After having won many archery contests, the town champion went to the Zen master. - I am the best of all -he said. - I didn't study religion, never sought help from the monks, and succeeded

 After having won many archery contests, the town champion went to the Zen master.

• "I am the best of all," he said confidently. "I didn’t study religion, never sought help from the monks, and yet, I succeeded beyond all expectations. I’ve beaten every challenger, and I’m the undisputed champion!"

The Zen master, sitting calmly in front of him, smiled softly but said nothing. The champion went on, his voice swelling with pride:

• "I’ve mastered the bow and arrow, achieved perfection in every shot. I hit the bullseye every time. I am at the peak of my skill!"

The Zen master looked at him thoughtfully and replied:

• "Very well, young archer. If you are indeed the best, then show me. Take your bow and arrow, and shoot an arrow that will impress me. But remember, the true test is not in the perfection of the shot, but in the state of your mind as you release it."

The champion was taken aback. "What do you mean, master?"

• "You see," said the Zen master, "many come to me thinking that skill alone is what makes them great. But true mastery lies in understanding the stillness of the mind, the calmness of the spirit. To hit the target perfectly is not enough if you are not at peace with the act of shooting. Now, go ahead, show me your best shot."

The champion, a little perplexed but eager to prove himself, took his bow and aimed at a target that the Zen master had set up. His hands were steady, and he drew the bow with impressive precision. He released the arrow, and it flew straight to the bullseye with perfect accuracy.

• "There!" he exclaimed, confident in his victory. "I’ve done it, just as I always do. The target is hit, the bullseye!"

The Zen master nodded slowly, then asked:

• "And how did it feel when you released the arrow? Were you calm? Were you present in the moment? Or were you just focusing on the target, letting your ego take the lead?"

The champion paused, his chest puffing out. "I was focused. I always focus on the target. That’s how I hit it every time!"

The Zen master smiled gently and said:

• "Ah, therein lies the difference. You see, while you may hit the target every time with your skill, true mastery comes when you hit the bullseye not just with your arrow, but with your mind. In that moment, you must be one with the target, the bow, and the breath you take. It is not the perfection of the shot, but the perfection of the spirit."

The champion, now feeling slightly humbled, lowered his bow. "So, it’s not just about winning the contest? It’s about… peace?"

The Zen master nodded. "Yes. The ultimate archery contest is the one within your own mind. Only when you understand that will you truly become the champion."

The champion stood still, deep in thought. After a long silence, he looked at the Zen master and said:

• "You know, I’ve won all those contests... but I never thought about it like that. I guess... I’ll aim for the peace of mind next time."

The Zen master smiled, "Now you’re ready for your next challenge, my friend."