The Way of Zen

by Watts, Alan

• ISBN13: 9780375705106
• ISBN10: 0375705104
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-01-26
• Publisher: Vintage

Summary

Alan Watts was one of the great teachers and philosophers of our time, and forty years after its first appearance his classic study The Way of Zen continues to make Western readers far more aware of, and responsive to, the richness of Zen Buddhism and its place within the context and variety of Eastern religion. Of equal interest to the general reader and the serious student, The Way of Zen explores the origins and the history of Zen, then goes on to discuss its principles and practice, and its application to art and life. Watts saw Zen as "one of the most precious gifts of Asia to the world", and with his erudition and his infectious passion for the subject he made that gift wonderfully accessible. The Way of Zen is a definitive, and invaluable, overview.

Author Biography

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.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
The Pronunciation of Chinese Words	xv
Part One: BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The Philosophy of the Tao	3	(26)
The Origins of Buddhism	29	(28)
Mahayana Buddhism	57	(20)
The Rise and Development of Zen	77	(38)
Part Two: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE
``Empty and Marvelous''	115	(19)
``Sitting Quietly, Doing Nothing''	134	(20)
Za-zen and the Koan	154	(20)
Zen in the Arts	174	(29)
Bibliography	203	(8)
Chinese Notes	211	(16)
Index	227
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Bodhidharma. By Hakuin Zenji (1683--1768).
Two views of the rock and sand garden at Ryoanji, Kyoto.
Bodhidharma and Hui-k'e. By Sesshu (1420--1506).
Haboku Landscape. By Sesshu (1420--1506).
between pages 190 and 191