Talking Zen by Alan Watts

Aug 24th, 2024 Update: I spent a bunch of time translating some of these notes in the winter of 2022. I found them too cumbersome to be worth anyone’s time, so I’ve stopped mid-way. Maybe something to return to later… 🤷🏽‍♂️

Talking Zen (Bookshop) is a collection of lectures Alan Watts delivered throughout his life. The book was recently published (June 2022), edited by his son Mark Watts.

It’s probably the best Watts book I’ve read, mostly because it is broken into digestible chapters. That said, Watts shares a wealth of wisdom in this book! Reading through it was a pretty major undertaking in focused study, but it’s worth it for the rewards of wisdom.

These notes might best serve you once you’ve read the book. Otherwise, I’d suggest skimming them as an appetizer to perhaps motivate you to read the book.

4. Time and Convention

4.1 Time and the Moment

4.2 The Illusion of Time

4.3 Nature and Christianity

4.4 A Cure for Education

4.5 The Art of Nonsense

5. Biting the Iron Bull

6. Taoist Ways

7. Zen Tales

8. Zen Bones

If you find the notes valuable, please shoot me an email. I’d love to hear from you!