Zen: The Supreme Experience: The Newly Discovered Scripts [Paperback]

Alan Watts (Author), Mark Watts (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 2003

Embark on a personal exploration of Zen spirituality, guided by the late Alan Watts--a foremost interpreter of Eastern thought for the modern West. Comprised of Watts' acclaimed (and never before published) radio transcripts, this remarkable volume offers unique insights that clarify Zen's essence. With wit and lucidity, he discusses the nature of the self and the mystery of existence, presenting Zen both from his standpoint as a scholar with a deep understanding of Judeo-Christian traditions and as a Westerner who found meaning in Buddhism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Vega (March 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843337142
• ISBN-13: 978-1843337140
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,003,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars transcendental chats of a western Zen master, April 20, 2003

By 

Orva Schrock "Author of "Worthless Boy"" (goshen, in United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Zen: The Supreme Experience: The Newly Discovered Scripts (Paperback)

He's back!!! Alan Watts died in 1973 but wait; here's a brand new book, 30 years later, of his wondrous wit and wisdom. Thanks to Alan's son, Mark, we have here available to us some never before published radio transcripts from the 1950s when Watts was at the peak of his powers as a Zen prophet in our midst. You can almost hear him chuckle as he speaks these great truths of Zen. It includes fascinating historical anecdotes and perspective along with the lucid interpretations that only a master like Alan could have done. In an entertaining way he speaks to us of what Zen is and isn't, how to "use" it in everyday life, how to realize the freedom and joy real Zen has always pointed to. But wait; there's still more: the book is loaded with incredible photos making it fun to just look at,too. This book will serve equally well as an introduction to Zen and Watts, or as a must have addition to your collection if you love Alan Watts as I do. This book deserves to be widely known and read.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Watts, July 19, 2003

By 

Joseph P. Reel (Pacific Grove, California United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Zen: The Supreme Experience: The Newly Discovered Scripts (Paperback)

This latest Alan Watts compilation, "Zen: The Supreme Experience," contains previously unpublished manuscripts of his most lucid talks. The text is lavishly enhanced by photographs on high quality glossy stock. This volume may serve as either a great introduction or appropriate summary of his work for many generations of readers. Highly recommended.

5 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hmm, June 3, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Zen: The Supreme Experience: The Newly Discovered Scripts (Paperback)

Despite What above reviewer seems to think, When it comes to zen i do not think Alan Watts is a "Master" and the term zen prophet is just foolish. Mr. Watts does have a very unique and insightful look into eastern thought/religion and i do enjoy him very much. (I personally like the photos in this book the most, reminds me of places i've seen).
If you like Alan Watts you will not be sad you purchased this book, But consider it as a "coffee table" book in your...hmm...zen collection.

But remember you can read about zen all you want and you will have no idea, I didn't until i went to Japan, and China...
Experiencing it is far greater than reading about it....