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

Originally published in 1936 and later revised in 1954 and 1958, Alan Watt'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, down to Mr. Watts's revealing portrait of the life in a contemporary Japanese Zen monastery.

Before his death in 1973, Alan Watts was one of the leading Western authorities on Zen religion and philosophy. He lectured extensively at universities such as Harvard, Brandeis, and Columbia and was a favorite on the Chicago and California lecture circuits. Through his groundbreaking use of radio and television, he helped introduce a new audience to the joys of a Zen life. Other books by Alan Watts include Wisdom of Insecurity, Way of Zen, Nature, Man and Woman, and The Meaning of Happiness.