Kyudo The Art of Zen Archery

Hans Joachim Stein is a Western practitioner of Kyudo-the Way of the Bow-living and working in Japan. Here he provides a thorough introduction to the subject for the Westerner. He traces the origins of archery from the earliest times, concentrating particularly on its history in Japan. Discussing

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the development of Japanese culture and its spiritual values, he chronicles the introduction of Taoism and Zen Buddhism into Japan and examines their influences on Japanese society, and expecially on the samurai, whose pragmatic use of Zen techniques formed the foundatin of modern martial arts. Whilst emphasising Kyudo as a means of developing one's spiritual nature, the book also gives precise practical instruction in the techniques involved, as well as information on equipment, making it suitable for beginners as well as those already practising the Way of the Bow.

Contents

Preface by Robert Schinzinger
Part I: Historical foundations
The historical significance f teh bow
The history of the bow in Japan
Part II: the spiritual foundations of kyudo
Breath and breathing
The way and the ways
Tao, Zen, and Archery
Bushido-The way of teh warrior
Kyudo and ceremony
Spirit and technique
Part III: the practice of kyudo
Preparations
Hassetsu-The eight stages leading to release of the arrow and stepping back from the shooting line
1 Ashibimi-The stance
2 Dozukuri-Balance
3 Yugamae-Being prepared
4 Uchiokoshi-Raising the bow
5 Hikiwake-The draw
6 Kai (Nobiai, jiman)- Holding at full draw: final stretching and extending, the final concentrating before the release
7 Hanare-The release
8 Zanshin-Body and mind after the release
Eastern practice for westerners?
Part IV: The kyudo archer's equipment
The modern kyudo bow
The bow-string
The arrows
The archery glove
Clothing
The training hall
Debts of gratitude
Selected glossary
Selected bibliography
Notes

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