, and have joy in their eyes, because joy is contagious and can prevent others from becoming paralysed by depression, loneliness and difficulties. Join with those who do their work with enthusiasm, and because you could be as useful to them as they are to you, try to understand their tools too and how their skills could be
improved. The time has come, therefore, to meet your bow, your arrow, your target and your way.

If you view the target as the enemy, you might well hit the target, but you will not improve anything inside yourself. You will go through life trying only to place an arrow in the centre of a piece of paper or wood, which is absolutely pointless. And when you are with other people, you will spend your time
complaining that you never do anything interesting.

How can I know if I'm doing the right thing? How can I be sure that my eyes are concentrating, that my posture is elegant, that I'm holding the bow correctly?'
Visualise the perfect master always by your side and do everything to revere him and to honour his teachings. This master, whom many people call God, although some call him 'the thing' and others 'talent', is always watching us. He deserves the best.