"The Way of Zen," by Alan Watts
Jack Kelly I

"The Way of Zen," by Alan Watts

👉Alan Watts was a well-known interpreter of Zen Buddhism and Eastern philosophy. 👉Here are ten lessons about Zen Buddhism from his teachings:

🙌Zen Buddhism is not a religion in the conventional sense, but a way of life that emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and awareness.

🙌The practice teaches that the ego and the self are illusions, and that true enlightenment comes from realizing our true nature as part of the interconnected whole of the universe.

🙏Meditation is a key practice in Zen Buddhism, helping us to quiet our minds and connect with the present moment.

🙏The teachings emphasizes the importance of simplicity, humility, and detachment from material possessions.

🧘🏼Zen Buddhism teaches that suffering is an inevitable part of life, but that we can learn to accept it and find peace and meaning in the midst of it.

🧘🏼The philosophy calls for being fully present in each moment, rather than constantly chasing after future goals or dwelling on past regrets.

🧎🏼Value direct experience over intellectual knowledge or theoretical understanding.

🧎🏼The teachings say that everything is impermanent and constantly changing, and that we should embrace this impermanence rather than resist it.

🙌🏽The Eastern philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, and encourages us to cultivate compassion and empathy for all living beings.

🙌🏽Zen Buddhism encourages us to find our own unique path to enlightenment, rather than following a prescribed set of rules or practices.

👉🏻Alan Watts was a British-born philosopher, writer, and speaker who popularized Eastern philosophy and spirituality in the West. He was born in 1915 in England and later moved to the United States, where he became an influential figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

👉🏻Watts was a prolific writer and speaker, and his work focused on the intersection of Eastern and Western philosophy, spirituality, and mysticism. He explored concepts such as the nature of consciousness, the meaning of life, and the relationship between the individual and the universe.

👉🏻Some of Watts' most famous works include "The Way of Zen," "The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are," and "The Tao of Philosophy." His lectures and writings continue to be popular and influential today, and have inspired many people to explore Eastern philosophy and spirituality.

Phill Gillespie

Consulting Director • Chief Product Officer • Tech Psychologist

1y

Good highlights, thanks Jack

Gillian French

Former Chief People Officer | HR Advocate | Podcast Host | HR Strategy Consultant | Organisation Behaviourist | Executive Coach| Board Advisor | Non-Executive Director

1y

❤️ Alan Watts’s material he was so ahead of his time ❤️

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