The Way of Zen

The Way of Zen is a non-fiction book on Zen Buddhism and Eastern philosophy by the philosopher and religious scholar Alan Watts, published in 1957. It was a bestseller and played a major role in introducing Buddhism to a mostly young Western audience.

The book is divided into two sections. The first deals with the background and historical development of Zen, which Watts traces as a synthesis of Chinese Taoism and Mahayana Buddhism. The second focuses on its principles and practices, with chapters such as "Empty and Marvelous," "Sitting Quietly, Doing Nothing," "Za-zen and the Koan," and "Zen and the Arts."

Watts introduces readers to Eastern philosophical concepts such as wuwei, the Middle Way, and anatman. He also argues that the Western philosophical tradition is intrinsically limited by its strict adherence to logical structures, whereas Eastern philosophy is not bound by them.