The six essays in this volume all deal with the relationship of mystical experience to ordinary life. The title essay on "cosmic consciousness...
read full description
reviews
Oct 16, 2010
Erik
rated it: 
I wasn't raised within a religious tradition. Mother was a member of the Lutheran Church by birth as are all Norwegians unless they sign out of the state religion. Dad, although Norwegian by ancestry, had never had any affiliation with a religious confession, nor had his parents. My brother Fin and I were free to do whatever we wanted as regards religions. Briefly, I attended a Lutheran Sunday school because my best grade school friend, Larry Nolden, did. So, too, my brother attended a Gree
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 29, 2012
Christopher
rated it: 
This book was not what I was expecting. I was hoping to find a book that was a "how-to" book on Zen Buddhism. Of course, from this book I learned that there isn't really a "how-to" of Zen anyway. One simply learns to stop looking and experiences Zen.
From this book I did learn informally about the underpinning of Zen and how it relates to our culture. The book comprises several essays about Zen, and would serve as a commentary to those who are already familiar More...
From this book I did learn informally about the underpinning of Zen and how it relates to our culture. The book comprises several essays about Zen, and would serve as a commentary to those who are already familiar More...
Sep 21, 2009
Kimberly
rated it:
great zen insights. deep yet simple. must re-read in a few years just cuz...
memorable quote:“We could say that meditation doesn't have a reason or doesn't have a purpose. In this respect it's unlike almost all other things we do except perhaps making music and dancing. When we make music we don't do it in order to reach a certain point, such as the end of the composition. If that were the purpose of music then obviously the fastest players would be the best. Also, when we are dancing More...
memorable quote:“We could say that meditation doesn't have a reason or doesn't have a purpose. In this respect it's unlike almost all other things we do except perhaps making music and dancing. When we make music we don't do it in order to reach a certain point, such as the end of the composition. If that were the purpose of music then obviously the fastest players would be the best. Also, when we are dancing More...
Jul 24, 2008
Jeffrey
rated it:
My reading this book was perfect timing for when i read it. It was just what i needed at the time. It's a collection of essays. I did get sort of a theme of commentary on dualism; especially with the mystic/sensualist, spiritualist/materialist part. My interpretation is he is commenting on the paradox of being in a "spiritual" or "mystical" state and balancing with the material world we see and can enjoy all around us. Especially interesting to me is the idea of these scho
More...
Nov 05, 2009
Ted
rated it:
At first I mistook Watts simple articulation for a bit of simple-mindedness but his humble effectiveness and clear-sighted logic quickly disarmed me of any intellectual pretensions I had. This book is a great example of how good and relevant philosophy doesn’t need overly technical and alienating language. I especially liked Watts understanding and non-pedantic discussion of the Beats, sex and hallucinogens. Watts thinks Zen very well.
Aug 24, 2011
Scott W.
rated it:
Mostly just skimmed it, though I did read the first two parts and most of the fourth. Didn't get real interested in it. I was really into Watts a couple years ago but it seems I got my fill then and just don't get into his books anymore.
Sep 25, 2010
Oleg
rated it:
Standard fare for Alan Watts. Some inspiring and well-put lines went into my commonplace book but as a general reaction, Alan Watts plays it too loose for me. His arguments are often built on shaky grounds which makes reading them seriously difficult. When it comes to zen and eastern religions, there are better teachers.
The essence of Watts is not his scholarship, but his personality and ability to simplify -- because of his charisma, it isn't a chore to spend time with him. All in More...
The essence of Watts is not his scholarship, but his personality and ability to simplify -- because of his charisma, it isn't a chore to spend time with him. All in More...
Oct 16, 2011
Grant
rated it: 
I read this several years ago and loved it. I got it for my kindle so I can "sip" and savor it when the mood strikes. Great stuff.
Jul 08, 2011
Matt
rated it:
I have read and re-read this book for the last 12 years and it never ceases to offer new insights.
Apr 11, 2009
Emily
rated it:
This is it. Everything is here. All is together. Separating only brings pain.
Oct 16, 2008
Mason
rated it:
This book helped me deal with some of the apparent contradictions inherent in everyday life that I struggled with for some time. I still struggle with them but at least I have some suitable frames of mind (or non-frames of mind) with which I can proceed to tommorrow thoughtfully. Watts has a certain power over the words he uses. He makes words take on definitions that make all the sense in the world but which are strictly forbidden by Merriam-Webster's. It's all poetry, paragraph after parag
More...
Feb 01, 2008
Richard
rated it:
In the spring of 1968 when I was a junior in high school I read about Buddhism in a religion class (I went to a parochial school) and wanted to learn more. Somehow I came across this book of essays which happened to address all the issues about religion that interested me at the time. Watts writes clearly and in a lively prose style that makes new and difficult ideas understandable.
Feb 26, 2010
Nicolas
rated it:
An eclectic collection of six essays on reconciling the mystical spiritual experience with consensus reality. Compelling stuff!
Apr 13, 2008
Tom
rated it:
You've heard the old "if you were stuck on a desert island and you could only have one book" schtick before: This Is It. I return to this book at least once a year, sometimes more often, to re-read several of the essays and to refresh myself when I am feeling the weight of the mundane.
Nov 17, 2008
Alex
rated it:
This was one of the first books that I read, regarding the zen path. It was quite insightful, and written in an limpid accessible manner. akldhfjkdhfjksahflskfhdjlfaahdfjkasldfhjdkflhskfhsdfkjdshlfkdsjhlfksdjhfksdhfsdkflhskjfhl.
That is a direct quote from the book.
That is a direct quote from the book.
Apr 15, 2008
Ryan
rated it:
The clarity that Watts uses in this definitive book on philosophy makes it as popular as it is. A must have book for anyone searching inward for their own spiritual meaning.
Dec 17, 2009
Nick
rated it:
What a beautiful soul to think about life in this way. Not strict Zen but not necessarily watered down either. A way of thinking without thinking.
Jul 27, 2007
Josephine
rated it:
This is pretty much my favorite book. Solid and unpretentious, which is a rare thing in books on this subject.
Apr 27, 2010
~V.W.~
rated it:
This book started out great but got a little lost at the end in my opinion. My high hopes fizzled fast.
Oct 28, 2008
Douglas
rated it:
This book reflected some of my concert and travel experiences during the mid-to-late 80's perfectly.
Mar 13, 2008
A good read for people who shy away from religion but still know somethings out there.
Feb 12, 2012
Feb 06, 2012
Feb 06, 2012
Jan 30, 2012
