Sundays Gazette

Archery is not just about shooting arrows; it's a profound philosophy that teaches us patience, focus, and discipline. As the great archer Byron Ferguson once said, "Archery is not a sport. It's an art, a philosophy, and a way of life." In the stillness of drawing the bow, we learn to quiet our minds, as reflected in the words of the Zen master Awa Kenzo: "When the arrow flies, the mind flies; when the arrow hits the target, the mind hits the target." Each arrow released carries not only physical force but also the weight of our intentions and aspirations, echoing the sentiment of the legendary archer Howard Hill: "The bow and arrow are the most elegant of weapons." Through the practice of archery, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, finding balance within ourselves and harmony with the world. As the ancient proverb goes, "The archer who aims at the moon will shoot higher than the one who aims at a bush." Archery teaches us to aim high, both on the range and in life, guiding us to find strength and grace in every shot.