Zen in the Art of Archery

In 1924, professor of philosophy at Heidelberg University Eugen Herrigel (1884–1955) went to Japan to give a course at Tohoku Imperial University in Sendai. Herrigel was particularly interested in mystical teachings, and his visit to Japan provided him with a rare opportunity for a European to become acquainted with the philosophy of the Zen Buddhist school. His stay in Japan lasted from 1924 to 1929, during which time Herrigel studied the art of kyudo - the noble art of archery, through which he grasped the principles of Zen philosophy.

Upon his return from Japan in 1929, Eugen Herrigel outlined his experiences in a short essay dedicated to the art of kyudo. Based on this essay, the book "Zen in the Art of Archery" (1948) was later written, which became Herrigel's main work and one of the first and foremost books dedicated to Zen philosophy aimed at European readers. In this capacity, the book gradually acquired cult status.