This is it, and other essays on Zen and spiritual experience
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This is it, and other essays on Zen and spiritual experience
Watts' ability to articulate the ineffable is, as always, remarkable. "This Is It" showcases his talent for making the profound accessible, particularly in his handling of the non-dualistic nature of reality. The essay "This Is It" itself offers a compelling, if slightly dated, framing of sudden enlightenment. However, the collection sometimes feels less like a cohesive work and more like a curated selection of lectures; the transitions between essays can be abrupt, and the repetition of certain core ideas, while reinforcing, can also dilute the impact across the entire volume. A particular strength lies in his dismantling of the ego-construct, a persistent hurdle for many spiritual seekers. Watts' approach here provides a vital counterpoint to more dogmatic or overly ascetic interpretations of spiritual practice.
📝 Description
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Alan Watts' 1962 collection "This is It" examines spiritual awakening as recognition, not attainment.
This collection gathers essays by Alan Watts that focus on Zen Buddhism and the nature of spiritual experience. Watts, drawing on lectures and writings from the mid-20th century, combines Eastern philosophy with Western psychological thought. His aim is to make spiritual awakening understandable, not as a distant goal, but as an awareness of fundamental reality. The book is for anyone interested in Eastern spirituality, especially Zen. It appeals to those wanting clear explanations of Zen principles and to readers who appreciate Watts' integrated approach to philosophy and psychology. It serves both newcomers to his work and those already familiar with it.
Watts' writings emerged during the mid-20th century, a time when Zen Buddhism was becoming known in the West, partly through figures like D.T. Suzuki. Watts, along with others, helped introduce these ideas through lectures and publications. His work connected with the counterculture and a growing questioning of Western materialism, presenting Zen as a different way of seeing things.
Watts' work places Zen Buddhism within the broader context of Western interest in Eastern thought that grew in the mid-20th century. He engaged with the introduction of Buddhist philosophy to the West, particularly through figures like D.T. Suzuki. His approach sought to bridge Eastern concepts with Western psychological and philosophical frameworks, making them accessible to a Western audience. This collection reflects that effort, presenting Zen not as an exotic Eastern religion but as a direct insight into the nature of reality.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain a grasp of Zen's fundamental non-dualism, learning how the concept of 'emptiness' (sunyata) isn't nihilistic but points to an interconnected reality, as explored in the titular essay. • Understand the illusion of the separate self, a core tenet Watts unpacks using psychological and philosophical arguments, offering a different perspective than typical Western individualism. • Appreciate the role of the present moment, recognizing that spiritual awakening is not a future goal but a present realization, a concept central to Watts' interpretation of Zen.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alan Watts' "This is it, and other essays on Zen and spiritual experience" originally published?
The collection "This is it, and other essays on Zen and spiritual experience" was first published in 2018, though it compiles lectures and writings from Alan Watts' earlier career, primarily the mid-20th century.
What is the main theme of Alan Watts' "This is it" essay?
The central theme of the "This is it" essay is the realization of fundamental reality as it is, often described as an instantaneous spiritual awakening or enlightenment, contrary to the idea of achieving a future state.
How does Alan Watts explain Zen Buddhism to a Western audience?
Watts explains Zen by bridging Eastern concepts with Western psychological and philosophical frameworks, using accessible language, analogies, and a focus on the direct experience of the present moment, demystifying it from arcane tradition.
Who were some contemporaries of Alan Watts involved in introducing Eastern thought to the West?
Alan Watts was contemporary with figures like D.T. Suzuki, who was pivotal in introducing Zen to the West, and poets Gary Snyder and Philip Whalen, who were also engaged with Eastern philosophies and the burgeoning counterculture.
What is 'sunyata' as discussed in Alan Watts' work?
'Sunyata,' often translated as 'emptiness,' is a key concept in Mahayana Buddhism. In Watts' interpretation, it refers not to nothingness but to the interdependent, non-dual nature of reality, where phenomena lack inherent, independent existence.
Does "This is it, and other essays" offer practical Zen exercises?
While the essays focus on conceptual understanding and philosophical insights, they implicitly encourage a shift in perception. They don't provide step-by-step Zen meditation guides but aim to illuminate the underlying principles that inform such practices.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Nature of 'Isness'
Watts posits that spiritual awakening is the recognition of the fundamental reality that 'is'—a state of being that underlies all phenomena. This 'isness' is not a goal to be achieved but the very fabric of existence. The essays challenge the Western tendency to constantly strive for a future, better state, instead urging a direct confrontation with the present reality. This involves seeing through the illusion of a separate self and understanding the interconnectedness of all things, a concept central to Zen's non-dualistic perspective.
Illusion of the Separate Self
A recurring theme is the dismantling of the ego or the 'separate self.' Watts argues that the feeling of being an isolated individual is a fundamental misunderstanding of our nature. He draws parallels with psychological concepts and Buddhist philosophy to illustrate how this perceived self is a construct. Recognizing this illusion is crucial for experiencing the non-dual nature of reality, where the boundaries between oneself and the universe dissolve, leading to a state of liberation.
Zen and the Present Moment
The collection emphasizes the Zen focus on the 'here and now.' Watts critiques the human tendency to live in the past through memory or in the future through anticipation, thereby missing the richness of present experience. Spiritual realization, in this context, is not about transcending the present but about fully inhabiting it. This involves a direct, unmediated engagement with reality, free from conceptual filters and the anxieties of time.
