The Way of Zen

by Alan W. Watts

Overview

In his definitive introduction to Zen Buddhism, Alan Watts explains the principles and practices of this ancient religion to Western readers. 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780375705106
Publisher:	Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/26/1999
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	17,473
Product dimensions:	5.18(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Alan W. Watts, who held both a master’s degree in theology and a doctorate of divinity, is best remembered as an interpreter of Zen Buddhism in particular, and of Indian and Chinese philosophy in general. Standing apart, however, from sectarian membership, he has earned the reputation of being one of the most original and “unrutted” philosophers of the twentieth century. Watts was the author of some twenty books on the philosophy and psychology of religion that have been published in many languages throughout the world, including the bestselling The Way of Zen. An avid lecturer, Watts appeared regularly on the radio and hosted the popular television series, Eastern Wisdom and Modern Life,in the 1960s. He died in 1973.

Editorial Reviews

No one has given such a concise...introduction to the whole history of this Far Eastern development of Buddhist thought as Alan Watts.” —Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces

From the Publisher