Philosophy Archives

The Way of Zen by Alan Watts: Book Overview & Takeaways

What are the principles of Zen Buddhism? How is Zen Buddhism expressed and experienced? Is this philosophy for you? Many people have a passing familiarity with the concept of Zen. But, few really know what “Zen” means or could articulate how Zen Buddhism describes reality and human life. In The Way of Zen, Alan Watts explains the major principles and the history of Zen Buddhism. Continue reading for an overview of the book that’s likely to answer many of your questions.

How Taoism and Zen Buddhism Are Connected (Alan Watts)

Is it possible to know something without describing it with words? What’s the difference between acting impulsively and acting spontaneously? Two Taoist philosophies helped give Zen Buddhism its form: There are two ways of knowing, and we can act spontaneously and naturally. Alan Watts discusses the influence of Taoism on Zen in his classic work The Way of Zen. Read more to learn about the connection between Taoism and Zen Buddhism.

Secular Spirituality: Sam Harris Sets Transcendence Free

Is it possible to have spirituality without religion? If so, how? Why would you want to pursue this? Sam Harris is known for encouraging skeptics to confront religion. In 2017’s Waking Up, he lays out a reason-based approach to spirituality that’s rooted in what science and meditation teach about the workings of the human mind. Read more to learn what secular spirituality means and why Harris recommends it.

How Is Zen Buddhism Different From Traditional Buddhism?

How is Zen Buddhism different from traditional Buddhism? How does it view awakening and meditation? What are wu-hsin and dhyana? Zen borrowed several concepts from earlier traditions, and it developed some of its own philosophies. That makes it a unique offering in Eastern thought. Alan Watts explores the ideas that differentiate Zen from other schools of Buddhism. Continue reading to learn about the three primary distinctions of Zen Buddhism.

What Is Zen Buddhism? Its Origins & Distinctions (Alan Watts)

What is Zen Buddhism? What does it share with other traditions? How is it unique? In The Way of Zen, Alan Watts explores the ins and outs of Zen Buddhism. He explains where Zen came from, considers the most important ideas that Zen adopted from the ancient philosophies and religions that preceded it, and points out which ideas differentiate Zen from other schools of thought. Read more to learn about the history and philosophy of Zen Buddhism.

Is Zen Buddhism Mahayana? How Ideas From India Influenced Zen

Is Zen Buddhism Mahayana? How did ideas from India shape a philosophy that emerged in China? Alan Watts discusses the origins of Zen Buddhism in his book The Way of Zen. He explains that Zen ideas came largely out of three different traditions. One of these is Mahayana Buddhism, and Watts outlines two concepts that the two philosophies share. Keep reading to learn how Mahayana Buddhism helped shape Zen Buddhism.

Why You Should Learn Zen: Benefits of an Ancient Tradition

Should you learn Zen? What impact can it have on your mind and, ultimately, your life? Alan Watts contends that expressing the principles of Zen benefits you by helping you break down the mental barriers that divide you from the rest of the world. Experiencing Zen lets you finally see the world and the present moment for what it is. Keep reading to learn why you should learn Zen, according to Watts’s classic book on the subject.

Sam Harris: The Self Is an Illusion That You Can Transcend

Are you an illusion? In what way does Sam Harris believe you are? According to Sam Harris, the self isn’t real. In his book Waking Up, Harris argues that consciousness and feelings of individual selfhood are two separate aspects of experience. While consciousness is real, your sense of self is an illusion. Read more to understand Harris’s argument and how he arrives at this belief.

The Origins of Zen Buddhism: Indian & Chinese Traditions Meet

Where did Zen come from? What ideas did Zen borrow from Taoism, Confucianism, and Mahayana Buddhism? Zen created a synthesis of Chinese and Indian traditions. It continues to be practiced by millions of people around the world today. To find the origins of Zen Buddhism, we must go back to sixth-century China. Keep reading to learn how Zen Buddhism got its start in a culture already rich with ideas.

The Way of Zen Quotes From Alan Watts (With Context)

Why shouldn’t Zen Buddhism be considered a religion? How is it liberating? How does Zen Buddhism conceive of time? Though most of us have a passing familiarity with the concept of Zen, few of us really know what “Zen” means or could articulate how Zen Buddhism describes reality and human life. Philosopher Alan Watts explains the major principles and the history of Zen Buddhism in The Way of Zen. Read on for several The Way of Zen quotes that will give you a taste of the book’s ideas.