Buddhism the Religion of No-Religion (Alan Watts Love of Wisdom)

An enlightened master of words

After a dismissal of Alan Watts as being superficial and lacking genuine scholarship, I have lately read a few of his books and been forced to concede that he seemed to have a true grasp of the Dharma. The talks here, six of them, are a bit uneven but nevertheless worth a read. I say this even though in the last of the talks his references to Pure Land Buddhism are to my mind very much found wanting in insight, even knowledge. But hey ho, there you go!

Buddhism: The Religion of No-Religion is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of Buddhist philosophy and practice. The author presents complex ideas in a clear and engaging way that is accessible to both beginners and seasoned practitioners. I love how the book encourages reflection on personal beliefs while providing a deep understanding of the core principles of Buddhism. The writing is thoughtful and respectful, making it easy to connect with the material on a spiritual and intellectual level. Overall this book is a compelling read that inspires mindfulness, curiosity, and a greater appreciation for the wisdom of Buddhist teachings.

After first providing a sketchy Indian historical perspective, Alana Watts proceeds to describe the dialog that bridges Eastern Buddhism with Western Buddhism, that is, the way Westerners would most likely understand and think of Buddhism. Not to be found in the book are lengthy lists and sub-lists which characterize so many introductions to Buddhism, so it is not an introduction in that sense; instead, it attempts to lift and inspire the reader into Alan Watts' dream and imagination where his spirit of Buddhism resides. He successfully pries his way beyond Buddhist orthodoxy, doctrine, practice, and static tenets and into the world of Buddhism, a living dialog that can grow into every person and uplift each person into awakening in the true Mahayana spirit. Traditional religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, as part of their evolution into dispensers of doctrinal morality and social control, have become cluttered with appendages that obscure the true meaning. It is precisely this true spirit of Buddhism that Alan Watts captures: a) his description of rebel monks, their ideologies, their art; b) his personal forward looking interpretation of sutra passages; c) his distillation of doctrine into the quintessential. It's funny. This book is all about self-help through a religion which proclaims no self; and that, in a whimsical broad brush idea, is what Buddhism: The Religion of No-Religion is all about. Despite that many practicing Buddhists might dislike the book because of its somewhat iconoclastic style, I highly recommend the book as one of his best.

Anyone who is familiar with Alan Watts has to have this book. I have long been a devotee of Watts. I was not disappointed with this book. He has a way of simplifying any concept. I had to add this book to my collection of his works.

Exactly as described

I like Alan Watts, but he does get carried away with himself at times and seems to adore his own voice over the truth and practice of many of the religions he often hurries to get into print back in the day. His works are essential introductions and are often in broad strokes, but the thing is that he wants you to want more, and you do want more, you do want to understand the religions East and West. I do not care for Zen an dhe is quite in love with Zen and the Tao. Both of which I see as demeaning of women and more concerned with presentation than the depth of the subject. NOW, that said, I do think the great thinker, often at impossible speed is able to hand over to us his lifes work with ease and comfort as if sitting for tea and walnut cookies in a breezy after noon.