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Zen Bow, Zen Arrow: The Life and Teachings of Awa Kenzo, the Archery Master from Zen in the Art of Archery
The life and inspirational teachings of Awa Kenzo, the Japanese master archer first introduced in the martial arts classic Zen in the Art of Archery
A Zen and kyudo (archery) master, Awa Kenzo (1880–1939) first 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, and his wise and penetrating instructions for practice (and life)—including aphorisms, poetry, instructional lists, and calligraphy—are 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.
A Zen and kyudo (archery) master, Awa Kenzo (1880–1939) first 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, and his wise and penetrating instructions for practice (and life)—including aphorisms, poetry, instructional lists, and calligraphy—are 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.
128 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2007
37 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
John Stevens
85 books30 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Stevens (1947- ) is a Buddhist priest and Aikido teacher.
John Stevens (1947- ) is a Buddhist priest and Aikido teacher.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 2, 2010
This is a short little book about one of the great practitioners of Kyudo, Japanese archery. I zipped through it quickly, and found it engaging, but nice and quick. Part of my education about bows. The philosophical aspect of shooting is, to me, very obvious, though my "barbarian" view of it still attaches significance to hitting the target, though that seems secondary to the Japanese Archer to the spiritual understandings they get via the meditation element of the endeavor, or Way, as they call it.
February 1, 2025
“Let nothing bind you. Transcend right and wrong, good and bad. Move on like a solitary lion. Make heaven and earth your dwelling. Renew! Renew!”
September 7, 2017
“Do your best at each and everything. That is the key to success. Learn one thing well and you will learn how to understand ten thousand things. Ten thousand things are one; this is the secret place of understanding you must find. Then everything is mysterious and wonderful.” Awa Kenzo.
Awa Kenzo was a martial artist that lived in the years just after the Meiji Restoration when the samurai way of life was eliminated and there was a profound social upheaval in Japan. He had a difficult life, lost his home, lost two sons; they went desperately hungry for years. But he never abandoned hope and never stopped practicing, persevering till he was acknowledged as one of the most accomplished archers of his time.
This little book is not a biography, Kenzo´s life is covered in only 22 pages, and is not a treatise on Zen or Kenzo´s wisdom and spiritual accomplishments either, his sayings are a collection of quotes spread out in 48. But in its simplicity resides its beauty. In each and every quote you´ll have space to stop and enjoy a jewel to meditate upon, to find meaning beyond the context of kyudo practice, meaning that will touch your life. Because, you see, even if you´ve never touch a bow you are a shooter, you already use a tool that can give you access to emotional and spiritual development. No matter what your profession is or what you do for a living or even if it is a good hobby we´re considering, every activity can be transform in a way to know yourself and to reach for enlightenment. That is Zen essence.
Take a slow, careful, meditative, reading of this book and I assure you´ll find first quality spiritual food.
Awa Kenzo was a martial artist that lived in the years just after the Meiji Restoration when the samurai way of life was eliminated and there was a profound social upheaval in Japan. He had a difficult life, lost his home, lost two sons; they went desperately hungry for years. But he never abandoned hope and never stopped practicing, persevering till he was acknowledged as one of the most accomplished archers of his time.
This little book is not a biography, Kenzo´s life is covered in only 22 pages, and is not a treatise on Zen or Kenzo´s wisdom and spiritual accomplishments either, his sayings are a collection of quotes spread out in 48. But in its simplicity resides its beauty. In each and every quote you´ll have space to stop and enjoy a jewel to meditate upon, to find meaning beyond the context of kyudo practice, meaning that will touch your life. Because, you see, even if you´ve never touch a bow you are a shooter, you already use a tool that can give you access to emotional and spiritual development. No matter what your profession is or what you do for a living or even if it is a good hobby we´re considering, every activity can be transform in a way to know yourself and to reach for enlightenment. That is Zen essence.
Take a slow, careful, meditative, reading of this book and I assure you´ll find first quality spiritual food.
April 19, 2019
One of my favourite books to read on the subject. I have read it, reread it, and now I have tags in it for my favourite sections. I also recommend this book on a regular basis to my archery students (those who are interested in the subject). I sometimes even quote parts of this book when teaching my students. This is the best book on the subject of zen archery I have yet to find and I have a whole shelf full of archery books from over 30 years.
July 9, 2018
This came to me highly recommended. This book is a translation of "Zen in the Art of Archery". I was expecting it to have practical advice that could be used in daily life but was more of a biography/poetry book. I found the information useless, maybe it's me. I can't recommend this book to anyone.
August 23, 2022
Filled with lots of statements to meditate on. I've never picked up a bow before but I can see how meditative it could be with this mindset and practice in place. I hope I get a chance to try it out for real.
June 24, 2017
Excellent advice for archery and life.
