Alan Watt's "The Way of Zen"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Watts' introduction of the philosophical foundations of Zen, which lie in the world of Hinduism. The paper author believes that Watts wanted to interest the readers to the point where they would begin to practice Zen. The paper states this book is a classic because of its scholarly sweep, easy readability and the delicate balance it successfully creates between the "emptiness" and "no mind" of Zen and the need for the Westerner to be given a solid explanation of anything.

From the Paper:

"Watts explores one of the most famous aspects of Zen, the Zen koan, the riddle that cannot be solved. As he explores koans used by the Rinzai School of Zen, he makes clear that a koan is meant to put doubt into the mind of the young student, doubt that he knows anything at all. From that position, where his ego is then broken down, real learning and wisdom can beginning. Watts tells the story of an encounter between Tao-hsin and the sage Fa-yung, who lived in a temple so holy that birds brought him offerings of flowers."

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• Analytical Essay # 41848 : "The Way of Life"

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