The Way of Zen

By: Alan Watts

Narrated by: Jeremy Stockwell

In his definitive introduction to Zen Buddhism, Alan Watts ("the perfect guide for a course correction in life"—Deepak Chopra), explains the principles and practices of this ancient religion.

With a rare combination of freshness and lucidity, he delves into the origins and history of Zen to explain what it means for the world today with incredible clarity. Watts saw Zen as “one of the most precious gifts of Asia to the world,” and in The Way of Zen he gives this gift to listeners everywhere.

“Perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West, Watts had the rare gift of ‘writing beautifully the unwritable.’”—Los Angeles Times

©2011 Alan Watts (P)2022 Random House Audio

Written overview of zen traditions

A great history of zen thought and art with the first section more scholarly and the second a bit more focused on zen as a cultural phenomenon. A little bit dated in its west vs east approach but I learned a lot about how zen came to be.

detailed information

I liked the book but narrator is a bit hard to understand and the book itself is a bit dry. it has many great points and interesting ideas but it takes patience to listen to the whole thing

So ahead of it's time.

I got this book a week ago and I've already listened to it twice. this is going to be one of my regular books. I'm excited to listen to more Watts.

No words required.

A philosophy that stands, walks, and breathes on its own. Good accompaniment to the physical book.

Just fantastic.

I couldn't tell you the prerequisites needed to be prepared, yet if you are, all you need to flip the switch is contained within. Zen came quite unexpectedly, but once it did, it became much more difficult to be anything else, but be.

But, then, I wasn't really looking for it, I just felt like reading a book, and that's just the way it is. Enjoy the journey, friends.

EXCELLENT

This is an excellent book, although at times, some chapters, are difficult to grasp at first.
It certainly requires a second listening for me. I am considering buying the physical book.
What I really like about this recording is that the chapters have a title, so it is easy to go back to a certain part of the book.
I am planning to listen to more books by mr. Alan Watts.
The narrator, mr. Jeremy Stockwell is a pleasure to listen to.
My thanks to all involved, JK

Outstanding

Incredibly insightful, to stoke the beginner’s mind. Required listening for those interested eastern thought, zen but also its origins in Hindu thought. Watts is a master.

It’s a classic

Just pick up a copy. Have a cup of tea while you’re at it. A lot of us owe a good deal to Alan Watts and much of it is due to this book.