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The Way of Zen

Alan W. Watts

Verdict: the liveliest modern bridge on this shelf, especially useful after Suzuki's short introduction.
Original typographic jacket for The Way of Zen
Author
Alan W. Watts
Publisher
Vintage, 1989 reissue paperback
Print ASIN
0375705104
Length
About 256 pages
Kindle
A Vintage ebook exists
Level
Low–moderate; accessible bridge

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What it offers

Watts traces Zen's roots in Taoism and Indian Buddhism, then explains its principles in lucid, engaging prose. He drew on Suzuki while offering a lighter, more narrative route for a Western general audience.

Who it suits

Choose it if you want ideas connected through history and story rather than presented as a compact primer.

Place in the reading order

Read it second, after Suzuki, and before turning directly to the Tao Te Ching.

Before you buy

A Vintage ebook exists, but its exact Kindle ASIN is unverified, so this guide does not print one. Confirm format and shipping on Amazon.com.

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