A review by sashshearman
The Way of Zen by Alan Watts
4.0
Fascinating introduction into Zen Buddhism. Very dense at times and I will have to read the whole thing again, probably a couple of times, and practice often, to even begin to really understand it. His later chapters on Haiku, calligraphy and landscape painting were extremely instructive and acted as a bright lamp, shining light on dark corners impenetrable concepts.
I am now reading Shinzen Young's The Science of Enlightenment. Young was trained in the Japanese Shingon sect of the vajrayana school of Buddhism, which is more descriptive and prescriptive. Young's writing concentrates on meditation process and intersperses theory with practical instruction. If you find Watts book too abstract, you may prefer Young.
I highly recommend Watt's The Way of Zen, an elegant and thoughtful book.
I am now reading Shinzen Young's The Science of Enlightenment. Young was trained in the Japanese Shingon sect of the vajrayana school of Buddhism, which is more descriptive and prescriptive. Young's writing concentrates on meditation process and intersperses theory with practical instruction. If you find Watts book too abstract, you may prefer Young.
I highly recommend Watt's The Way of Zen, an elegant and thoughtful book.