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Anonymous
Posted September 19, 2003
As most of us know, Watts is historically one of the most significant writer's introducing the West to Eastern thought. Although 'The Book' may speak to a wider audience, this is the best English book on Eastern thought in terms of accesibility and comprehensiveness. It provides us a nice historical overview of the evolution of this type of consciousness and explains the main messages of various 'Eastern' schools of thought in a way that most of us Western minds can comprehend. Because of this, I use this as a book as one of the texts in my class of Eastern philosophy. Another book I use for this class is a book called 'The Ever-Transcending Spirit' by Toru Sato. It is an excellent book that provides a nice bridge between Western thought and Eastern thought in a way that students can understand and appreciate. If you are truly interested in Eastern thought, I believe that these two books are two pieces of essential reading.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 20, 2001
This book by Alan Watts is concise and to the point. Zen thought and practice is distinct from world religions in that it is a philosophy of being 'in the moment.' <Sure, you may be thinking that's a load of BS.> Watts reveals the subtlety of Zen ideas -- especially applicable for people who feel trapped in the age of the so-called 'rat race.' There is hope of a calm life, emptied of the 'tape recorder' in your head repeating everything that: 1. might have been done better (regrets about the past -- which is gone); and, 2. must be done in the future (anxiety about that which has not even come). If you feel 'unsettled,' read this book . . .
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 16, 2011
Well written. Wide ranging. Includes history and great examples of Zen teaching along with the comments and explanatory summaries of the author.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Surprised why the guy doesn't have a doctorate on the matter. I checked out most the things he wrote and their all spot on when it came to the buddhism terms, quotes and important figures. Not usually one to cross-check someone else's body of work but one can't really be sure these days as even the all-mighty Oprah's been duped by someone clever enough to wield a keyboard and printer.
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Posted December 8, 2006
It has become fashionable among those who speak in the electronic media, and other illiterates, to drop the initial article. But you would think a bookseller would try to get the title of a book right. This book was my initial introduction to Zen Buddhism. It warrants frequent rereadings. Watts was a certain kind of genius.
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 15, 2011
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Posted October 16, 2011
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