I happen to read this book in the 70s. At the time I was reading Thomas Merton, and others talking a lot about 'contemplation' and the Catholic Mystical Tradition with a sprinkling of 'Eastern Mysticism'. So, I picked up this title, for various reasons, thinking it would be of helpful. I'd read most of Watts' books on Christianity (many of which included discussions of eastern philosophy). What a surprise! Turned out those Zen folks not only knew something about the tough questions relating to contemplation, they had such great experience at these matters and had come up with such unique ways of expressing it that it had become an art form for them. (The appreciation of this uniqueness has since worn off for reasons mentioned in some other reviews.) One reviewer also mentioned the legend of the 4th Patriarchs meeting with Fa-yung. When I first read that it was stunning! I've never forgot it and still refer to it to this day. It was here that I first met the Grand Masters of Chan, Bodhidharma, Huang Po and Zen had its madmen and poets, painters and potters, it was fascinating. Did I mention the historical perspective that forms the first part of the book? One last very important point. I had never encountered humor in my limited religious experience until I read about the Zen folks who, it seemed to me at the time, had the most hilarious answers to some of the most profound questions. I've never forgot that either. (Unfortunately, those answers don't strike people today as humorous, but seem more threatening to them. I wonder why that is...?) There may be some flaws in this book as some have suggested but I am willing to bet it will continue to be the best introduction to Zen for many years. Have fun!

This is not the easiest book to read, but it is full of information. This isn't a mystical book about an inward spiritual journey. Nor is it a philosophical book about understanding Zen mentally. It is something else entirely, whatever that is. This book, like the Zen it describes, cannot easily be categorized.

I think the reason this book is so difficult to read is because Watts is so honest. He doesn't sugar coat eastern religion to make it palatable to westerners. Instead he forces you to change the way you think. A difficult read, but highly rewarding.