August 18, 2021
Excellent collection of quotes and stories from the Asian archery tradition. Well worth having a copy.
August 22, 2021
I finished reading this book. It was an amazing read if your journeying a path in the Martial arts. I highly rewarded this book to anyone taking a similar journey.
June 27, 2022
The lesson, don't think. Do.
February 22, 2024
Some really good quotes for me to think about and focus on for archery!
October 22, 2025
“IN THE DOJO, AIM FOR TRUTH.
AT HOME, AIM FOR HARMONY.
AT WORK, AIM FOR PROGRESS.
AMONG FRIENDS, AIM FOR TRUST.
IN THE WORLD, AIM FOR SINCERITY.”
AT HOME, AIM FOR HARMONY.
AT WORK, AIM FOR PROGRESS.
AMONG FRIENDS, AIM FOR TRUST.
IN THE WORLD, AIM FOR SINCERITY.”
July 26, 2018
Amazing book. Written in a very zen style as there is nothing superfluous at all. It's just very interesting and a great companion book to zen and the art of archery. Read them both in one sitting.
September 28, 2016
Awa Kenzo is variously known as an archer without compare, a Zen master, or as the teacher of Eugene Herrigel. Herrigel was a German philosopher who wrote a thin book entitled, “Zen in the Art of Archery” that gained a global following. Herrigel’s book was about his time as a student of Kenzo and the insight that he gained into both Zen and Kyūdō—Japanese style archery—through his studies. Kenzo lived from 1880 to 1939, a period during which arts like kyūdō were used more for development of character than as fighting arts, and Kenzo was important figure in this transformation.
Stevens’ book is a thin volume (<100 pages) consisting of three parts. The first is a short biography of Awa Kenzo. One shouldn’t expect a thorough treatment, but that may be for the best (i.e. Kenzo’s life is of interest because of his mastery of archery, but probably only his most ardent fans would want to read a 400 page biography on his life.)
The second part is a set of lessons and aphorisms attributed to the master archer. This section includes a few pages by the author to put Kenzo’s brief statements in context. The lessons themselves are sometimes in prose, sometimes in poetry, and occasionally in the form of lists. These lessons offer insight into archery, mindset, and life in general. Archery is portrayed as a lifestyle.
The third section consists of three short (very short) stories in which archery as a means to develop one’s character is at the forefront.
In addition to the three sections, the book includes front matter, annotations, a bibliography, and a few photos.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for those seeking insight into the nexus between Zen and the martial arts.
Stevens’ book is a thin volume (<100 pages) consisting of three parts. The first is a short biography of Awa Kenzo. One shouldn’t expect a thorough treatment, but that may be for the best (i.e. Kenzo’s life is of interest because of his mastery of archery, but probably only his most ardent fans would want to read a 400 page biography on his life.)
The second part is a set of lessons and aphorisms attributed to the master archer. This section includes a few pages by the author to put Kenzo’s brief statements in context. The lessons themselves are sometimes in prose, sometimes in poetry, and occasionally in the form of lists. These lessons offer insight into archery, mindset, and life in general. Archery is portrayed as a lifestyle.
The third section consists of three short (very short) stories in which archery as a means to develop one’s character is at the forefront.
In addition to the three sections, the book includes front matter, annotations, a bibliography, and a few photos.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for those seeking insight into the nexus between Zen and the martial arts.
June 25, 2008
When i picked this book up from the cheap bin i thought that i'd found something that i'd been looking for: Applied Buddhist Philosophy, that and at a great price! Most books and articles on Buddhism seem to dance around the subject, and while i do realize that there is no "how to" in Buddhism, i am interested exploring the philosophy through less abstract notions than trying to figure out the sound of one hand clapping...
Anyway, so here it was. The life and teachings of a zen Buddhist master who applies his wisdom into the simple act of shooting an arrow at a target. The act of shooting is meditation and hitting a bull's eye merely an indication that you're on the right track. Surely i could glean wisdom and gain some insight into Buddhist practice with such a narrowly-focused example. And i think i would have, except that the author, John Stevens, and the publisher, Shambala, got in the way.
This "book" turned out to be nothing more than a ride on the coat tails of a renowned Japanese teacher and perhaps a half-hearted Cliff's Notes-style attempt based on the classic book 'Zen in the Art of Archery' by Eugen Herrigel. In short, a true hack job. The author even had the gal to poke fun at some unnamed not-so-good Buddhists who attempted to write about Awa Kenzo (the central character in 'Zen in the Art of Archery'.)
Sadly, Stevens has a list in the back of the book of a dozen more other "titles" that he's "written". Shambala should really be ashamed for publishing drivel like this. For shame Shambala! For shame!
