Description

Following Alan Watts’ acclaimed book on Zen Buddhism The Way of Zen, he tackles the Chinese philosophy of Tao.

The Tao is the way of man’s cooperation with the natural course of the natural world. Alan Watts takes the reader through the history of Tao and its interpretations by key thinkers such as Lao-Tzu, author of the Tao Te Ching. Watts goes on to demonstrate how the ancient and timeless Chinese wisdom of Tao promotes the idea of following a life lived according to the natural world and goes against our goal-oriented ideas by allowing time to quiet our minds and observe the world rather than imposing ourselves on it. By taking in some of the lessons of Tao, we can change our attitude to the way we live.

Drawing on ancient and modern sources, Watts treats the Chinese philosophy of Tao in much the same way as he did Zen Buddhism in his classic The Way of Zen. Including an introduction to the Chinese culture that is the foundation of the Tao, this is one of Alan Watts’ best-loved works.

Publisher Review

Watts begins with scholarship and intellect and proceeds with art and eloquence to the frontiers of the spirit ... This is a profound and worthy work, left by a teacher to echo and re-echo. * Los Angeles Times * Profound, reflective, and enlightening. Moreover, the text supplies a sense of his ebullient spirit behind the revelation of Tao. * Boston Globe * A remarkable book because of Alan Watts's talent for communicating Eastern ways of thought ... This book is a 'must'. * Shambhala Review * Beautifully produced... classic work which examines the Chinese philosophy of Tao, with fine examples of Chinese calligraphy. -- Yoga & Health His writings and recorded talks still shimmer with a profound and galvanizing lucidity -- Erik Davis