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Abridged
Zen in the Art of Archery - Abridged by Eugen Herrigel
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Zen in the Art of Archery - Abridged

$5.24

Narrator Ralph Blum

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Length 1 hour 20 minutes
Language English
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This intriguing, influential work of literature—an outstanding way to experience Zen—is now available on cd
It is almost impossible to understand Zen by studying it as you would other intellectual pursuits. The best way to understand Zen is, simply, to Zen. This is what author Eugen Herrigel allows us to do by sharing his own fascinating journey toward a comprehension of this illuminating philosophy. In Japan, an art such as archery is not practiced solely for utilitarian purposes such as learning to hit targets. Archery is also meant to train the mind and bring it into contact with the ultimate reality. If one really wishes to be master of an art, technical knowledge of it is not enough. One has to transcend technique so that the art becomes an "artless art" growing out of the Unconsciousness. In this way, as the author simply, clearly demonstrates, archery becomes a path to greater understanding and enlightenment.

EUGEN HERRIGEL (1884-1955), a German professor who taught philosophy at the University of Tokyo, penetrated deeply and personally into the theory and practice of Zen Buddhism. In endeavoring to become a Zen mystic, he experienced the rigorous discipline of training with a Zen Master for six years.

Ralph Blum has narrated a host of titles for Macmillan Audio, including Hero with a Thousand Faces, He, She, Zen Practice, and The Book.  In describing Ralph's reading of Zen in the Art of Archery, also published by Macmillan Audio, AudioFile magazine declared, "Selecting reader Ralph Blum was a great way to resurrect the ideas in this rich and satisfying book. His academic tone inspires respect and makes the ideas even more intriguing."

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Reviews

“In this wonderful little book, Mr. Herrigel, a German philosopher who came to Japan and took up the practice of archery toward an understanding of Zen, gives an illuminating account of his own experience. Through his expression, the western reader will find a more familiar manner of dealing with what very often must seem to be a strange and somewhat unapproachable Eastern experience.” —D.T. Suzuki, author of Zen in Japanese Culture Expand reviews
Celebrate indie bookstores with our limited-time sale! Shop the sale