Alan Watts

This title from author and lecturer Alan Watts contains two volumes delving into the basics of meditation as well as its usefulness and application in everyday modern life. In much the same way as he had introduced the philosophies and precepts of Hinduism on his Warner Bros. long-player Om: Sound of Hinduism (1967), Why Not Now: Dhyana, The Art of Meditation (1969) is designed to present practical fundamentals of the Zen art in a Western-friendly mentality. The English-born Watts first established himself stateside in the late '30s, and during his tenure at Northwestern University during World War II he became an Episcopal chaplain. His travels eventually brought him to northern California, where he was Dean of the American Academy of Asian Studies in San Francisco and ministered on the progressive community radio station KPFA-FM in Berkeley, CA, during weekly Sunday morning broadcasts. This offered many Bay Area listeners an alternative to the traditional and decidedly more formal church services. During this time, he likewise spoke throughout the globe. The lectures given on these volumes in many ways image the same wisdom and truth that Watts incorporated into both his personal appearances as well as dozens of written texts on the subject of meditation. He also espoused a concurrently new approach to thinking and the conscious and interactive art of integrating these ancient techniques into modern situations. Not only does Watts present a proactive approach to meditation, his methodology is perfect for everyone from novice to expert levels. ~ Lindsay Planer, Rovi