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I bet this is a cool book to read if you never heard of Buddhism before. In the historical context when it was published it was surely important. But right now you can learn about Buddhist philosophy in other, better ways, and Hesse's ponderous self-importance is a drag. This is a book for young men who want to feel deep and then lord it over others that they've read it.

I don't recommend taking the time to read this mostly on account of life being short and there being plenty of better books.

I suppose it's an important book for its role in re-imagining the Arthurian legend in a neopagan context. It's enjoyable as an adventure book. It's enjoyable as a bit of fanservice for neopagans. It's not a great book. If you're the kind of person who'd read it, you'll read it anyway I'm sure.

In its way I find it like Wicca: a cool thing for girls aged 12-16, but maybe after that you move on to something with a bit more depth and history.