By ALAN WATTS Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc. Read the Review. Its author reminds me of a pre- hippie. When Jack Karouac wrote about Zen in Dharma Bums he was echoing the sentiments of the Beat generation, who found in Zen credence for a way of life unencumbered by the limits of "square" society. Back in 1958 Alan Watts wrote a classic essay, "Beat Zen, Square Zen, and Zen." Based on radio talks given during the late 1950s and early 60s, these essays explore the many aspects of Zen and Eastern thought that inspired the Beat poets. Zen is called Thien in Vietnam and Seon in Korea. In this collection of essays--based on a selection of radio talks and lectures given in the late 1950s and early 1960s--philosopher Watts explores the many aspects of Zen and Eastern thought that served as an inspiration for the Beat generation. Learning 'The Zen Ways' is not difficult, all it needs is an open and alert mind. One of the best chapters in this book is Zen and the Art of the Controlled Accident where the author explores indirection and the Eastern view of the floating world that vanishes. Introduction to the Way Beyond the West. View more books by Alan Watts. [1] At least for Kerouac and Ginsberg, Beat had a quasi-religious … Zen and the Beat Way is based upon selections from Alan Watts's early radio talks, many of which were first aired on the Pacifica Radio Network in the late fifties and early sixties, and sessions from two of his most compelling seminars. When Jack Karouac wrote about Zen in Dharma Bums he was echoing the sentiments of the Beat generation, who found in Zen credence for a way of life unencumbered by the limits of "square" society. Or "hip" and "traditional." And it was Alan Watts who first wrote and spoke about Zen and Eastern culture in terms accessible to mainstream Western audiences.Through his popular radio series Way … in the mid-sixties. Zen and the Beat Way book. What is Zen anyway? Free shipping for many products! Based on radio talks given during the late 1950s and early 60s, these essays explore the many aspects of Zen and Eastern thought that inspired the Beat poets. In this collection of essays--based on a selection of radio talks and lectures given in the late 1950s and early 1960s--philosopher Watts explores the many aspects of Zen and Eastern thought that served as an inspiration for the Beat generation. A fascinating look at America in the 50's and 60's through the eyes of someone who was an influential part of the Beat generation but who remained outside of it. Zen and the Beat Way. So, there are methods: Zen is something you do that transforms the mind. Zen and the Beat Way by Alan Watts Is set in the late fifties and sixties. Zen and the Beat Way is based upon selections from Alan Watts's early radio talks, many of which were first aired on the Pacifica Radio Network in the late fifties and early sixties, and sessions from two of his most compelling seminarsin the mid-sixties. One of the best chapters in this book is Zen and the Art of the Controlled Accident where the author explores indirection and the Eastern view of the floating world that vanishes. In China, it is called Ch'an Buddhism.Ch'an is the Chinese rendering of the Sanskrit word dhyana, which refers to a mind absorbed in meditation. To the Editor: Alan Watts can be faulted for gushing about his favorite brand of Buddhism and failing to treat religions in depth. I want to do this in a clear and informal way and in true Zen-spirit: no dogma's and with a focus on the 'things that work'. Further to the previous tip, if you name that “Miscellaneous” or “Other” folder in such a way that its name begins with an underscore “_”, then it will appear at the top of the list of files/folders. Zen & The Beat Way by Alan Watts available in Trade Paperback on Powells.com, also read synopsis and reviews. "Zen" is the Japanese rendering of Ch'an. And it was Alan Watts who first wrote and spoke about Zen and Eastern culture in terms accessible to mainstream Western audiences. A little over six years ago [1953], I began a series of radio programs that have been running ever since under the general title Way Beyond the West. In 1893 Shaku was invited to the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. I think I may as well give you a short explanation of that title. Read 19 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Through his popular radio series Way Beyond the West Alan Watts brought listeners a delightful and practical side of Zen. Learn more about the history and characteristics of the Beat movement … And the ways to use Zen knowledge in modern life. You've come to the right place! If you want to know what Zen is. As described in Jack Kerouac's "Dharma Blues", Zen had a strong appeal to the Beat generation. Oddly enough Zen and the Beat Way is thoroughly Western Zen — it is testament to the enduring impact of Alan Watts on contemporary spiritual sekers. And it was Alan Watts who first wrote and spoke about Zen and Eastern culture in terms accessible to mainstream Western audiences. Somebody could ask, “What is Zen?” and you could say, “The apple tree out front,” or, “The eyes of the homeless.” That’s a good way to touch the need behind the question, yet it’s hard to grasp straight away.