Shibata Sendai XX

[Shibata Sendai XX]  "The yumi is not only something used to throw an arrow. It is a tool to cleanse one's mind. The yumi itself is the teacher." According to an ancient zen saying, a man discovers his true character at the moment of the arrow's release. Every movement in Kyudo is a meditation. He who masters the bow, masters himself. [Shibata Sendai XX] " In China, in the old days, the Emperor tested people by having them shoot the bow. It was a way of measuring a man's personality, his state of mind. f he used the bow properly, if the arrow was released with dignity, he could be trusted."
The essence of Kyudo is balance, inner and outer. Balance is achieved by mastering the seven co-ordinations of Kyudo -- from the initial stance to the final pause after the arrow is released.

Transcript Of National Geographic Special in which Shibata Sendai XX is interviewed, 1986