The Way of Zen by Alan W. Watts Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Way of Zen
Book Review: A Remarkable Achievement
Summary: 5 Stars
There are several excellent (informative) reviews of The Way of Zen, and I won't try to duplicate them here. In my review I will briefly summarize the book, and say something about Watts' remarkable erudition.
PART I: BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
Chapter 1: The Way of Tao. I am well-versed in philosophical Taoism so there is little new in this chapter for me, but the chapter is a fine introduction to the topic.
Chapter 2: The Origins of Buddhism. This is my least favorite chapter, not because it is inferior in any way, but because the topic does not really interest me. At least not now. The chapter is notable in that it is here that Watts first mentions cybernetics (p. 48), with an example that illuminates both the Buddhist principle (avidya) and the cybernetic principle (illusion of control). There is more cybernetics to come.
Chapter 3: Mahayana Buddhism. This is better, mainly because in this chapter Watts extends my understanding of Taoism (e.g., ziran) and Zen (e.g., tathata). Interesting.
Chapter 4: The Rise and Development of Zen. All four of the history chapters are excellent, but this is the one that has the most to offer me, in terms of my interests and background. It is a very personal history, based on the stories of the Zen founders (e.g., Hui-neng), which I enjoyed greatly. It is also helpful to see how the various "flavors" of Zen developed, which seems to be a common characteristic of the great spiritual traditions.
PART II: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
Chapter 1: "Empty and Marvelous" Here Watts takes up a basic principle of both Taoism and Zen: the power of empty space. Ames and Hall, translators of the Daodejing, address this basic principle by means of the "wu-forms" (wuwei, wushi, etc.) In Zen, this principle manifests itself as "suchness" - forget the words, just "point." This chapter did much to enhance my understanding of this crucially important principle.
Chapter 2: "Sitting Quietly, Doing Nothing" This is the chapter that quite literally "blew me away" In this chapter Watts demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of cybernetic principles, and interprets the practice of zazen in terms of these principles. Watts describes how the practice of "sitting quietly, doing nothing" helps dissolve the dualities of the Western mind (and, apparently, the Eastern mind as well!). Based on other books I have read by Alan Watts, I expected a sophisticated treatment of Zen (and I am not disappointed), but I was totally surprised to see an equally sophisticated treatment of cybernetic principles, and how they apply to Zen practice. In this regard, The Way of Zen anticipates Douglas Flemons' excellent book, Completing Distinctions, by almost forty years. In my copy of The Way of Zen, on the last page of this chapter, is written the note "An astonishing chapter." Wow.
Chapter 3: Za-zen and the Koan. Following Chapter 2, which is electric, this chapter is a bit of a let down. However, it is well written, as with the others, and I did appreciate a better understanding of these two Zen practices, and the role they play in Zen teaching.
Chapter 4: Zen in the Arts. Another great chapter. As a consequence of reading this chapter, I now understand the purpose and practice of Zen poetry. And as a consequence of this new understanding, I am writing my own Haikus ... almost one every day. Sweet!
The Way of Zen is a must read, although I am sure, like any great book, every reader will meet the book in a different place, in a different way. After reading Watts' Way of Zen, I recommend reading Philip Kapleau's Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment. It corrects some minor errors in Watts' book, and is a sensible next step in one's exploration of Zen.
Book Review: A bit dry, but a good western introduction.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is not the easiest book to read, but it is full of information. This isn't a mystical book about an inward spiritual journey. Nor is it a philosophical book about understanding Zen mentally. It is something else entirely, whatever that is. This book, like the Zen it describes, cannot easily be categorized.
I think the reason this book is so difficult to read is because Watts is so honest. He doesn't sugar coat eastern religion to make it palatable to westerners. Instead he forces you to change the way you think. A difficult read, but highly rewarding.
Book Review: A masterpiece!
Summary: 5 Stars
Alan Watts has always had the most amazing ability to speak the unspeakable, and in The Way of Zen you will feel the true essence of Zen as long as you don't get hung up on the words.To get the point, one must read without "reading" because Zen itself can never be put into words. But as you are taken through Zen's conception, birth, growth, and finally into the arts - you will notice that: "this ain't just literature." I have adored Alan's style of writing for over 25 years now, and I must say that this is one his best books, and surely the best ever writen on the subject ( with the one possible exception of D.T. Susuki's writings.) However, I have always found Watts to be more enjoyable, because he understands the western mind and the complications we will inevitably encounter while trying to understand something so completely Chinese as Zen. As you read, you will notice an intimacy develope between author and reader, master and student, or master and master. This book is not only for the serious student of Zen, but for anyone who enjoys eastern thought and "mysticism."Book Review: Alan Watts at his best.
Summary: 5 Stars
Watts is a scholar, first and foremost, and a brilliant writer. In this book, you'll learn where Zen came from. It has its origins in India, where Buddhism was created, and then became as fresh as a gust of wind on its way through China and Chinese Taoism. Zen reached its full fruition after it arrived in Japan.The book is separated into two sections. The first tells the history of Zen. The second describes the practice of Zen. But all the while, Watts opens your mind and you get the real FEEL of Zen. I'm the author of the book, Self-Help Stuff That Works, and I can tell you that Watts' way of writing works: It will change the way you look at the world. This book is very much worth reading.
Book Review: An Amazing book
Summary: 5 Stars
From the get go, the book was amazing. The first two chapters that talked a lot about differences in Western vs. Eastern thought and language structures were big eye openers. There were a number of profound moments reading the book, such as when he noted contemplating what happens to us after death is like wondering what happens to your fist when you open you hand or what happens to your lap when you stand up. The writing style of the book is highly approachable, I myself a graduate engineering student found it very readible, Watts doesn't try to blow the reader away with his academic prowess but rather keeps it simple and direct, like zen itself.