The Three Paths of Tenkara

Kanji for "Three Paths"

Please, take a moment right now to think about the art of archery, martial arts, the tea ceremony, making sushi, calligraphy, and even origami?

In the Japanese culture, these and other arts are actually considered activities of "spiritual practices." All work becomes a practice. All vocation becomes a practice.  Simply enough it is the practices of self understanding though mastery of an art. I am here to make the point that tenkara is also one of these practices. You can be reckless with it or you can approach it with reverence.

Lately, it pains me to witness the casual disregard shown by some individuals towards tenkara. People continue to write articles, comment on social media and mislead others about tenkara. It is unnerving to me and to those who have respect for tenkara as a practice.

I am thrilled to see a surge of interest in tenkara among western anglers. However, in the rush of excitement, many have neglected the vital aspect of familiarizing themselves with tenkara's rich history, culture, and the importance of approaching it with respect as a living practice.

Today, I would like to revisit an essay I wrote for Tenkara Angler Magazine about the "Three Paths of Tenkara" in July 2020. It is my hope that readers will pause to internalize these principles and recognize tenkara for the amazing gift it truly is, transcending its label as "just a fishing style" and refraining from misusing the term "fishing tenkara" outside the context of mountain streams.

Let us start by establishing a few fundamental agreements.
Firstly, we can all acknowledge that tenkara is a fishing style characterized by a rod, line, and fly.
Secondly, we must recognize that tenkara and Western fly fishing are distinct approaches with unique histories, techniques, and tackle requirements, much like spin cast fishing differs from Western fly fishing, or deep sea fishing diverges from ice fishing.
Lastly, it is crucial to respect that tenkara is a gift bestowed upon us from Japan. It would be culturally disrespectful to tarnish this gift by degrading its form and practice. We have been entrusted with its preservation and it's future.

In my own meditations on tenkara I have observed what I call "the Three Paths of Tenkara." they are
Tsuri (Fishing), Renshū (Practice), and Dentō (Tradition). Each path interacts and informs each other. Together this creates what I refer to as "the Heart of Tenkara." I will keep it this simple for now. I can go on at length another time with regard to where each intersects. I created the Venn diagram below to help you understand.

"The Path of Fishing"(Tsuri) is specific to tenkara's form. It is how it is fished as well as where it is fished.

Tsuri This path of practice revolves around embracing tenkara in its authentic form and technique as a fishing style. It is the process of learning and mastering the basics of equipment rigging, casting, fly presentation, hooking and landing fish. It is a journey of active learning and gaining experience through fishing. When we embark upon this path, we should do so with the intention of doing it correctly, unburdened by outside forms of fishing.

"The Path of Tradition" (Dentō) imparts the history and wisdom and gives us a context of tenkara as a practice.

 Dentō This path of practice places value on the history, culture and place of tenkara.  Honoring the traditional teachings of tenkara, practitioners diligently study and practice techniques adapting them with the modernized equipment of today. Dentō is the living history of tenkara. Dentō practitioners act in a way as guardians of the traditions and culture of tenkara. They are the teachers and advocates for the integrity of tenkara.

"The Path of Practice" (Renshū) has us connecting with the depth, purpose, and form; allowing us to find the harmony of ourselves in tenkara.

Renshū is the practice of tenkara as a form of meditation and mindfulness. Practicing tenkara in this way can inform  us in how to live our daily lives. By applying the principles of tenkara to life, practitioners discover happiness, productivity, and deeper meaning. They learn to appreciate the intricate details and time-honored traditions of tenkara, recognizing the interconnections of all things. This path aligns with other traditional Japanese practices and necessitates focus and discipline. Essentially, it is the embodiment of the fishing we undertake, embracing it as a way of being and doing.

As we discern each path in our journey, we gain a profound understanding of the heart of tenkara. At different times in our lives, we may find ourselves walking each path.  We may find ourselves walking with the influence of the other two paths subtly shaping our experience. Which path or paths do you identify with?

I have little control over what others do with tenkara.  I wish there was more reverence perhaps? Please do not consider me a "tenkara elitist".  I am not telling anyone how to fish tenkara, I am only saying that tenkara is something specific. Words have meaning and we need to have enough respect for tenkara to not let its definition be trivialized or its form be warped and misused.

It is a very western idea that believes tenkara needs to have anything added to it. Tenkara is about reducing fishing to its basic form. Anything you add to it is counter productive to this point. We must ask "just because we can add something...does it mean we should?"

Peace, love and fishes
Dennis