Eugen Herrigel

And they learn from the horse, which tenses every single muscle in its body right before it clears a fence.

And then we get this incredible lesson from a Zen master of archery, Eugen Herrigel.

Yes.

The concept of the archer's tension perfectly illustrates the mechanics of action.

Herrigel explains to his master that when he draws his bow to its maximum limit, he reaches a point where he feels breathless.

The physical strain is so high he feels he simply must let the arrow fly immediately just to relieve the pressure.

But the Zen master corrects him.

He explains that if Herrigel continues to try to provoke or force the moment of release, he will never learn the art.