The Six Arts of the Gentleman: Rites, Music, Archery, Charioteering, Calligraphy, and Mathematics. Though Ya w…
The Six Arts of the Gentleman: Rites, Music, Archery, Charioteering, Calligraphy, and Mathematics. Though Ya was of the Mohist Sect, he always encouraged disciples not to be confined by Mohist teachings but to draw from the strengths of various schools. Years ago, Yan, Sun, and Lu shared an old bow for archery practice. In their final lesson, the bow snapped just as the class ended. Ya laughed, saying they had entered a new realm; they should part with the old to begin the new. Later, after the three had completed their apprenticeship, they coincidentally brought new materials to repair the old bow. "The Way of the Bow requires harmonizing the limbs, regulating the breath, unifying the will, drawing slowly, and releasing swiftly..." To make a fine bow requires fine materials; to be a fine artisan requires fine talent. One wonders when this Six-Material Bow will be drawn for a swift shot again.