One Arrow, One Life. Kenneth Kushner
TUTTLE PUBLISHING
Tokyo · Rutland, Vermont · Singapore
One Arrow,
One Life
Zen,
Archery,
Enlightenment
Kenneth Kushner
Illustrated by Jackson Horisawa
TUTTLE PUBLISHING
Boston · Rutland, Vermont · Tokyo
Kenneth Kushner was born in Chicago in 1949. He received a BA from the University of Wisconsin in 1971 and his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan in 1977. He began Zen training under Tanouye Tenshin Roshi in 1978, and in 1981 traveled to Hawaii and Japan to study kyudo. He currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin, where he teaches at the University of Wisconsin. He is also on the educational staff of the Institute of Zen Studies in Honolulu.
First Tuttle edition published in 2000 by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.
Copyright © 2000 Institute of Zen Studies
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2002280146
ISBN 978-0-8048-3246-5
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| CONTENTS | |
| Acknowledgments | vii |
| Introduction: Entering the Way | 1 |
| 1 Techniques and Principles | 10 |
| 2 Breathing, Posture, and Concentration | 28 |
| 3 Mushin | 41 |
| 4 Koan Zen | 50 |
| 5 The Naturally Correct Way | 61 |
| 6 Zanshin | 72 |
| 7 Pain | 80 |
| 8 Kiai | 93 |
| 9 The Journey West | 105 |
| Notes | 107 |
| Glossary | 111 |
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to:
Tanouye Tenshin Roshi, Jackson Morisawa, and Suhara Koun Osho, who have worked patiently to make Zen and the Ways accessible to Westerners. Chozen-Ji Kyudo was created by, and reflects, their kiai. In addition, Jackson Morisawa's knowledge of kyudo, the Japanese language, and his artistic skills have contributed greatly to this book.
Two old friends and training partners, Mike Sayama and Gordon Greene, who have helped me in many ways over the years, and have also contributed much to this book; and Steve Wallman, a new friend and training partner, who has given me valuable editorial assistance.
My wife, Erica, who has accompanied me half way around the world and has tolerated long absences so that I could pursue my training.
INTRODUCTION
Entering the Way
At first glance it must seem intolerably degrading for Zen—however the reader may understand this word—to be associated with anything so mundane as archery.
Eugen Herrigel1
I arrived in Honolulu late in the afternoon. It was August of 1980 and I was 31 years old. I had been planning the trip for a year and a half. Leaving my wife behind, I had recently resigned from my job on the mainland. I had come to Hawaii to study kyudo, the Zen Art of Archery. My destination was Chozen-Ji, a Zen temple located in the Kalihi valley, a ten-minute drive from downtown Honolulu.
I had written ahead to inform Tanouye Roshi2 , the abbot of Chozen-Ji, of the time of my arrival. Usually when students from the mainland come to Hawaii, he makes arrangements to have them met at the airport and brought back to the temple. However, I had explained in my letter that I would be happy to take a cab if it would be more convenient.
After collecting my suitcase in the baggage claim area, I looked around to see if anyone had been sent for me. Unfortunately, I did not know who I should be looking for. Perhaps the person from Chozen-Ji would not be able to recognize me. I started to feel ill at ease. How long should I wait before taking a cab? What if I took one and missed the person who had come to meet me? My anxiety about entering a Zen temple grew. What did this mean? Was this a message of some sort? Zen masters are known to treat their students harshly. Was this part of my training; or was it a sign I was not welcome?
Finally, after about two hours, I hailed a taxi.