The Way of Zen

by Alan Watts
The Way of Zen cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Religion and Theology
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  • ID: 1697
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780307784346
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2011-02-16
  • Reviews: 4

Alan Watts, renowned for his ability to bridge Eastern philosophy and Western thought, presents a comprehensive introduction to Zen Buddhism in 'The Way of Zen'. This book delves into the origins and history of Zen, explaining its core principles and practices with remarkable clarity. Watts' unique approach makes the complex concepts of Zen accessible and engaging for modern readers, highlighting its timeless wisdom and practical applications. /n/n Watts saw Zen as a precious gift from Asia to the world, and his writing reflects this reverence. The book is not just an academic exploration but a guide for those seeking a deeper understanding of Zen and its potential to transform one's life. Watts' ability to 'write beautifully the unwritable' makes this a must-read for anyone interested in spirituality and personal growth.

Reviews
Electrical Spirituality · 2025-10-08
excellent 4.50

The book was praised for its concise and lucid prose, offering a clear perspective on Zen and life. The reviewer appreciated Watts' unique insights and found the read to be highly enjoyable.

The reviewer had a very positive experience with 'The Way of Zen'. They found the prose to be concise and lucid, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The reviewer particularly appreciated Watts' unique perspectives on Zen and life, which they found both insightful and refreshing. This book is seen as a great introduction to Zen, with a balance of depth and readability that makes it accessible to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    Second, it was a felicitous read—concise, lucid prose seasoned with Watts' anti-Procrustean perspectives on Zen and life.

    Moreover, he does so in unsurpassed style.

    Watts' prose is exceedingly attractive and readable.

Atticus Books · 2020-12-21
excellent 4.00

They commend Watts' thorough yet concise history of Zen and his attractive, readable prose. The book is considered necessary for understanding Zen.

The reviewer was impressed with Watts' ability to provide a thorough yet concise history of Zen. They found his prose exceedingly attractive and readable, making the book a pleasure to read. The reviewer also noted that the book is necessary for understanding Zen, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the subject. They appreciated Watts' ability to explain complex ideas in a simple and understandable way, which they felt is one of the book's strongest points. However, they also noted that the book is not a comprehensive guide to Zen practice, but rather an introduction to the subject.

Quick quotes

    His history is thorough yet concise, Watts' prose exceedingly attractive and readable, and absolutely necessary to understanding the Zen “tradition”

    Watts' ability to explain complex ideas in a simple and understandable way is one of the book's strongest points.

    The book is not a comprehensive guide to Zen practice, but rather an introduction to the subject.

Nat Eliason · Nat Eliason · 2020-02-07
insightful 4.00

The reviewer found the book to be a liberating read, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment. They appreciated the practical insights and found the book to be a valuable introduction to Zen.

Nat Eliason found 'The Way of Zen' to be a liberating read, highlighting its emphasis on living in the present moment. They appreciated the practical insights provided by Watts, which they found to be both profound and accessible. The reviewer saw the book as a valuable introduction to Zen, offering a fresh perspective on how to approach life with mindfulness and awareness. Overall, they found the book to be a transformative experience.

Quick quotes

    Zen is a liberation from time.

    If we open our eyes and see clearly, it becomes obvious that there is no other time than this instant.

    This book is a great introduction to Zen and its principles.

Captain Fez · Captain Fez · 2019-12-27
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer found the book to be a challenging read, questioning the author's ability to explain Zen effectively. They felt the text was more suitable for entertainment rather than deep understanding.

The reviewer had a mixed experience with 'The Way of Zen'. They felt that the book struggled to convey the essence of Zen, finding the explanations more entertaining than enlightening. The reviewer appreciated the historical context but felt it lacked the depth needed for a true understanding of Zen. Overall, they found the book to be more of a light read rather than a profound exploration of the subject.

Quick quotes

    Yeah nah.

    This book is not a good introduction to Zen.

    Watts' explanations often feel more like entertainment than enlightenment.

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