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's essays on Zen, collected here under the title "This is it," offer a welcome corrective to the often-muddied waters of spiritual seeking. He cuts through the spiritual marketplace with his characteristic wit, reminding us that the "goal" is not a destination but the very ground we stand on. The essay "This is it" itself, a cornerstone of the collection, powerfully articulates the idea that the ultimate truth is not hidden but is the immediate, everyday experience we habitually overlook. While Watts's prose is generally lucid, some readers might find his frequent reliance on paradoxes, a hallmark of Zen discourse, occasionally circular rather than illuminating. His critique of the "ego-trip" inherent in many spiritual paths remains particularly sharp, a necessary thorn for those accustomed to self-improvement as a spiritual metric. The book's strength lies in its persistent invitation to see the ordinary as the extraordinary, a perspective that, if truly grasped, obviates the need for most spiritual striving. Ultimately, "This is it" serves as an excellent, albeit sometimes challenging, primer for engaging with Zen's core insights without succumbing to Western metaphysical biases.
📝 Description
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Alan Watts argued in "This is it" that enlightenment is not a future goal, but a present reality.
This collection of essays by Alan Watts confronts common misunderstandings about Zen Buddhism and spiritual experience. Watts uses his characteristic blend of philosophical inquiry and clear language to examine the nature of consciousness and reality. He challenges the conventional idea that spiritual awakening is something to be achieved later, proposing instead that it is accessible in the present moment.
The essays question our typical views of the self and the relentless pursuit of a future enlightenment. Watts suggests that the spiritual state is not a distant attainment but is already here, within our current experience. This work is for those interested in Eastern philosophies, especially Zen, who want to grasp its core ideas beyond simplified explanations.
It appeals to readers questioning existence, the illusion of a separate self, and the possibility of fully experiencing the present. Those familiar with Watts's other writings will find a concentrated look at themes he often returned to. It is also suitable for students of comparative religion and anyone interested in how Eastern thought connects with Western philosophy.
Alan Watts was a key figure in bringing Eastern spiritual traditions, particularly Zen, to Western audiences in the mid-20th century. His work emerged during a time of growing interest in non-Western thought. Watts's clear style distinguished his approach from more academic or purely doctrinal presentations. This collection reflects the intellectual climate of the 1950s and 60s, when he was actively engaging the public with philosophical alternatives to prevailing Western ideas. His writings offered a bridge between Eastern mysticism and Western existential concerns.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain a new perspective on enlightenment not as a future achievement but as the present reality, as articulated in the essay "This is it." • Understand the Zen concept of the void (sunyata) not as nothingness, but as the ground of all form, challenging dualistic thinking. • Re-evaluate your sense of self as a constructed illusion rather than a fixed entity, a central theme explored throughout Watts's philosophical arguments.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alan Watts's "This is it, and other essays on Zen and spiritual experience" first published?
The collection "This is it, and other essays on Zen and spiritual experience" by Alan Watts was first published in 2018, though the essays themselves originate from his earlier prolific period of writing and lecturing.
What is the central message of Alan Watts's "This is it"?
The central message is that the ultimate spiritual reality or enlightenment is not a future attainment but is present in every moment and experience, often referred to as 'thisness'.
How does Watts's interpretation of Zen differ from traditional Western views?
Watts presents Zen in a way that challenges Western dualistic thinking and the concept of a separate self, emphasizing the non-dual nature of reality and the importance of direct experience over intellectualization.
Are there specific Zen concepts discussed in the book?
Yes, the book discusses concepts such as 'thisness,' the nature of the ego, the void (sunyata), and the illusion of the separate self, reinterpreting them for a Western audience.
Who was Alan Watts and why is he significant in the context of Zen?
Alan Watts (1915-1973) was a British philosopher and writer who became a prominent interpreter of Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen Buddhism, for a Western audience in the mid-20th century.
What kind of spiritual experience does Watts suggest is attainable?
Watts suggests an experience of unity with the universe, characterized by the dissolution of the sense of a separate self and a profound appreciation for the present moment as it is.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Illusion of the Separate Self
Watts persistently dismantles the Western construct of the individual as an isolated entity. He argues that the feeling of being a distinct, independent 'I' is a conceptual game, a mental habit that obscures our fundamental interconnectedness with the cosmos. This exploration challenges readers to question the very foundation of their identity, suggesting that true spiritual realization involves recognizing the illusory nature of this perceived separation and embracing the unified field of existence. This theme aligns with Mahayana Buddhist doctrines concerning anatman (no-self).
Enlightenment as Present Reality
A core tenet of the collection is Watts's assertion that enlightenment, or spiritual awakening, is not a future goal to be achieved through strenuous effort but is the very fabric of the present moment. The title essay, "This is it," expresses this idea, urging readers to recognize the extraordinary within the ordinary. Watts critiques the spiritual path that postpones fulfillment, proposing instead that awakening is a shift in perception, an immediate realization that the sought-after state is already here, accessible through direct experience rather than conceptual striving.
The Nature of the Void and Form
Watts engages with the Buddhist concept of sunyata (emptiness or void) not as mere nothingness, but as the fertile ground from which all phenomena arise. He posits that the perceived duality between the void and form is a false dichotomy. Rather, they are interdependent aspects of a single, unified reality. This perspective invites a deeper understanding of existence, where apparent emptiness is the source of all manifestation, and form is the expression of that essential void, a concept that speaks to mystical traditions across cultures.
