Archery
Taoism and Zen
by Yeiazel 
The art of archery
Ki Chang wanted to learn the art of archery, which, they say, is an excellent path to the Tao. He went to the master Fei Wei, who enjoyed a considerable reputation. This said,
- When you're able to stop blinking an eye, I will teach my art.
Ki Chang went home, slipped under the loom of his wife and trained the eye to follow the comings and goings of the shuttle without batting eyelids. Having devoted two years In this exercise, it blinked at all, even if the tip of the shuttle neared the eye! He then returned to announce to the old Fei Wei.
- Well, says the Master. Now you must learn to see. You must manage to clearly distinguish the slightest perception. Catch a louse, tie it with a silk thread and when you'll be able to count the beats of his heart, come see me.
Ki Chang took ten days to catch a louse, it took him six months before reaching the tie. Then he spent several hours a day staring at the insect. After a year, he also saw large as a saucer, and after three years, as large as a chariot wheel. He ran triumphantly to the house of the master.
- Good, said the old archer, you'll be able to target are practicing now. The power to suspend a tree branch, fell fifty feet, and when you will come to pierce the insect without touching the silk thread, come back to me.
And he handed her a bow and a quiver.
Ki Chang took three months to bend the bow without shaking, a year to pull into the tree trunk and two to touch the silk thread. A hundred times he crossed the line without feel the power. It was only after three years as the arrow pierced the insect without touching the wire.
- Well, said the old Fei Wei, you're almost there. Now, all that is left is to try the same thing in high winds. I have nothing to teach you.
And three years later, Ki Chang succeeds this ultimate achievement. He then said he only had one thing left to do: is measured by its master, whether he was able to surpass, if he could finally take its place. It take his bow and arrows and went to Fei Wei. The old archer, as if waiting came out to meet him, bow in hand, sleeves rolled up.
Everyone at one end of the meadow, they bowed without a word, laid an arrow on their bows and took aim carefully. The strings vibrated in unison, arrows collided in midair and fell into the grass. Six times and six times she hissed touched. Fei Wei had emptied his quiver but Ki Chang still had an arrow. Desperate to get rid of his rival, to finish with his master, he fired. The laughter of the old man answered the cry of the arrow and the little finger the right hand, he deflected the stroke mortal who went crashing into the grass. Fei Wei took three steps, picked up the arrow, placed it on his art and his visa in turn disciple. Ki Chang made no gesture, but the arrow did skim the waist, as if his master had missed ... or saved. But when he tried to take a step, his pants fell to his ankles! The master stroke of the old Fei Wei had cut the cord.
So Ki Chang bowed and cried
- O great Master!
Fei Wei bowed in turn and said
- Disciple Oh great!
