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This is It

Essays on Zen and Spiritual Experience
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( 3,275 ratings, 177 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
This is It by Alan W Watts explores the concept of the present moment and how it relates to our understanding of life and existence. Through a blend of philosophy, psychology, and spirituality, Watts encourages readers to embrace the 'here and now' as the true essence of experiencing life fully.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in exploring mindfulness, living in the present moment, and understanding the deeper philosophical insights into human existence. Alan Wattsโ€™ engaging writing style and profound wisdom offer a fresh perspective on how to truly experience life.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This is It by Alan W. Watts is a profoundly insightful collection of six groundbreaking essays that delve into the exploration of spiritual and mystical experiences. These essays thoughtfully examine the concept of 'cosmic consciousness' and explore the intimate connection between spirituality and everyday existence. Addressing topics ranging from the paradoxes of self-consciousness to the transformative potential of psychedelics, Watts presents an enlightened view of the union between spirit and matter, urging readers to see the sacred in the mundane.

Watts, a pioneering scholar of Zen Buddhism, challenges traditional boundaries by presenting thought-provoking insights that blur the lines between the spiritual and the material, extraordinary and the ordinary. Drawing on his vast knowledge of Eastern philosophy and Western science, Watts crafts essays that are not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply accessible, making complex ideas comprehensible to a broad audience.

In these essays, Watts invites readers to question the conventional understanding of reality and consciousness. He eloquently discusses how our self-awareness can lead to a deeper understanding of the universe, and how embracing the unity of spirit and matter can transform our perception of life's experiences. His exploration into the use of psychedelics as a means to achieve higher consciousness is both revolutionary and controversial, providing a comprehensive view of how altered states of mind can facilitate spiritual awakening.

As Deepak Chopra aptly puts it, Watts is "a spiritual polymath, the first and possibly greatest." With his unparalleled ability to weave together diverse strands of thought, Watts offers a compelling vision of spirituality that is firmly rooted in the here and now. This is It is an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the spiritual dimensions of life and to discover the sacred within the ordinary.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

This is It by Alan W. Watts is praised as a profound and insightful guide for those seeking a transformative perspective on life, with Deepak Chopra calling it the perfect guide for a course correction in life.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781846046889

Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 August 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Rider & Co

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 9.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 116g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker who was best known for his expertise in Eastern philosophies including Zen Buddhism and Taoism. He wrote over 25 books and numerous articles on subjects such as personal identity, the true nature of reality, higher consciousness, the meaning of life, concepts and images of God and the non-material pursuit of happiness.

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