The Book of Rites - The Meaning of Archery

"The Book of Rites: The Meaning of Archery" says: "The word 'shooting' means 'yi', or 'she'. 'Yi' means to 'yi', so one should be calm and upright, hold the bow and arrow carefully and firmly, and then one can hit the target.

It also says: In ancient times, the emperor's system required the princes to offer scholars to the emperor every year. The emperor would test them in the archery palace. Their appearance and body were comparable to the rituals, and their rhythm was comparable to music. Those who scored the most were allowed to participate in the sacrifice. If they participated in the sacrifice many times, the king would have a celebration, and if they had a celebration many times, the land would be improved.

Therefore, it is said that shooting is for the princes. When a man is born, he should use a mulberry bow and a straw arrow to show his ambition to the four directions of heaven and earth. If this is examined, then shooting is not something that scholars should ignore. However, if the method is not complete, it cannot be called good. In peacetime, you can observe virtue, 'yi', 'yi' and 'yi' to seek benevolence. If there is trouble, you can win in battle and be firm in defense. It all starts from this point, and it is not a small supplement every day.

【Translation】
The Book of Rites: The Meaning of Archery states: "Archery is called 'yi', or 'she'. 'Yi' means to express one's ambition. So one should keep a calm mind and a straight body, and hold the bow and arrow firmly, so that one can be sure of hitting the target."

It also states: "According to the ancient emperor's system, the princes of the four directions had to recommend talents to the emperor every year, and the emperor would test the scholars recommended by the princes in the archery palace. The posture and appearance of the scholars in archery should be in accordance with the etiquette, and the integrity of the scholars should be in accordance with the music and etiquette. Among them, the most skilled scholars should He could offer sacrifices to the gods and the state together with the emperor. He participated in the sacrifices many times and was appointed as a minister by the emperor. The state with many ministers was a good place with a high ritual system. "

So it is said: "Archery is the most important thing among the princes. When a boy is born, (the parents) use mulberry wood to make a bow and tumbleweed to make arrows, and shoot the four directions of heaven and earth to show that his ambition is in the four directions of heaven and earth."

Shoot after examination This is an important point that cannot be ignored in the study of archery. If the posture and shooting method cannot be mastered, it cannot be said that one's study has been perfect. On weekdays, when you are idle and have nothing to do, you can practice archery to observe virtue, express your ambition, examine etiquette and pursue the way of benevolence and righteousness. If you encounter a war, you can win by using it in battle, and you can protect one side by using it to defend, and protect the people and the country. It all starts with learning archery. How can it be said that it is just a small use?