Here are 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, 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.
Zen Bow, Zen Arrow
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"An interesting and enlightening study by John Stevens."—The Japan Times
About the 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.
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More About the Author
John Stevens lived in Japan for thirty-five years, where he was a professor of Buddhist studies at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai. Stevens is a widely respected translator, an ordained Buddhist priest, a curator of several major exhibitions of Zen art, and an aikido instructor. He has authored more than thirty books and is one of the foremost Western experts on aikido, holding a ranking of 7th dan Aikikai. Stevens has also studied calligraphy for decades, authoring the classic Sacred Calligraphy of the East.
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful introduction, or re-introduction, to Awa Kenzo's life and philosophy
February 26, 2007
By Steve Savage
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Informative, readable and inspiring account of Kenzo's life as well as an excellent anthology of his actual teachings. I loved John Stevens' way of explaining complex Zen terms in simple English: e.g., kensho - "see your nature" or "look into your nature;" jobutsu - "become Buddha;" and the ultimate Zen experience, satori, which Stevens explains means literally "remove distinctions," and which he, along with many others, translates as "enlightenment." This is great stuff for anyone interested in Japanese language and culture as well as providing a springboard for deeper investigations of Zen, of archery as a form of "practice" and of martial arts in general. Includes detailed notes on sources and an excellent bibliography. Highly recommended.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. Leon Li
Format:Paperback
Don't miss this book if you are interested in "Zen in the Art of Archery" and "The Method of Zen" by Eugen Herrigel.
The teaching of Awa is a pearl of wisdom.
The teaching of Awa is a pearl of wisdom.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Erik C. Pihl
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
John Stevens produces another one of his find vignettes of prominent Japanese martial artists. The field of Kyudo is not well known in the U.S. and anything that can be done to remedy that should be. I believe this book is best read alongside Herrigel's "Zen and the Art of Archery."
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Archery
Returning form Bhutan, where archery is the national sport, finding this book was a must. It is a very worthy read.
Published 1 month ago by JK Kampmann
5.0 out of 5 stars
AWESOME BOOK!
This book is one of my favourite books about archery.
Whenever the topic of Zen Archery comes up I automatically recommend this book. Read more
Whenever the topic of Zen Archery comes up I automatically recommend this book. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Jeffrey the Juggernaught
3.0 out of 5 stars
Except Awa Kenzo wasn't a **Zen** Master!
From Wikipedia:
"It was discovered that Master Kenzô, although a teacher of archery, was neither a teacher nor an adherent of Zen Buddhism. Read more
"It was discovered that Master Kenzô, although a teacher of archery, was neither a teacher nor an adherent of Zen Buddhism. Read more
Published 15 months ago by AlchemistGeorge
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definitely a Bullseye
I had read Zen and the Art of Archery a long time ago and decided to check out this book. Definitely worth my time. Read more
Published on December 31, 2009 by Geoff Howard
5.0 out of 5 stars
A different kind of hunting
Zen Bow, Zen Arrow is a different kind of hunting book for most people. To hunt for and find an understanding of self and this life we live is, perhaps, the greatest adventure of... Read more
Published on December 26, 2008 by Michael A. Nelson
4.0 out of 5 stars
great book, but short
interesting and informative, but a little short for the money. If you read "zen in the art of archery" by eugene herrigel and didn't hear enough about awa kenzo, this book will... Read more
Published on May 1, 2008 by devin vagt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Zen Bow, Zen Arrow
a small book but diamonds are small-as is the brief instant of satori. a wonderful history of the great Zen archer Awa Kenzo with a treasure of gems of wisdom from his teachings:... Read more
Published on February 25, 2008 by Jon B. Hudson
