The Archer by Paulo Coelho

Recently, I read The Archer, by one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho. Coelho wrote this book several years ago and was recently translated to English. Each time I read one of his books I find myself with pen in hand noting and reflecting on his prose. The premise of the book is one of exploration; "They explore the relationships between the archer and his bow, arrow and target, as well as who should accompany the novice along his journey toward mastering the craft. Coelho recounts these lessons from the point of view of the mentor, lending to the story the mood of a timeless parable or fable. His language evokes poetry more than step-by-step instructions Such simplicity in storytelling disguises a more complex message than how best to pull back a bowstring; it fosters an understanding of the higher self and a reverence for life’s many stages." (Tribune News Service)

I grew up in a family of hunters & fishermen. We learned at a young age how to shoot a gun and use a bow. Picking up the bow, stringing it, placing the arrow on the finger which is holding the bowstring and then releasing the arrow towards the target. Each step needed to be done well, with thought, in order for the target to be hit. Miss a step and the arrow either falls off your finger or it sails into oblivion. I do remember, more than once searching for my arrow; finding it yards from the target. My father would be there, next to me, talking through the process. I soaked in each word because I knew that to skip a step or go to fast would end in frustration. Now, years later, Coelho's parable about the relationship between the bow, the arrow, and the archer take me beyond the physical movements to my relationship with me and the greater world. 

Coelho breaks down each and every facet of becoming the "archer," from the support needed from those that surround us  (allies) to each component needed (bow, arrow, posture) to reach the target. But, he goes beyond and takes us deeper into what each component means:

Allies:  Your allies have joy in their eyes. People who are interested in what you are doing. People with other skills. People who are not afraid of making mistakes. People who do not think like everyone else. People who experiment, take risks, fall, get hurt & then take more risks. People who are open & not afraid to be vulnerable. People who don't hesitate to change direction. These are the people you want to be in your life. 

The Bow: Life; the source of all energy. You must know how to look after your bow; your conscience. Allow your bow to rest. Do not allow it to be "armed/braced," as it will lose its strength. Be clear, be in harmony. Never ask more that it can give. 

The Arrow: The intention (your sankalpa); clear, straight, balanced. What unites the bow with the center of the target (the goal). Be precise with our intention, don't act to carelessly. If you never take a risk, you will never know what changes you need to make. Bring "attention" to your "intention." A quality that you would like to live, not only on your mat, but also off your mat. 

The Target: The objective to be reached. You choose the target (objective) & you are responsible for it. Stand for it. Respect it. Bring it close. Do not view the target as the enemy.  Need to know what it means & the effort it takes on your part. Understand your target. The intention (arrow) gives meaning to the target. 

Posture: Serenity & Elegance necessary to learn how to "shoot" for your "target" (your goal). Serenity is what comes from the heart. Elegance is the way in which you do honor in your life & in your work. It may be difficult, but it is real. It may not be comfortable. Posture is achieved when we discover simplicity & concentration. Ground  yourself to the earth. 

How to Hold the Arrow: To hold the arrow is to be in touch with your own intention. Look at the entire arrow (intention). Your intention may appear fragile... but the strength of the "archer" can carry the energy of the body & mind a long way. You determine the "strength" of your arrow (intention). 

How to Hold the Bow: Keep calm & breathe deeply. Your allies are there to help. See what has brought you to this point. Go over in your mind what has led up to the preparation of that "shot." Relax/tranquil mind. Review each stage... which will give you confidence. 

How to Draw the Bowstring: Though the bowstring is a big thing... the arrow touches a small point on it. We then concentrate on that point. When you draw the bowstring time is important.. transform the thought. Ask for its cooperation.

How to Look at the Target (goal): When you are out of love with life, your aim will be confused, be difficult. Ask yourself, "what caused it?" Confront it. Aim true; everything hums, you are giving your best. Don't be overly focused on "how" you shoot. If a negative moment ask yourself "why?" if a positive moment enjoy the inner peace. Be okay with the fluctuations. 

The Moment of Release: There are two types of "shots." 1. with precision but no soul. One may have mastery, but it has become routine, no growth. 2. with precision and made with soul. Return to & an encounter with oneself. Let go; allow your intention to follow its destiny (it will no leave until you are ready). Bow..Archer.. Target.. All a the same point = Inspiration.

Repetition: Learn the technique in such a way that it becomes intuitive. It then becomes a part of our own existence. Polish-Think-Learn through Practice & Repeat.. Repeat & Practice. Though it may appear to be the same thing.. it is always different. One learns through repetition & by not being afraid of making mistakes. 

How to Observe the Flight of the Arrow: Once your intention has been "set" (shot), nothing to do but follow its path to the target (goal). Let your heart rest & smile. If one has practiced enough, developed, maintained elegance.. feel the presence of the universe.. your action is just & deserved. The mind continues to work, learning, correcting, accepting, waiting. See the world in your bow. 

The Archer, without Bow, without Arrow, without Target: forget about the rules of the way & go on instinct. This is a way to learn. Yet to do this one needs to respect them (the rules). When in this state; one no longer need instruments that helped one learn.. Because the path is more important than the "thing" that first set one on that path. Between one action & the next one remembers everything done; talk with your allies. One rests & is content with the fact of being alive. You will only learn this - joy & enthusiasm- perfection & error-technique & instinct if you keep shooting your arrows. 

As I read his words I found myself taking each component, each role, and its action into what I see in my life, and the decisions I am may make. Coelho's parable is one that we all can immerse ourselves in and take a look at our inner being. 

My role as a yoga teacher is not to teach you something, but to be someone who can/will inspire you to do your best to discover what you already have in you; in your being. To discover what may lie within you. To be willing to let go-to persevere-to explore-to question-to fulfill. 

Honor your Allies, your mentors, your teachers & their teachings. Experience life yourself. 

Resources: 

Book Summary: https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/entertainment/books/article/3112911/archer-book-review-paulo-coelhos-latest-release