Zen: The Supreme Experience: The Newly Discovered Scripts

by Alan W. Watts

Embark on a personal exploration of the spirituality that is Zen Buddhism. Your guide on this powerful and enriching journey is the late Alan Watts, who was one of the foremost interpreters of Eastern thought for the modern West. The material in this remarkable volume has never before been published. Comprised of his acclaimed radio transcripts, it represents a major new work from the most famous author on Zen. Throughout, Watts' unique insights will help you understand the very essence of Zen. He will lead you beyond yourself and into a world of silent and mystical space. With wit and lucidity, he discusses the nature of the self and the mystery of existence, presenting Zen both from his standpoint as a scholar with a deep understanding of Judeo-Christian traditions and as a Westerner who found meaning in Zen Buddhism.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Philosophy, Zen

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. Famous for his research on comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies for a Western audience. He wrote over 25 books and numerous articles on subjects such as personal identity, the true nature of reality, higher consciousness, the meaning of life, concepts and images of God and the non-material pursuit of happiness. In his books he relates his experience to scientific knowledge and to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy.

Reviews

[Nestor Leal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watts was very good explaining religion through proper culture history. When you read or listen to his works on zen, it becomes easier to understand the meaning or the purpose of the buddhadharma. Now I believe that whoever considers buddhism, or in this case, Zen o Taoism a religion, he or she doesn’t really understand it. There is no dogma. Watts was very good explaining it with good examples and stories. Suddenly it all becomes very clear.

This book is a collection of essays and speeches, though not the only place where you will find some of these teachings. If you have had contact with his other material about Zen and Buddhism or if you have heard his audio series Out of Your Mind, then much of the material will not be new but it will be a relaxing read and a good reminder of the practice.

What makes this book unique is the beautiful pictures and the glossy look on the pages. All in all this is a short read, maybe condensed into no more than 100 pages in text. This is more of a coffee table book. Sit down, have tea/coffee, enjoy a some passages, admire the pictures and be present in the now. You know, this book will not teach you Zen but it will be the finger pointing to it.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with awesome photos as well. You really learn about how zen buddhism is practiced.

[J. Robin Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Watts approach is engaging, humorous and always enlightening. I will read this again and again. This edition has great photography as well.

[Tim Weakley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was okay. The text seemed like an excuse for the pictures but that was the format.