Critique of Spiritual Seeking
The essays offer a sharp critique of the modern spiritual marketplace and the tendency for individuals to engage in 'spiritual seeking' as another form of ego-driven pursuit. Watts argues that the desire to become 'spiritual' or 'enlightened' often stems from a dissatisfaction with the present and a yearning for a future state, thereby perpetuating the very problem it seeks to solve. He suggests that this striving paradoxically prevents one from realizing the truth that is already present, urging a cessation of effort and an acceptance of 'what is'.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“This is it, and you are it, and that's all there is to it.”
— This is the core message of the essay "This is it." It asserts that the ultimate reality, the sought-after spiritual state, is the immediate present experience of being alive, and that one is intrinsically part of this reality.
“Trying to manage things, trying to control things, trying to force things to conform to your will, is the source of all your suffering.”
— This highlights Watts's view that much of human suffering arises from our attempts to impose our desires and expectations onto the natural flow of life, resisting reality as it unfolds.
“The 'self' is the boundary of the body, and the 'world' is everything outside of that boundary. But this is a conceptual boundary, not a real one.”
— Here, Watts explains the illusion of the separate self. He points out that our sense of being a distinct individual, bounded by our skin, is a mental construct that doesn't reflect the underlying unity of existence.
“When you don't know what you're doing, you're doing what you're supposed to be doing.”
— This paradoxical statement suggests that true action, free from egoic intention and self-consciousness, often arises when one is not consciously trying to achieve a specific outcome, aligning with spontaneous, natural functioning.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
The only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.
This quote emphasizes embracing the fluid nature of existence rather than resisting it. Watts suggests that true understanding and peace come from actively participating in life's transformations, much like a dancer moves with the rhythm of the music.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Watts's work draws heavily from Mahayana Buddhism, particularly Zen, and Taoism, which are often considered esoteric traditions due to their emphasis on direct experience, intuition, and non-dualistic metaphysics over dogma. He aligns with the Hermetic principle of "As Above, So Below" by illustrating the macrocosm (universe) within the microcosm (individual consciousness). His philosophy represents a modern Western engagement with Eastern mystical thought, seeking to synthesize its insights with contemporary philosophical concerns, departing from strict adherence to any single lineage while remaining deeply rooted in their core principles.
Symbolism
The concept of the 'void' or 'emptiness' (sunyata) is central, symbolizing not absence but the boundless potential and interconnectedness of all things. The 'dance' metaphor represents the dynamic, ever-changing nature of reality, where all phenomena are in constant flux, and participation in this flow is key to understanding. The 'mirror' is often implicitly used to symbolize consciousness reflecting reality without distortion, a state achieved when the ego's interference is minimized.
Modern Relevance
Watts's exploration of non-duality, mindfulness, and the critique of ego continues to influence contemporary spiritual teachers, psychologists, and philosophers. His work is frequently cited in discussions on consciousness studies, comparative religion, and the integration of Eastern wisdom into Western life. Thinkers in the fields of transpersonal psychology and secular Buddhism, as well as mindfulness practitioners and proponents of 'waking up' philosophies, often draw upon Watts's accessible yet profound interpretations of Eastern thought.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals new to Zen and Eastern philosophies seeking an accessible entry point that explains complex concepts without oversimplification. • Practicing Buddhists and spiritual seekers looking to deepen their understanding of non-duality and the nature of the self beyond conventional interpretations. • Philosophically inclined readers interested in comparative religion, consciousness studies, and the intersection of Western and Eastern thought.
📜 Historical Context
Alan Watts's work, including the essays gathered in "This is it," emerged during the mid-20th century, a period marked by a burgeoning interest in Eastern philosophies within Western intellectual and counter-cultural circles. Watts, a British philosopher and writer, became a leading popularizer of Zen Buddhism and Taoism, bridging the gap between these ancient traditions and a Western audience often seeking alternatives to prevailing religious and philosophical paradigms. His writings and lectures in the 1950s and 60s gained significant traction, influencing thinkers and artists alongside contemporaries like D.T. Suzuki, Gary Snyder, and Allen Ginsberg. Watts's accessible yet profound interpretations offered a counterpoint to more academic or dogmatic presentations of Eastern thought. His work notably engaged with existentialism and psychology, framing Zen not merely as a religion but as a practical philosophy for living. The reception of his work was generally enthusiastic among the public, though some scholars remained critical of his simplified or popularized approach.
📔 Journal Prompts
The nature of 'thisness' as the immediate reality.
The illusion of the separate self and its implications.
The dance of change and how to move with it.
Recognizing the ordinary as extraordinary.
The void as the source of form.
🗂️ Glossary
Thisness
The immediate, unmediated, and direct experience of reality as it is, in the present moment. It refers to the fundamental quality of existence that is not conceptualized or analyzed.
Sunyata (Emptiness)
A central concept in Mahayana Buddhism, often translated as emptiness or void. It signifies the lack of inherent existence in phenomena and the interconnectedness of all things, rather than mere nothingness.
Ego
In this context, the ego refers to the psychological construct of the 'separate self,' the sense of being an isolated individual with a distinct identity, which Watts argues is largely an illusion.
Non-duality
The philosophical or spiritual concept that reality is ultimately a single, unified whole, transcending apparent dualities such as self/other, mind/body, or subject/object.
Enlightenment
The state of spiritual awakening or profound realization, which Watts often describes not as a future attainment but as the recognition of the present reality.
The Void
Similar to Sunyata, it represents the fundamental ground of being from which all phenomena arise, emphasizing potentiality and interconnectedness rather than absence.
The Dance
A metaphor used by Watts to describe the dynamic, ever-changing, and interconnected nature of existence, encouraging active participation and flow.
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