Ask the Awakened: The Negative Way

by Wei Wu Wei

Overview

Between the years 1958 and 1974 a series of books appeared that were attributed to the mysterious Wei Wu Wei. Perhaps the most important of these works, Ask The Awakened, is now available in a new edition. This work draws on a variety of sources, including Taoism--specifically the texts attributed to Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu; Buddhism--especially the Heart, Diamond and Lankavatara sutras; and Chan Buddhism as taught by Hui Neng, Huang Po, Hui Hai, etc.; as well as the teachings of Padmasambhava and Sri Ramana Maharshi, among others. Wei Wu Wei joins Paul Reps, Alan Watts, and Philip Kapleau as one of the earliest and most profound interpreters of Zen Buddhism and Taoist philosophies. The depth of understanding evidenced in Ask the Awakened places it in the top tier of modern spiritual classics. This classic gem of Eastern spirituality is especially timely in the current climate of interest in Buddhism. Wei Wu Wei's unique and fresh interpretation of the ancient teachings opens the reader's eyes: "Why are you unhappy? Because 99.9 per cent of everything you think, and of everything you do, is for yourself--and there isn't one." This powerful book rewards by exposing illusions, and takes the reader beyond logic to the inexpressible truth of existence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781591811886
Publisher:	Sentient Publications
Publication date:	09/12/2025
Sold by:	OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED - EBKS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	226
File size:	4 MB

Editorial Reviews

First written in the mid-twentieth century by the anonymous Buddhist scholar Wei Wu Wei, Ask The Awakened: The Negative Way is a unique spiritual reinterpretation of ancient texts, incorporating Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and the teachings of Ramana Maharshi among other sources into a unique, powerful testimony that forces careful self-examination on the reader's part. Enthusiastically recommended reading for students of Buddhism, Taoism, and Eastern Spirituality, Ask The Awakened is a profound and deeply moving work of true insight such as 'We do not possess an 'ego.' We are possessed by the idea of one.'

Midwest Book Review

I feel the best contribution I could make on the occasion of this very welcome reprint of Ask the Awakened is to help new Wei Wu Wei readers with some tips that, from my experience, may be helpful on how to approach this book and find the wonderful treasure that awaits them. Somewhat like a mythological elfin city, it may at first look rather unlikely from the outside, but once you have entered you realize you are in a wondrous place. Wei Wu Wei was, along with Douglas Harding, Robert Linssen, Paul Reps and a few others, a trailblazer when it comes to creating a wholly Western approach to this ancient insight unencumbered with unnecessary cultural artifices.

Diplo: Towards more inclusive and effective diplomacy - Galen Sharp

First written in the mid-twentieth century by the anonymous Buddhist scholar Wei Wu Wei, Ask The Awakened: The Negative Way is a unique spiritual reinterpretation of ancient texts, incorporating Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and the teachings of Ramana Maharshi among other sources into a unique, powerful testimony that forces careful self-examination on the reader's part. Enthusiastically recommended reading for students of Buddhism, Taoism, and Eastern Spirituality, Ask The Awakened is a profound and deeply moving work of true insight such as "We do not possess an 'ego.' We are possessed by the idea of one."
–Midwest Book Review; April 1, 2002

I feel the best contribution I could make on the occasion of this very welcome reprint of Ask the Awakened is to help new Wei Wu Wei readers with some tips that, from my experience, may be helpful on how to approach this book and find the wonderful treasure that awaits them. Somewhat like a mythological elfin city, it may at first look rather unlikely from the outside, but once you have entered you realize you are in a wondrous place. Wei Wu Wei was, along with Douglas Harding, Robert Linssen, Paul Reps and a few others, a trailblazer when it comes to creating a wholly Western approach to this ancient insight unencumbered with unnecessary cultural artifices.
--from the foreword by Galen Sharp

From the Publisher