Amazon.com: Customer reviews: One Arrow, One Life: Zen, Archery, Enlightenment

Top positive review

The arrow may not hit, but it does not miss

Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2001

The traditional Japanese school of archery -- Kyudo -- is more than a technique to have an arrow hit a distant target. As one of the classic Ways, like flower arranging or kendo, it is an exploration into oneself. The author, now a Zen teacher and university professor, is not some a kid talking about how a day of Zen turned him into a Judo machine; rather this is a well thought-out, well-written journey of both Zen philosophy and martial arts practice. We follow Kenneth to Japan where he sits cleans the dojo, sits in zazen meditation, and becomes expert in Kyudo.

One of the first books to introduce a Way of Zen to the West was 'Zen in the Art of Archery.' Now `One Arrow, One Life' references Herrigal's classic, while providing a fresh expression of learning an ancient physcal skill, making them perfect accompaniments. The author has a deeper understanding of the history and methods of Zen, and clearly explains how they mate with a big bow, and how to carry the lessons on to your whole life. This book would be super for someone new to Zen, as well as someone who wants to revisit Herrigal. A lot of ideas that people talk about were put into place in my mind, then to my body and soul, thanks to this book.

25 people found this helpful

Top critical review

Critical reviews›

Roman Alvarez

not exactly what I had expected, talks more about the author that about one arrow, one life, archery & enlightenment

Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2013

a friend recommended the book, that was recommended to him by his sensei, not exactly what I had expected, talks more about the author that about one arrow, one life, archery & enlightenment.

52 total ratings, 15 with reviews

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From the United States

The arrow may not hit, but it does not miss

Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2001

Verified Purchase

25 people found this helpful

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leostor

Simply Enlightening

Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2021

Verified Purchase

After all the books on Zen that I have read, this is, by far, my favourite. And not only because it was written by my teacher, but because it truly encapsulates the experience of a westerners that runs into Zen training just to have their life changed forever. Highly recommended to those who train in the Zen arts.

One person found this helpful

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Marcos "Ronin"

A breath of fresh air

Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2010

Verified Purchase

Since Eugen Herrigel's classic on Zen and the Art of Archery I have not come across with a book that ignated my heart. In a world where technology, sophistication and complexity abounds, this simple story shoots an arrow of love straight to the heart of the reader. Kushner shares his story of how he decided to learn the art of kyudo and the insights of his zen practice, his difficulties, his findings, his struggles and joys. He connects remarkably well the teachings of his kyudo teachers with that of his Zen practice. An easy to read small book which faithfully conveys the message of love, simplicity and authenticity enabling the reader to easily travels back in time Kurshner and experiences his first steps of his learning journey. A must reading for those interested in catching the spirit of zen and kyudo and not just the technique.

2 people found this helpful

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Monika de Vries

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2017

Verified Purchase

great little book in good shape

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Amazon Customer

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2018

Verified Purchase

Masterpiece

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Roman Alvarez

not exactly what I had expected, talks more about the author that about one arrow, one life, archery & enlightenment

Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2013

Verified Purchase

a friend recommended the book, that was recommended to him by his sensei, not exactly what I had expected, talks more about the author that about one arrow, one life, archery & enlightenment.

Helpful

Alexander J. Kaznica

My number two pick

Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2007

I need to make this point clear: If you are looking for a technical manual on Kyudo to teach yourself how to do it, your wasting your time. You will never find a Kyudo book with information detailing all the little nuances, tricks, short-cuts, or even how to release the Ya (arrow). Why? Because Kyudo is a journey and figuring it out of yourself is part of that journey. You do this by first mastering yourself, then you can go on to mastering the bow. The best books on doing this are not technical manuals, but the personal narratives of Kyudo masters. You learn a lot more by learning of their journeys, trials, and tribulations through Kyudo. Through this you can make distinctions between your questions, the questions they had, and how they inevitably achieved those solutions, but for your questions, the answers lye only within yourself. This is the only way you will 'really' understand what it means when someone says, "The arrow exists in the target before it is shot."
As for personal narratives by Kyudo masters, this is one of the best.

8 people found this helpful

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Swing King

Beautiful Observations

Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2004

Ken Kushner is a professor at the University of Wisconsin's School of medicine who has been practicing Zen Buddhism since 1978. In 1981 he began learning the art of kyudo, or Japanese archery. The main thrust of this book is showing us the "oneness" of life in archery and life in zazen. The point is not to promote archery as the ultimate path towards liberation, but rather, to demonstrate how any task we do can become a spiritual practice with the right attitude. Yet he does use many analogies by means of archery to make points about life in general.
In kyudo, it is said that it can take up to 30 years to master the art, so indubitably the way of archery requires a lot of practice. It's a lot like Zen, it takes practice which really doesn't end. To enhance his abilities concerning archery, Kushner realized zazen meditation was the driving force behind it all; for in zazen we face the difficulties of our lives, and with dogged determination they diminish. Zazen is all about attaining a one pointed mind, which of course is never without us, enabling ourselves to take on each task as though it is our one and only task. No future, no past, and not even a present. Only "this."
The title says it all. Everything is included in this life, there is no real dualism or separation. Every arrow which is flung is it, no going back. That's life. You must believe in your shot 100%. This book truly is a must have for all practitioners of Zen for it's contributions to our philosophy and way of life. Enjoy!

14 people found this helpful

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M. A. Ramos

Introduction to Zen

Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2000

The author uses his study of Kyudo and relates to the ideals and practice of Zen Buddhism. This is a good book of practice for anyone who wants to bring a living, moving Zen into the activities of everyday life. Kushner takes us through his life experience in learning Zen. Is failures and his success. Lets us know that Zen can be understood and practiced by anyone. This book is very a important addition to all who study Zen. The addition of this book should be required for all practictioners of Martial Arts who wish to reach the pinnicle of their art. Kushner begins with a solid introduction to the foundation techniques of both kyudo and zazen-breathing, posture, and concentration. Shares his experiences with us. And lets us follow him through his advance studies.

19 people found this helpful

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A. Smith

How one man learned the art

Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2008

This book was an autobiagraphical approach as to who one man learned. In this way the book was not what I anticipated. I thought thst I would be reading a book about techniques not how one internalized techniques. The below book was what I found more helpful. Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior).

One person found this helpful

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