Kyudo - the Spiritual Path of Archery The arrow is naturally released by Master Teacher, Michiya Sagino Muyoshingetsu Kyudo is truly a spiritual Way of the Bow. The traditional Japanese bow is long, supple, and is made of layers of wood and bamboo. Because the act of shooting reflects the inner working, the heart, of the archer, Kyudo is a path of self-discovery. Kyudo provides the opportunity for the archer to be pure, and to continue this purity until the arrow, naturally, of its own, leaves the bow. When practiced this way, Kyudo becomes a deeply spiritual training. The name of our school is Muyoshingetsu (one’s heart filled with pure moonlight) Kyudo. Unique among all other Kyudo schools (Dojos), Muyoshingetsu Kyudo over centuries never used the bow to participate in warfare, to compete as a martial art, or take part in religious ceremonies. Rather the cultural practice of Muyoshingetsu Kyudo works only to achieve unity of heart, mind, and spirit.  Michiya Sagino was trained for many years and was chosen to become the new Master Teacher by the prior Master Teacher before he passed away. Michiya Sagino lives in his ancestral house, and teaches Muyoshingetsu Kyudo in Himeji, Japan. Michiya Sagino guides his students through prescribed steps using the traditional Japanese bow to achieve wisdom of one’s true self. His students practice in, and our Master Teacher visits, Muyoshingetsu Kyudo Dojos in Japan and worldwide. Kyudo is the way of the true Kokoro (heart/mind/spirit) As written by a Master Teacher: In anyone's life, there exist many problems and a mountain of unresolvable contradictions. No matter how we look at today's civilization and culture, all are filled with danger. It comes from having progressed without paying heed to the fundamental Kokoro of a human being. However, if one returns to what is essential and looks within the very root of their Kokoro, anyone will find burning there the wish to resolve one's contradictions at all costs. That is the cry of the Kokoro. When one listens to that cry, letting nothing come in the way, no matter what, only the determined Kokoro makes it possible to fulfill this wish. And that burns uncontrollably like oil on fire. This Kokoro, for a human being, is the most sacred thing they possess, and becomes the source to resolve the contradictions of self. In both ancient and modern times, no matter how wise or foolish a person may be, there has been no other way to fulfill oneself except by passing through this Kokoro. It goes without saying that for our school of Kyudo as well, this Kokoro must be made the foundation. Both student and Michiya Sagino must have a true determined Kokoro. About our Kyudo Dojo Michiya Sagino answers questions Our classes are every Sunday, 12:30 PM, at Hillside, an Urban Sanctuary, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito. All are welcome. We provide the Kyudo equipment to people who are getting started. Our class begins with sitting meditation. Beginners start the practice using a piece of elastic to easily learn the movements with the bow and the use of one’s breath. In later classes beginners learn the traditional meditative movements that precede raising and opening the bow, called “taihai”. When a person feels ready, they can use a bow, arrow, and shooting glove to practice. Please, wear comfortable clothing. Contact Bob Fischer at 510-874-0518 and/or bobfischer231@gmail.com about classes. Upcoming Event!!  We are sponsoring a 5-day intensive retreat taught by our teacher from Japan, Michiya Sagino.  The event will take place on June 26 – 30, 2025, at Hillside, an Urban Sanctuary (1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito) surrounded by nature and vistas.  This will be a great opportunity to have time to learn from the teacher one-on-one, to polish your knowledge by self-practice, and have time to address questions and hear answers from our teacher. Please contact Bob Fischer at 510-874-0518 and/or bobfischer231@gmail.com about the retreat.  We hope to see you at the retreat. Why our school chose the Bow for the spiritual path As spoken by a Master Teacher: In the deep past, there were people that were innocent, and they could say, ‘Ah, I see. That must be true.’ In the age we live in, we have lost our innocence. Everyone doubts what we are told, and there is absolutely no connection to the Way. The only way to accept the truth is by experiencing it yourself, with your body, what is true. Then gradually through your own experience, what is true, becomes true Wisdom. There are ten stages to that experience. It takes a long time. It comes together when you can let go of yourself, when you enter the world that is free from self, becomes clear. Then nature surrounds us, the wind blowing, flowers blossoming. So, the reason why the bow is good, is that if you are not something true, you cannot proceed using the bow. Using the bow, you understand what is false and what is true, and you gradually enter the world of Truth.