Anyway, so here it was. The life and teachings of a zen Buddhist master who applies his wisdom into the simple act of shooting an arrow at a target. The act of shooting is meditation and hitting a bull's eye merely an indication that you're on the right track. Surely i could glean wisdom and gain some insight into Buddhist practice with such a narrowly-focused example. And i think i would have, except that the author, John Stevens, and the publisher, Shambala, got in the way.
This "book" turned out to be nothing more than a ride on the coat tails of a renowned Japanese teacher and perhaps a half-hearted Cliff's Notes-style attempt based on the classic book 'Zen in the Art of Archery' by Eugen Herrigel. In short, a true hack job. The author even had the gal to poke fun at some unnamed not-so-good Buddhists who attempted to write about Awa Kenzo (the central character in 'Zen in the Art of Archery'.)
Sadly, Stevens has a list in the back of the book of a dozen more other "titles" that he's "written". Shambala should really be ashamed for publishing drivel like this. For shame Shambala! For shame!
September 13, 2015
When I was offered this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. Zen archery as a concept had intrigued me for awhile, but I'd never sat down to research it.
John Stevens has an introduction that really sets the tone for the rest of the book. In it, he recounts the story of him achieving zenshin- a kind of epiphany- with one shot, and instead of firing another, he withdrew from the training area and never fired another arrow again, choosing rather to enjoy the experience of 'one shot, one life.'
If you find that a breathtaking metaphorical experience, then this philosophy is very much for you. If, however, you're like me and it fell flat, then this will likely be an interesting read, but not so much a practice.
It would be presumptuous of me to get into the philosophy of Awa Kenzo, having already outed myself as both skeptic and unimpressed, so suffice to say that, while the aphorisms and advice that Awa Kenzo gave are clear and yet profound, they were also a bit of a disappointment. I can't say whether they became ubiquitous enough after his teachings that they became common, or that they were always general and attained a mythic status later. Regardless, much of it is repurposed Zen and strikes me as sounding deep without actually having much substance to it.
End result is that I would recommend it to those interested in Zen philosophy and such, but I can't say that it will mean much or do much, in the end.
John Stevens has an introduction that really sets the tone for the rest of the book. In it, he recounts the story of him achieving zenshin- a kind of epiphany- with one shot, and instead of firing another, he withdrew from the training area and never fired another arrow again, choosing rather to enjoy the experience of 'one shot, one life.'
If you find that a breathtaking metaphorical experience, then this philosophy is very much for you. If, however, you're like me and it fell flat, then this will likely be an interesting read, but not so much a practice.
It would be presumptuous of me to get into the philosophy of Awa Kenzo, having already outed myself as both skeptic and unimpressed, so suffice to say that, while the aphorisms and advice that Awa Kenzo gave are clear and yet profound, they were also a bit of a disappointment. I can't say whether they became ubiquitous enough after his teachings that they became common, or that they were always general and attained a mythic status later. Regardless, much of it is repurposed Zen and strikes me as sounding deep without actually having much substance to it.
End result is that I would recommend it to those interested in Zen philosophy and such, but I can't say that it will mean much or do much, in the end.
June 7, 2011
I bought this book on a whim because it reminded me of a friend and I thought I'd give it for an impromptu gift. I ended up reading it instead and really glad I did.
There is something to learn from taking the time to learn a task/ skill well. There is beauty in that action alone.
I can't say whether the author was true to Zen Buddhism and kyudo but I think he gave his heart to his studies and inspired others.
Good job. Good book. I think I eventually did give it to my friend - though a little reluctantly... :)
There is something to learn from taking the time to learn a task/ skill well. There is beauty in that action alone.
I can't say whether the author was true to Zen Buddhism and kyudo but I think he gave his heart to his studies and inspired others.
Good job. Good book. I think I eventually did give it to my friend - though a little reluctantly... :)
December 2, 2024
Zen Bow, Zen Arrow contains a short history of Awa Kenzo, a compilation of his teachings, and a few anecdotes relating to archery. Much of the book will be indecipherable, unless you have some archery experience - even then, most of it will probably seem hopelessly obtuse. But certainly these teachings merit pondering and I can hope that their meaning will become clearer in time. Very compact and a quick read.
September 3, 2025
pretty challenging for me!!
The messages felt really deep and kind of hidden, so it wasn’t the easiest read. Honestly, I had to push myself to finish it. I think it needs a slower, more thoughtful read.
Either way for me it definitely wasn’t a breezy or quick read.
The messages felt really deep and kind of hidden, so it wasn’t the easiest read. Honestly, I had to push myself to finish it. I think it needs a slower, more thoughtful read.
Either way for me it definitely wasn’t a breezy or quick read.
Want to read
March 18, 2014a good follow up to Zen and the Art of Archery. just started ...
December 9, 2011
A light, but interesting book on Awa Kenzo, one of the masters of Zen Archery.
February 17, 2014
This provides a nice introduction and should be read as a primer with pithy lessons; not the authoritative guide.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews