The example of an arrow and bow is considered to show the realization of the Self. The soul is compared to an arrow, the target being the Universe. The knowledge is compared to the bow and the teacher is the unity of the arrow with the bow and the target, ( OM) which has to be established.
The sharpening of the arrow, keeping it straight, and pulling back the string to hit the target has been compared to the practice of meditation. Keeping the arrow straight on the bow is the development of the personality, consistency between thoughts, speech, and actions. Pulling back the string means withdrawing inwardly, that is no restlessness.
Sharpening the arrow means to keep the intellect sharp through meditation. To keep the attention focused on the target till the arrow is released, to become one with the target and stay by getting out of the erroneous notion of separation from the Universe.
When the arrow becomes one with the target, he who aims attains success. So also the aspirant who meditates on the Universe attains the fruit of his meditation.