• Zen in the Art of Archery

  • By: Eugen Herrigel
  • Narrated by: Ralph Blum
  • Length: 1 hr and 20 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (834 ratings)

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Zen in the Art of Archery  By  cover art

Zen in the Art of Archery

By: Eugen Herrigel
Narrated by: Ralph Blum
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Publisher's summary

This intriguing, influential work of literature - an outstanding way to experience Zen - is now available in audio.

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.

©1971 Eugen Herrigel (P)2005 Macmillan Audio

What listeners say about Zen in the Art of Archery

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Terrific!

This short listen is priceless. I will listen to it again & again. Serve & Be Served.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful !

Would you listen to Zen in the Art of Archery again? Why?

This book was a wonderful listen for me. The performance was wonderful and if you are walking and listening to this book (not in a hurry) it slowly becomes your companion and a powerful, caring teacher.
Enjoy!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Valuable as a photographer, and human

I’m no archer. I make photos, for myself and for a living. In recent years I’ve been more intentional with my study, which has improved in many ways my photography. However, I have felt myself become more stuttered, hesitant, exacting in my techniques. Recently I’ve sought to let go, to care less. So it was fortunate that this book was recommended by a photographer whom I admire—Joel Meyerowitz. I think I should listen two or three or many more times to this. But already I feel myself changing, snapping away without fear and hesitation more, though not always. May it help you find your innocence in whatever you endeavor.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

It is a good introduction to Zen.

I got interested in this book by reading about the photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, that considered this text to be the ultimate book for taking photos. I do disagree with him, it is not just for the camera savvy user, but to all kind of persons willing to get into “the zone” (where we maximize our performance). And how to get there. It does not tell you how, but gives you several clues. It is just the first step on a long inner trip.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing book on art!

This is a book for all artists of all kind. Just replace the word archery with name of your art and replace bow and arrow with what you use to express yourself.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Simple book of wisdom, not to be taken lightly.

It is a short book that truly shows how to become one with yourself, others, and nature. Archery is symbolic for any art of skill to be mastered through focused effort. Phil Jackson shared this with Jordan and Kobe.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good content, bad sound mixing

I enjoyed the book and it's content.

In regards to the narrator, as other reviews stated, his "master" voice is somewhat grating. I found that the mixing of this audiobook could use a lot of work as there is a constant sound that the narrator makes that sounds like he is thirsty and there is a smacking noise that made the book unbearable to listen to.

If that sort of noise bothers you, pick up the physical book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Narrators voice

The narrators voice was fine when for half the story. However when he was speaking like the master his voice changed as was very grating and hard to listen to.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Boring Book

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This was a very boring book. I did not expect this book to be so lame.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful recital of a treasured literature

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I enjoyed the tone, clarity and pace of the reading.

What other book might you compare Zen in the Art of Archery to and why?

I compare Zen and the Art of Archery to The Prophet because they are both books of inspiration and learning.

What about Ralph Blum’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed how Mr. Blum varied his tone for emphasis and how distinctly he spoke.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I wanted to take my time to let the significance sink in.

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1 person found this helpful