Watts
What Is Zen? examines Zen’s religious roots, it is influence on Eastern and Western culture, it is transcendent moments, and the methods of Zen meditation that are presently practiced.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful.
 A Great Introduction and Synopsis of Zen
By T. Enns
This book is another in a series of outstanding books that are compilations of lectures of the late Alan Watts by his son Mark. It is an magnificent introduction to Zen, and it is also a very good synopsis for those who have studied Zen in detail for galore years. With his typical talent for getting to the heart of the matter, Dr. Watts describes precisely what is the essence of Zen in the initial chapter. Later on he even gives a tip for understanding the occasionally puzzling conduct of that distinguishable species of humane beings, the Zen master. Watts stresses the need for us to set up an surroundings where we may stop thinking or talking to ourselves, which is meditation, and he distinctly describes a good technique for doing this. The state of mind that is a result of this suspension of thought is not a blank mind, but rather a mind that is deeply conscious of the world as it is. Finally, Watts sums it all up by showing us how the Zen mind is not only a mind that may most efficaciously deal with those notorious Zen koans, but likewise with all of life’s situations.
I commend this book to the beginner as well as the seasoned veteran of Zen studies. It is short, to the point, and a brilliant expression of the essence of Zen.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
A Great Introduction and Synopsis of Zen
By T. Enns
This book is another in a series of outstanding books that are compilations of lectures of the late Alan Watts by his son Mark. It is an magnificent introduction to Zen, and it is likewise a very good synopsis for those who have studied Zen in detail for a heap of years. With his typical talent for getting to the heart of the matter, Dr. Watts describes incisively what is the essence of Zen in the primary chapter. Later on he even gives a tip for understanding the on occasion puzzling conduct of that distinguishable species of humane beings, the Zen master. Watts stresses the need for us to set up an surroundings where we may stop thinking or talking to ourselves, which is meditation, and he without doubt or question describes a good technique for doing this. The state of mind that is a result of this suspension of thought is not a blank mind, but rather a mind that is deeply conscious of the world as it is. Finally, Watts sums it all up by showing us how the Zen mind is not only a mind that may most efficaciously deal with those illfamed Zen koans, but also with all of life’s situations.
I commend this book to the beginner as well as the seasoned veteran of Zen studies. It is short, to the point, and a brilliant expression of the essence of Zen.
5 of 5 persons found the following review helpful.
What is Zen
By J. A. Campbell
A remarkable book in description and clarity for the western reader. Once this has
been read you’ll only wish to read more.
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