Tao: The Watercourse Way

Alan Watts unveils the Chinese philosophy of Tao in this final work by the master communicator of Eastern thought The great Tao flows everywhere, to the left and to the right, All things depend upon it to exist, and it does not abandon them. The Tao is the way of human cooperation with the natural world; its principles can be found in the flow patterns of water. By taking in the lessons of Tao, we can change our attitude to the way we live. In this history of Tao and its interpretations, Alan Watts draws on key thinkers such as Lao-Tzu to demonstrate how this ancient and timeless Chinese wisdom can combat the chaos of modern life by allowing time to quiet our minds and observe the world. With an introduction to the Chinese culture that is the foundation of the Tao, and featuring the collaboration of Al Chung-liang Huang, founder of the Living Tao Foundation, this is one of Alan Watts' best-loved works. Praise for Alan Watts: 'His writings and recorded talks still shimmer with a profound and galvanizing lucidity' Erik Davis 'His is a protean, shape-shifting intellect, perhaps more relevant now than it has ever been' Jarvis Cocker

Alan Watts published over 25 books, including The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, The Way of Zen and Tao: The Watercourse Way. He was a philosopher, academic and theologian, who wrote and spoke widely on Asian philosophy and theology. He is best known as an interpreter of Zen Buddhism in particular, and of Indian and Chinese philosophy in general. He was the author of more than twenty books on the philosophy and psychology of religion. He died in 1973.