the story of a japanese zen teacher and his student in archery. after a seemingly excellent shoot of a student, the teacher breaks his bow and refuses to teach him any further. practice was so exhausting for a long time and without progress, so that the student found a way to shoot the arrow spot-on without doing inner work. taking a shortcut. the teacher turns his back and sits down in silence.
by doing so, he shows his deep involvement and concern. he’s hurt. deeply moved by the cheat and the broken agreement. he’s hurt. and he shows it.
what if practice
only is a means
to be
in relationship.
to do
inner work.
to establish
deep and meaningful connections.
lilayoga monika scherer. 