Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life: Collected Talks: 1960-1969 [Paperback]

Alan W. Watts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 2006

Alan Watts introduced millions of Western readers to Zen and other Eastern philosophies, but he’s also recognized as a brilliant commentator on Judeo-Christian traditions as well as a celebrity philosopher who exemplified the ideas — and lifestyle — of the 1960s counterculture. In this compilation of controversial lectures, delivered at American universities throughout the decade, Watts challenges readers to reevaluate Western culture’s most hallowed constructs. Watts treads familiar ground, interpreting Eastern traditions, and also covers new territory, exploring the counterculture’s basis in the ancient tribal and shamanic cultures of Asia, Siberia, and the Americas. In the process, he addresses some of the era’s most important questions: What is the nature of reality? And how does an individual’s relationship to society affect this reality? Filled with his playful, provocative style, the talks show the remarkable scope of a philosopher in his prime, exploring and defining the '60s counterculture as only Alan Watts could.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Philosopher and author Alan Watts (1915-73) was instrumental in introducing Westerners to Eastern thought. Born in England, Watts studied in the United States, becoming an Episcopalian minister and professor before breaking new intellectual and spiritual ground over the course of writing more than 20 influential books. He was also an exceedingly popular speaker. His Sunday-morning radio program, "Way beyond the West," became one of public radio's longest-running series; he hosted national public television's Eastern Wisdom in Modern Life and was in great demand as a lecturer. A selection of Watts' energetic, provocative, and shibboleth-shattering talks is now in print for the first time, and his arguments remain vital. With disarming candor, intellectual delight, and spiritual acuity, Watts offers frank assessments of the church and keen elucidations of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taosim. He also explores essential perceptions and contradictions in "Philosophy of Nature," "Mysticism and Morality," and "Religion and Sexuality." In a time of raging fundamentalism, such erudite, witty, and positive inquiries into religion and right action are a balm and a light. Donna Seaman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Perhaps the foremost western interpreter of eastern thought for the modern world..." -- -- The New York Times

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; 1 edition (August 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577311809
• ISBN-13: 978-1577311805
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,410 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ommmmmm, October 7, 2011

By 

Ikkyu Jones (cyber-void) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life: Collected Talks: 1960-1969 (Paperback)

Lotus Guide seems to like Monsieur Watts' tome, yet gives it 3 stars. Must've hit the wrong button. Time for some yin/yang mojo. As usual, Watts jumps right into the cosmic whirlwind here and delivers another fun bowl of wisdom salad. There's always a bit of overlap in his talks; so what - if he's on, he's on. If you already like the Om Master, read this book. If you don't know Watts, read this book. Then go dancing.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lotus Guide Review by Rahasya Poe, September 4, 2009

By 

Rahasya Poe (Chico, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life: Collected Talks: 1960-1969 (Paperback)

Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life: Collected Talks 1960-1969
By Alan Watts
ISBN 1-57731-180-9 (New World Library, 2006)

Being a child of the 1960s I was right at home with issues that challenge Western civilization's constructs. In a time when reevaluating our paradigms are imperative, I found his lectures engaging on such things as: Does a divine patriarch really make sense intellectually in today's society, and What is the nature of reality in light of new knowledge and a change in consciousness that seems to be emerging in many cultures? No matter what our age, hard-hitting honest questions still move us to rethink our beliefs and worldviews.

Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide magazine