“When we attempt to exercise power or control over someone else, we cannot avoid giving that person the very same power or control over us.”
– Alan Watts (The Way of Zen)
I don’t know that I would consider myself to be religious or spiritual. If I were to attach myself to any way of thinking, I would say that I am doing my best to find my way along the path of Zen. The Way of Zen by Alan Watts is a great introduction for anyone that is curious enough about Zen practices, but unfamiliar with the overall ideologies that it encompasses.
The Way of Zen is not your typical page-turning, must know what happens next, edge-of-your-seat type of book. It is the kind of book that you have to read with purpose and on purpose. It is not something to be taken lightly, but to be taken with, at the very least, a curious and open mind. Zen doesn’t demand belief or the putting up of barriers or walls.
What I loved most about The Way of Zen was the lack of indoctrination. It was informative and never came at me with a “you must think this” or “you must sacrifice that” attitude. It was more like an invitation to a different way of thinking. There are things you should do, but nothing that you absolutely must do.
It was as peaceful as you might think anything with the word “Zen” in it might be. If you are in need of an audiobook or a hard copy book that is capable of putting you at ease, I highly recommend The Way of Zen.
Journeyman's Legacy 