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The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East
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The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East Paperback - 1994

by Alan Watts


From the publisher

Alan Watts's The Spirit of Zen was one of the first books to introduce the basic foundation of Zen Buddhism to English-speaking audiences. This volume still stands as one of the most lucid and concise explanations of the origins and defining principles of Zen, from its beginnings in ancient India and its later transmission to China and Japan, to Watts's revealing portrait of life in a contemporary Japanese Zen monastery. In The Spirit of Zen, Watts describes, in plain language but without robbing the subject of its provocative subtlety, how one can prepare for a life of Zen. He explains the sacrifices and surrenders, the requisite self-control; the baffling set of spiritual exercises known as Koan, which take the form of verbal jigsaw puzzles; the importance of mental discipline; and the need to recognize the futility of mere intellectual haggling -- all necessary steps along the road to Zen. Through text and illustrations, the author examines the tea ceremony, ink-drawing, landscaping, and swordsmanship, all Zen-infused aspects of Japanese life; they give an understanding not only of Zen, but of Eastern culture in general.

First line

Just as it is impossible to explain the beauty of a sunset to a man blind from his birth, so is it impossible for sages to find any words which will express their wisdom to men of lesser understanding.

Details

  • Title The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East
  • Author Alan Watts
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 144
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Grove Press, New York
  • Date 1994-01-14
  • Features Bibliography, Glossary
  • ISBN 9780802130563 / 0802130569
  • Weight 0.38 lbs (0.17 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.26 x 5.42 x 0.38 in (20.98 x 13.77 x 0.97 cm)
  • Themes
    • Ethnic Orientation: Asian - General
    • Religious Orientation: Buddhist
  • Library of Congress subjects Zen Buddhism
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 60007347
  • Dewey Decimal Code 294.392
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The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East (Wisdom of the East)
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The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East (Wisdom of the East)

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The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East (Wisdom of the East)

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The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East (Wisdom of the East)
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The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East (Wisdom of the East)

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The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East (Wisdom of the East)
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by Watts, Alan

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The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East

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