The Most Challenging Sport - Archery (IV)

Archery is a "sport of the soul," steeped in Confucianism. It emphasizes sincerity and self-cultivation. Therefore, to become a master archer, one must possess noble moral character. Mencius said, "Shooting is a way to observe virtue." Archery is not only a training of physical strength and skills, but also a training of mind and psychological character. Archery requires not only good physical fitness but also excellent mental cultivation.

Therefore, you must guide your training with noble moral character, while also elevating your mind through training. To become a master archer, technical knowledge alone is not enough. You must be indifferent to fame and fortune, transcending both technique and self. Achieve "doing nothing, yet achieving everything." Don't be upset by poor shooting, nor get carried away by good shots.

You must free yourself from the shackles of pleasure and pain and learn to guide yourself with a peaceful and tranquil mind. Mencius said, "The archer must first correct himself before shooting. If he misses, he should not blame the superior opponent, but instead look within himself." To achieve this state, one must shed the ego and become completely free from all distractions. You should achieve "no emotion while shooting." The ancients said, "Only when inner strength is achieved can one attain tranquility." I hope you will diligently cultivate tranquility, achieving "purity, stillness, and few desires." "Calmness brings clarity of mind, while agitation brings confusion." Shooting from a state of tranquility will be the key to success in training and competition.

A righteous mind leads to a straight arrow; a calm mind leads to accurate arrows. Attaining this state will bring you to a new level, a new stage of advancement. I urge you to eliminate distractions and interference, and shoot each arrow with a selfless, ordinary mind. This is crucial for you. This is the highest realm of archery, and you must explore it, deeply understand it, and grasp its principles.