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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)
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
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.