Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel

Product Description

A classic work on Eastern philosophy, and a charming, deeply illuminating story of one man’s experience with Zen.

EUGEN HERRIGEL was a German professor who taught philosophy at the University of Tokyo between the wars. In endeavoring to become a Zen mystic, he penetrated deeply and personally into the theory and practice of Zen Buddhism and subjected himself to the rigorous discipline of training with a Zen Master for six years. Zen in the Art of Archery is the account of this experience and his The Method of Zen is also available from Vintage Books. Professor Herrigel died in 1955.

Paperback, 81 pages.

A serious student of horsemanship might be interested in reading Zen in the Art of Archery because the book, while ostensibly about archery, explores universal principles of mastery, presence, and non-striving that are highly applicable to the demanding and subtle practice of horsemanship.

The key themes in the book that resonate with horsemanship include:

The Pursuit of “Artless Art”: Herrigel’s master teaches that the goal is not merely technical proficiency (hitting the target), but achieving a state where the action becomes effortless, spontaneous, and non-deliberate—an “artless art.” In horsemanship, this translates to reaching a point where the rider’s aids and the horse’s response become a unified, fluid motion, without conscious “doing.” The goal is harmony, not just compliance.

Mindfulness and “No-Mind” (Mushin): A central lesson is the need to quiet the ego and the calculating mind, which interfere with the pure execution of the skill. The archer must stop thinking about the shot. For the rider, this translates to overcoming self-consciousness, ambition, or frustration, which are all instantly perceived and reacted to by the horse. True horsemanship demands being fully present with the horse, free from inner chatter and distraction.

Unity of Self and Tool/Partner: The book emphasizes the archer becoming “simultaneously the aimer and the aim,” where the bow, arrow, and archer “melt into one.” In horsemanship, the concept is even more literal: achieving “oneness” or “True Unity” with the horse. The rider must cultivate an inner state and body language that makes them a seamless part of the partnership, feeling the horse’s movement and acting without delay or struggle.

Trusting the Process over the Goal: Herrigel is repeatedly told to stop aiming for the bullseye, and instead, focus entirely on the correct spiritual and physical process. This mirrors the philosophy in serious horsemanship, where focusing on the mechanics of a perfect transition or movement is less effective than focusing on the horse’s mental state, relaxation, and straightness, knowing that the correct form will naturally result from the correct preparation.

The Importance of the Master/Teacher: The narrative highlights the profound, long-term relationship with the master, who guides the student beyond technique into spiritual insight. A serious student of horsemanship often seeks a similarly dedicated relationship with a master who can transmit not just technical skill, but a deeper philosophy and attitude toward the horse.

The book teaches that true mastery in a physical discipline is ultimately a spiritual and psychological discipline first and foremost. This perspective directly informs the rider on how to approach their own training, not as a struggle against the horse or the task, but as a journey of self-discovery and self-control to become the quiet, centered partner the horse needs.