Herrigel's book played an important role in introducing the West to Zen. In recent years, some scholars have questioned whether his kyūdō instructor, Awa Kenzô, was actually an adherent of Zen, and have pointed to some potential misunderstanding between Herrigel and Kenzô due to the language barrier. But the historical importance of the book remains regardless; and as a student of a karate style that deliberately incorporates aspects of Zen, I think the relationship between Zen and budō that Herrigel presents is not inaccurate.
