Very interesting and informative (Zen and the Beat Way - Alan Watts)

Member Name: tinkabubble

Product:	Zen and the Beat Way - Alan Watts
Date:	13/06/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Explains the ideas and origins behind Zen Buddhims; a good companion to Zen and Beat literature

Disadvantages: None; the book is more technical than emotional, but for its genre, this is probably an advantage

Other writers such as Jack Kerouac write about the Beat Vision and Zen in novel form, whilst others such as Gary Snyder and Allen Ginsberg write about these ideas within thier poetry, and these forms are very moving and significant when it comes to understanding such concepts.

However, it is also essential to have someone like Alan Watts who writes about the technicalities and origins behind the ideas of Zen Buddhism as opposed to writing about their ideals and affects on the world. This book is almost a companion to the other aforementioned writers therefore, and other pieces on Zen, because it really aids the reader's technical understanding and for this reason alone is very important I feel.

However, it isn't all theory and complex language. Yes the ideas may be challenging, yet Watts is able to present them in a succinct and understandable manner, conrtextualising Zen and its ideas into the world and particularly with other religions. For example, he explains how Zen Buddhism is derived from a combination of Eastern and Western religions (Indian Buddhism and Chinese Taoism). He also provides examples and interesting anecdotes from Zen masters and their pupils.

The book is both humorous and thout provoking and truely makes the ideas accessible to the reader, allowing them to understand their importance. He discusses techniques of painting and also the interesting form of Haiku poetry.

Watts clearly states that the acceptance of Zen does not mean abandoning other religions; he insists that Zen isn't superior to any other religion. It does however encourage the appreciation of life, which is a beautiful aspect of its ideas. He shows, though the book, that you can appreciate ideas from varous people and religions, and acceptance is perhaps a great lesson in the modern world.

The book is not didactic or boring, nor does Watts have an air of superiority, and thus he provides an interesting read which is certainly a must read for anyone interested in Zen and the Beat Vision, although unlike Kerouac, Watts doesn't really speak much about the Beats himself.

Summary: A great, thought provoking book