Soomin 's Key Ideas from The Archer
by Paulo Coelho

• Bow: Life; the source of all energy
• Arrow: Intention, Action
• Target: Objective to be reached

The concept of bow, arrow, and target implies not only in archery but in our normal life as well. The bow refers to the course of life. In our life, we take many actions and form millions of intentions to hit the target just like in archery, the archer draws the bow string and aims at the target with an arrow.

The bow has no conscience; it is the archer’s hand and desires that drive the bow. Your life, as well, doesn’t have itself pre-designed your thoughts and desires will design the shape of your life.

The arrow is what unites the strength of the bow and hits the center of the target. Once the arrow is gone, it will not come back. In life as well, if the intention is not clear, straight, balanced, or precise it’s better to hold, reform, and then act. But never hold back from firing the arrow just because you’re afraid of making mistakes. Even if the arrow fails to hit the target, you’ll learn how to improve your aim next time and what changes you need to make.

Never excuse yourself by saying that your opponent was stronger than you. You are the one who chose the target (smaller or larger) and you are responsible for it. You must understand and regard your target with respect and dignity. With negative intention, you may as well hit the target, but you will not improve anything inside of yourself. Concentrate on the target but also consider other factors, because the arrow, when it is shot, will encounter factors you failed to take into account, like wind, weight, and distance.

(The Archer)

In archery, the archer’s posture should be in the state of serenity and elegance necessary to learn how to shoot. Elegance is not the most comfortable posture, but is the best posture if the shot is to be perfect. Elegance is simplicity and concentration; the simpler the more sober, the more beautiful. When you are in the right state of mind, calm; you can do your best. Simplicity is the key to everlasting beauty.

The snow is lovely because it has only one color, the sea is lovely because it appears to be completely flat, but both sea and snow are deep and know their own qualities.

(The Archer)

1. The arrow is the intention that leaves the archer’s hand and sets off toward the target.
2. The arrow follows the path chosen for it when it was released by the archer.
3. To hold an arrow is to be in touch with your ]own intention.
4. A man’s intention should be perfect, straight, sharp, firm, precise.
5. Ensure that your arrow has not been bent or damaged by previous shot.
6. In it’s simplicity and lightness, the arrow can appear fragile, but it can carry the energy of archer’s body and mind a long way.