EH

Eugen Herrigel

45quotes

Eugen Herrigel


Biography of a Philosopher and Author

Full Name and Common Aliases


Eugen Herrigel was born as Eugen Herigel on January 25, 1884, in Karlsruhe, Germany. He is often referred to by his pen name, Eugen Herrigel.

Birth and Death Dates


January 25, 1884 - December 26, 1972

Nationality and Profession(s)


German philosopher, writer, and professor of philosophy at the University of Kiel.

Early Life and Background


Eugen Herrigel was born in Karlsruhe, Germany, into a family of intellectuals. His father was a teacher, and his mother was a pianist. From an early age, Eugen showed a keen interest in philosophy and Eastern spirituality. He studied philosophy at the universities of Freiburg and Munich, where he developed a deep understanding of Western philosophical traditions.

Major Accomplishments


Eugen Herrigel is best known for his work on Zen Buddhism and its relationship to Western philosophy. In 1924, he traveled to Japan to study Zen under the guidance of Kaisen Roshi, a renowned master of the tradition. Over the course of several years, Eugen dedicated himself to intense spiritual practice, including meditation and martial arts training.

Notable Works or Actions


Eugen Herrigel's experiences in Japan were documented in his seminal work, "Zur Spur des Zen" (1930), later translated into English as "Zen in the Art of Archery." This book explores the parallels between Zen philosophy and Western spirituality. His writing style was characterized by its accessibility, making complex philosophical concepts approachable for a broad audience.

Impact and Legacy


Eugen Herrigel's work had a profound impact on Western understanding of Eastern spirituality. His writings on Zen philosophy helped to bridge the cultural divide between East and West, paving the way for further exploration and exchange. As a philosopher and writer, Eugen Herrigel demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Eugen Herrigel is widely quoted and remembered due to his groundbreaking work on Zen philosophy and its relevance to Western spirituality. His writing continues to inspire scholars, philosophers, and practitioners alike. Through his experiences in Japan and his subsequent writings, Eugen Herrigel provided a unique perspective on the human condition, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and spiritual practice in everyday life.

Eugen Herrigel's legacy extends beyond his written works; it is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual exploration and cultural exchange. His story serves as a reminder that even in the midst of a rapidly changing world, the pursuit of wisdom and understanding remains a timeless and universal endeavor.

Quotes by Eugen Herrigel

Eugen Herrigel's insights on:

The more obstinately you try to learn how to shoot the arrow for the sake of hitting the goal, the less you will succeed in the one and the further the other will recede.
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The more obstinately you try to learn how to shoot the arrow for the sake of hitting the goal, the less you will succeed in the one and the further the other will recede.
EH
The more one concentrates on breathing, the more the external stimuli fade into the background.
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The more one concentrates on breathing, the more the external stimuli fade into the background.
EH
Put the thought of hitting right out of your mind! You can be a Master even if every shot does not hit. The hits on the target is only an outward proof and confirmation of your purposelessness at its highest, of your egolessness, your self-abandonment, or whatever you like to call this state. There are different grades of mastery, and only when you have made the last grade will you be sure of not missing the goal.
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Put the thought of hitting right out of your mind! You can be a Master even if every shot does not hit. The hits on the target is only an outward proof and confirmation of your purposelessness at its highest, of your egolessness, your self-abandonment, or whatever you like to call this state. There are different grades of mastery, and only when you have made the last grade will you be sure of not missing the goal.
EH
The instructor’s business is not to show the way itself, but to enable the pupil to get the feel of this way to the goal by adapting it to his individual peculiarities.
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The instructor’s business is not to show the way itself, but to enable the pupil to get the feel of this way to the goal by adapting it to his individual peculiarities.
EH
He who has a hundred miles to walk should reckon ninety as half the journey,” he replied, quoting the proverb.
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He who has a hundred miles to walk should reckon ninety as half the journey,” he replied, quoting the proverb.
EH
How far the pupil will go is not the concern of the teacher and Master. Hardly has he shown him the right way when he must let him go on alone.
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How far the pupil will go is not the concern of the teacher and Master. Hardly has he shown him the right way when he must let him go on alone.
EH
I learned to lose myself so effortlessly in the breathing that I sometimes had the feeling that I myself was not breathing but – strange as this may sound – being breathed.
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I learned to lose myself so effortlessly in the breathing that I sometimes had the feeling that I myself was not breathing but – strange as this may sound – being breathed.
EH
What stands in your way is that you have a much too willful will. You think that what you do not do yourself does not happen.
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What stands in your way is that you have a much too willful will. You think that what you do not do yourself does not happen.
EH
Don’t think of what you have to do, don’t consider how to carry it out! The shot will only go smoothly when it takes the archer himself by surprise. It must be as if the bowstring suddenly cut through the thumb that held it. You mustn’t open the right hand on purpose.
"
Don’t think of what you have to do, don’t consider how to carry it out! The shot will only go smoothly when it takes the archer himself by surprise. It must be as if the bowstring suddenly cut through the thumb that held it. You mustn’t open the right hand on purpose.
EH
The spider dances her web without knowing there are flies that will get caught in it. The fly, dancing nonchalantly on a sunbeam gets caught without knowing what lies in store. But through both of them “It” dances. So, too, the archer hits the target without having aimed-more I cannot say.
"
The spider dances her web without knowing there are flies that will get caught in it. The fly, dancing nonchalantly on a sunbeam gets caught without knowing what lies in store. But through both of them “It” dances. So, too, the archer hits the target without having aimed-more I cannot say.
EH
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