Post by Hiba Rashid on Oct 13, 2015 18:26:54 GMT
In the beginning, Chi Ch’ang hopes to become the greatest archer in the world through training under an expert like Wei Fei. Under Wei Fei’s discipline, Chi Ch’ang learns the basics of how to actively become a better archer. He completes tasks such as learning not to blink, meticulously observing his target and physical training. This allows Chi Ch’ang to perfect the art of shooting. This fills him with arrogance and greed to become the one and only great archer of the world. So, he makes an attempt to assassinate Wei Fei. This attempt that turns out to be a failure points to the fact that Chi Ch’ang still has a long way before achieving his dream.
In contrast, Kan Ying’s teachings focus on inactivity and mental ability (instead of physical ability) in order to master the art of archery. He teaches Chi Ch’ang that archery is not just about doing and shooting. It is about mastering an art through his mind and soul. When he says "real archery dispenses with both bow and arrow" (p.237), he means that a true master of archery succeeds without these material tools. It is under Kan Ying’s guidance that Chi Ch’ang learns to let go of his arrogance and obsession with the bow and arrow. Chi Ch’ang learns not only to become a master of archery, but a master of self -- self-control and selflessness. He is also at peace with himself and seems to no longer care about showing off his archery skills to the people of Hantan. He no longer craves to be the best -- in that he does not try to kill Kan Ying, like Wei Fei. It is when he forgets the physical world and material desires that he is finally titled a master, an expert.
By the end of the story, Chi Ch’ang almost resembles a Buddhist monk in that he does not take part in material pleasures or emotions and leads a simple, peaceful life. He is enlightened with knowledge through his time spent with Kan Ying in the mountains. On a random note, this totally reminded me of the animated film “Kung Fu Panda.” Po, a panda who wants to master kung fu, becomes a pupil of Master Shifu. With Shifu, Po finds inner peace and learns to fight not through physical, but through mental training -- just like Chi Ch’ang under Kan Ying. As cute as the film is, I believe it could point to recurring themes in ancient Chinese literature.
Discussion Question: Chi Ch’ang’s wife is mentioned in the beginning of the story and then disappears from the plot after he becomes Kan Ying’s pupil. Why does his wife suddenly disappear from the picture? Does this have any significance?
In contrast, Kan Ying’s teachings focus on inactivity and mental ability (instead of physical ability) in order to master the art of archery. He teaches Chi Ch’ang that archery is not just about doing and shooting. It is about mastering an art through his mind and soul. When he says "real archery dispenses with both bow and arrow" (p.237), he means that a true master of archery succeeds without these material tools. It is under Kan Ying’s guidance that Chi Ch’ang learns to let go of his arrogance and obsession with the bow and arrow. Chi Ch’ang learns not only to become a master of archery, but a master of self -- self-control and selflessness. He is also at peace with himself and seems to no longer care about showing off his archery skills to the people of Hantan. He no longer craves to be the best -- in that he does not try to kill Kan Ying, like Wei Fei. It is when he forgets the physical world and material desires that he is finally titled a master, an expert.
By the end of the story, Chi Ch’ang almost resembles a Buddhist monk in that he does not take part in material pleasures or emotions and leads a simple, peaceful life. He is enlightened with knowledge through his time spent with Kan Ying in the mountains. On a random note, this totally reminded me of the animated film “Kung Fu Panda.” Po, a panda who wants to master kung fu, becomes a pupil of Master Shifu. With Shifu, Po finds inner peace and learns to fight not through physical, but through mental training -- just like Chi Ch’ang under Kan Ying. As cute as the film is, I believe it could point to recurring themes in ancient Chinese literature.
Discussion Question: Chi Ch’ang’s wife is mentioned in the beginning of the story and then disappears from the plot after he becomes Kan Ying’s pupil. Why does his wife suddenly disappear from the picture? Does this have any significance?