Clarifying Spiritual Experience
Watts aims to clarify concepts like enlightenment or satori, presenting them not as extraordinary states but as the natural consequence of seeing things as they are. He uses everyday language and analogies to make these profound ideas accessible, countering the notion that spiritual insight is reserved for a select few or requires arduous ascetic practices. His approach seeks to integrate spiritual understanding into the fabric of ordinary life.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“This is it, and you're it.”
— This concise statement captures Watts' core message: the fundamental reality of existence is not something external to be sought, but is intimately connected to one's own being. It's a call to recognize the present moment and one's place within it as the ultimate spiritual truth.
“The only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
— This highlights Watts' view on embracing impermanence. Instead of resisting the flow of life and change, he suggests actively participating in it. The metaphor of a 'dance' implies finding harmony and rhythm within the constant flux of existence.
“Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.”
— This Zen-like analogy illustrates the principle that sometimes the most effective way to resolve confusion or inner turmoil is through non-action and allowing things to settle naturally, rather than through frantic effort.
“You are the universe experiencing itself.”
— This powerful interpretation of interconnectedness suggests that individual consciousness is not separate from the cosmos but is a manifestation of the universe's own self-awareness. It dissolves the boundary between the self and the totality of existence.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
Trying to manage things, trying to force things, trying to control things, this is the way to lose them.
This quote speaks to the futility of ego-driven control. Watts suggests that attempts to rigidly manage or force outcomes often lead to the opposite result, emphasizing a more yielding and accepting approach to life's unfolding.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Watts' work sits at the intersection of Western psychology, process philosophy, and Eastern traditions, particularly Mahayana Buddhism (Zen). While not strictly adhering to a single esoteric lineage like Hermeticism or Kabbalah, his explorations of consciousness, the self, and non-duality resonate with Gnostic ideas concerning illusion and liberation. He offers a bridge, translating complex Buddhist concepts into terms understandable within a Western framework, making esoteric philosophy more accessible without necessarily being initiatory.
Symbolism
While Watts' writing is less focused on overt symbolic systems common in Hermeticism, the 'dance' metaphor frequently appears, symbolizing the dynamic, flowing, and interconnected nature of reality and the appropriate human response to it—participation rather than rigid control. The concept of 'emptiness' (sunyata) functions symbolically, not as void, but as the ground of potentiality and interconnectedness from which all phenomena arise, challenging dualistic perceptions of 'fullness' versus 'emptiness.'
Modern Relevance
Watts' influence persists strongly in contemporary mindfulness movements, secular Buddhism, and popular psychology exploring consciousness. Thinkers and practitioners in fields ranging from transpersonal psychology to non-duality studies continue to reference his work. His ability to articulate the dissolution of the ego and the experience of interconnectedness remains relevant for modern individuals grappling with alienation and seeking a deeper sense of meaning beyond materialist paradigms.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals exploring Zen Buddhism and Eastern philosophy who seek clear, engaging explanations of core concepts like emptiness and non-duality. • Readers interested in the philosophy of consciousness and the nature of the self, looking for accessible critiques of Western individualism. • Seekers of spiritual insight who appreciate a rational, yet profound, approach to understanding life's fundamental questions, moving beyond dogma.
📜 Historical Context
Alan Watts' writings, including the essays collected in "This Is It," emerged during a key period of cultural exchange in the mid-20th century. The 1950s and 1960s saw a burgeoning interest in Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen Buddhism, within Western intellectual and countercultural circles. Figures like D.T. Suzuki were instrumental in popularizing Zen, and Watts, through his accessible lectures and writings, became a leading voice. He lectured extensively, including at the American Academy of Asian Studies in San Francisco, a hub for cross-cultural dialogue. Watts' work engaged with the existentialist philosophies prevalent in Europe and offered Zen as an alternative to what he perceived as the limitations of Western materialism and rationalism. His popularity grew alongside the Beat Generation's fascination with Eastern spirituality, though Watts himself maintained a more academic and philosophical approach than some of his contemporaries like Jack Kerouac. His reception was largely positive among those seeking spiritual and philosophical alternatives, though some traditionalists viewed his popularization with skepticism.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of 'isness' as the fundamental reality.
The illusion of the separate self and its implications.
The Zen approach to engaging with change and impermanence.
Recognizing the present moment as the locus of spiritual insight.
The universe experiencing itself through individual consciousness.
🗂️ Glossary
Satori
A Japanese Buddhist term for a sudden or intuitive enlightenment or comprehension. In Zen, it refers to a flash of insight into the true nature of existence, often characterized by a direct, non-conceptual experience.
Sunyata
A central concept in Mahayana Buddhism, often translated as 'emptiness' or 'voidness.' It refers to the doctrine that phenomena lack inherent existence or independent self-nature, pointing towards interdependence and interconnectedness.
Non-duality
A philosophical or spiritual concept that asserts the fundamental unity of reality, denying any ultimate distinction between apparent opposites like subject and object, mind and matter, or self and universe.
Ego
In psychological and spiritual contexts, the ego often refers to the sense of 'I' or self, conceived as a distinct, separate entity. Watts, following Buddhist thought, often discusses the 'separate self' as a construct or illusion.
Enlightenment
A state of profound spiritual understanding and liberation. In Zen, it is often described as seeing things as they truly are, realizing the non-dual nature of reality, and transcending the limitations of the ego.
The Present Moment
The immediate point in time that is currently occurring. Zen philosophy emphasizes the importance of fully inhabiting and experiencing the present moment, as it is considered the only true reality.
Tao (Dao)
A fundamental concept in Taoism, referring to the natural order of the universe, the underlying principle, or the 'Way.' Watts frequently drew parallels between Taoist and Buddhist ideas of naturalness and flow.
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