Chapter V
Hanare
Much has been written about the natural release in kyudo. For example, Eugen Herrigel described the phenomenon of “It” shooting. The expression “to shoot without shooting” has also been used to explain the same concept, as is the image of water slowly building up on a leaf and the suddenly dropping to the ground. Of the many challenges posed by kyudo, the natural release is one of the most critical.
As is well known to kyudo practitioners, the dynamics of the release are established at the stage of kai as the pressure of the draw increases continuously. At some point, the arrow must be released. However, the release (hanare) must not be an intentional action; in Zen terms, it should
be a non-action.
Zen and Kyudo
Chapter V
Hanare
Much has been written about the natural release in kyudo. For example, Eugen Herrigel described the phenomenon of “It” shooting. The expression “to shoot without shooting” has also been used to explain the same concept, as is the image of water slowly building up on a leaf and the suddenly dropping to the ground. Of the many challenges posed by kyudo, the natural release is one of the most critical.
As is well known to kyudo practitioners, the dynamics of the release are established at the stage of kai as the pressure of the draw increases continuously. At some point, the arrow must be released. However, the release (hanare) must not be an intentional action; in Zen terms, it should
be a non-action.