The sword has played a significant role in Japanese culture since ancient times, where it was initially used for ritual purposes and later became associated with the warrior class, the samurai.

But apart from its ritual and martial uses, the sword and the art of swordsmanship gained a philosophical dimension thanks to the contact with Zen Buddhist teachings, resulting in swordsmanship becoming a path to achieving enlightenment and liberation.

The samurai class largely demonstrated the virtues of bravery and self-sacrifice, embodying in practice the significance of both Zen and the right way of living.

In this book, through the lives and teachings of great samurai and Zen masters, the close relationship between Zen and swordsmanship is presented.