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The Way of Zen Audiobook
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(4.00) - 4,466 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In his definitive introduction to Zen Buddhism, Alan Watts ("the perfect guide for a course correction in life" —Deepak Chopra), explains the principles and practices of this ancient religion.
With a rare combination of freshness and lucidity, he delves into the origins and history of Zen to explain what it means for the world today with incredible clarity. Watts saw Zen as “one of the most precious gifts of Asia to the world,” and in The Way of Zen he gives this gift to readers everywhere.
“Perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West, Watts had the rare gift of ‘writing beautifully the unwritable.’” —Los Angeles Times
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"The best primer I've read on the subject. Offers the most clear cut explanations of what can be on the surface very obtuse subject matter (The basic, principal, philosophical evolution of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and how all those blended into Zen, and Zen's own development from China to Japan) Manages to read both poetically and academically, but most importantly, clearly."
— Brandon (4 out of 5 stars)
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Perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West, Watts had the rare gift of ‘writing beautifully the unwritable.’
— Los Angeles Times
The Way of Zen Listener Reviews
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" Not as consistantly enlightening as The Watercourse Way, Watts nonetheless never hits a false note. A good introduction but, reluctantly, not the best. B+ "
— Zen, 2/19/2014 -
" One of about 4 books I am actively trying to read to finish. I have tried too many times and have to stop because it gets too intense for me or I don't understand it. "
— Jason, 2/11/2014 -
" this is a great book on zen. one of the most enlightening books ive read, and the only book ive ever read twice. working on it again this year actually. "
— Shane, 2/10/2014 -
" sovna "
— Kjell, 1/31/2014 -
" Pause for thought indeed. Will revisit I'm sure. "
— Judi, 1/27/2014 -
" Brilliant book. Great introduction to Zen for those of us steeped in western dualism. I wasn't expecting this book to be so funny. The ancient masters were hilarious as well as profound. "
— Andy, 1/24/2014 -
" This was my first really good introduction to Eastern thought. "
— Jon, 1/20/2014 -
" This book speaks the unspeakable truths of Zen. Some of it may seem redundant as it is all relatively speaking getting at the same point, however if you look past that, the vast amount of proverbs, sayings, and other quotes give you a better understanding of the simple truths of Zen. I thoroughly recommend this book! "
— Travis, 1/16/2014 -
" A somewhat academic history of Zen. I prefer when Watts writes more on expansive ideas and thinking patterns. Having said that Watts is not to be pigeon-holed, his writing is phenomenal be it an essay on alchemy or a history of Zen. This book is for students of Zen or huge Watts fans like I am. "
— Jake, 1/9/2014 -
" Alan Watts is in the top 5 people to read in order to enlighten yourself list. "
— Caspinlange, 11/7/2013 -
" makes more/less sense now than it did in highschool? "
— Greg, 10/31/2013 -
" Why yell at the egg for not being a chicken? "
— Isabelle, 10/3/2013 -
" Very good explanation on what is Zen .. Still an intellectual book that give just a shade reflection of the real zen experience "
— Mazen, 4/10/2013 -
" One of the first books I read about Zen. I actually understood. Watts is clear and fun. A guru to me.Classic the best. Must read for anyone interested in Zen. I love everything Watts. "
— Peacenow, 3/9/2013 -
" Read this two years ago. Less mind-blowing, but more meaningful now with some context. Still the best overall introduction to Zen. And very short. "
— Ryan, 2/9/2013 -
" More a treatment of Buddhism than Zen, this is still a valuable book. Watts has a way of explaining the Eastern mind to westerners that's hard to beat. "
— Obi, 12/29/2012 -
" You could skip to part two if you wanted to. This is where the the ' impro ' ideas of ' not blocking ' and ' saying yes ' must have come from. "
— BAKU, 8/19/2012 -
" ego-death did not occur "
— Brad, 11/3/2011 -
" A truly beautiful, intriguing look into the world of Buddhism. Recommended to any intrigued by the ideas of zen. "
— Anna, 10/3/2011 -
" eastern buddhism seen through western eyes. A classic. "
— Alex, 9/11/2011 -
" This is Zen for scholars. "
— Curtis, 8/14/2011 -
" Written to simplify the idea of Zen to the Western world, Watts takes the mystisicm out of a way of life and uses practical applications to relate the material to us. If you're interested in the topic historically or otherwise, this one is worth the read. "
— doug, 4/27/2011 -
" A two part book that gives great insight into the history of zen as well as the practice of something utterly unnameable. "
— Tom, 4/6/2011 -
" One of about 4 books I am actively trying to read to finish. I have tried too many times and have to stop because it gets too intense for me or I don't understand it. "
— Jason, 2/20/2011 -
" Watts has gotten me by the astral throat since page one. "
— Zoo, 12/6/2010 -
" Maybe it's having read Suzuki before reading this, but I found Watts' background and description of Zen to be simultaneously clear and mind-bending. I believe I am forever changed for having read this. "
— Nikolaus, 7/7/2010 -
" One of the first books I read about Zen. I actually understood. Watts is clear and fun. A guru to me.Classic the best. Must read for anyone interested in Zen. I love everything Watts. "
— Peacenow, 6/23/2010 -
" A truly beautiful, intriguing look into the world of Buddhism. Recommended to any intrigued by the ideas of zen. "
— Anna, 4/16/2010 -
" Read this one and Suzuki's Zen Buddhhism, both awesome "
— Michael, 4/8/2010 -
" OMG! this books smiles with simplicity, you will nod to your music wondering why sudden enlightenment seems to be so orchestral in your studio?? "
— Gypsy, 12/17/2009
About Alan Watts
Alan W. Watts (1915–1973) was instrumental in introducing Eastern thought to Western civilization. He held both a master’s degree in theology and a doctorate of divinity and is best known as an interpreter of Indian and Chinese philosophy in general and Zen Buddhism in particular. He earned his reputation as one of the most original philosophers of the century and was the author of thirty-three books, and hundreds of articles, on philosophy and religion.