Kyudo (Zen Archery)

November 22, 2025. The arrow flew off the bow unexpectedly--as if of its own volition. It was how correct hanare (release) is described by master Zen archers. The release was crisp, the sound of the string was pleasant, and the bow did not vibrate in my hand during the shot. The arrow hit the bull's eye. I was pleasantly surprised by what I recognized as my finest shot. It was only after 5 seconds that I realized that the string had broken when I reached full draw. The only other time I have felt such a natural hanare was during "first shot" training. That first shot happened in a split second before I knew it would happen because I had no expectation. They say that archers then spend many years of practice to experience that again. Now I understand what is meant by the release happening like the slow accumulation of rain on a leaf until a single drop falls naturally from the tip. I need to cultivate "beginner's mind" and to allow the arrow to "ripen" on its own accord as I focus on a proper kai and pushing down with my breath (hara breathing) into my tandun and to simply wait without expectation or volition. My conscious mind has to retreat. Ji (technique) has to give way to ri (universal principals) to manifest Buddha-nature.