The modern world, full of rush and constant stimuli, often makes us want to find a moment of rest and concentration. One way to achieve this goal may be kyudo, the Japanese art of archery.
I have been asked to make photographic documentation of a European kyudo seminar that took place in Krakow. The event gathered Honda-ryu style adepts who, under the supervision of world-famous masters, improved their skills in this difficult, ancient art.
Founded by Honda Toshizane, the style combines both rigorous technique and subtle aspects of Zen philosophy. Archery forms are performed with full concentration and resemble meditation. However, it is not precisely hitting the target that is the most important. The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of inner harmony, unity of body and mind, and a deepened attitude towards life.
„The arrow that hits the target is the result of a thousand mundane efforts that came before.”
– Eugen Herrigel „Zen In The Art Of Archery”
