Dear kyudojin,
Dear friends of kyudo, of Japan and of Jean-Pierre,
Dear Christiane,
We are gathered this evening to give an opportunity to the archers who followed Jean-Pierre’s footsteps on the way of the bow to shoot two arrows and, by doing so, express their tribute and gratitude for his teachings.
Two arrows are not much. But if we shoot them with all our heart, they will carry our sorrow, our gratitude, our hope beyond the target.
Indeed, Sensei, you taught us that the tsurune is the sound produced by the vibration of the string when the arrow leaves the bow on its way to its target.
According to the kyudo manual, this vibration is an echo in the real world of the absolute truth that the archer seeks on the way of the bow.
Theoretically, such waves have no end.
Who can say what happens to the tsurune when they cease to be audible and begin their long journey through the universe, creating subtle harmonies with other sounds, other tsurune?
I like to believe that, in the future, your tsurune will meet ours and influence them for the better, as you have deeply influenced all of us, in the practice of kyudo, of course, but also in our lives.
It is up to us, kyudojo practitioners from Belgium, Luxembourg and Lille, to continue to keep kyudo alive in our regions.
To us to perpetuate your work.
To you our deep gratitude and our heartfelt thanks.
Alain Dubois 5th dan Kyudo
November 7, 2021