{"title":"Alan Watts","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlan Watts offers a profound exploration of Eastern philosophies and spirituality, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of self, consciousness, and existence. His works delve into the wisdom of Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and the interplay between nature and human experience, blending philosophy with accessible, contemplative insights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese writings also touch upon elements of psychology, personal development, and the mysteries of the natural world, encouraging a deeper awareness of the present moment and the unity of all things. Readers seeking thoughtful reflections on spirituality and the human condition will find Watts’ voice both enlightening and inspiring.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"become-what-you-are","title":"Become What You Are","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBecome What You Are\u003c\/em\u003e by Alan Watts delves into the profound philosophical and spiritual teachings that challenge readers to explore their true selves and embrace their authentic identities. This collection of essays and lectures from the revered thinker and speaker is an invitation to see life from a fresh perspective, urging you to live in the present moment and recognise the inherent wisdom in embracing your true nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWatts demonstrates an exceptional ability to interpret Eastern philosophies for a Western audience, blending intelligence, playfulness, and simplicity of language to make complex ideas accessible. In \u003cem\u003eBecome What You Are\u003c\/em\u003e, he draws from a myriad of religious traditions, merging insights from Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity. Watts masterfully discusses the challenge of perceiving life \"just as it is,\" advocating for a Taoist approach to harmonious living that emphasizes balance and natural simplicity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book grapples with the limits of language in capturing ineffable spiritual truths, pushing the boundaries of how we articulate and comprehend our inner experiences. Watts also delves into the psychological symbolism found in Christian thought, providing a unique lens through which to view familiar religious concepts. Throughout his teachings, Watts consistently returns to the notion that our true selves are not to be discovered anywhere other than in the immediacy of our own lives and the present moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith \u003cem\u003eBecome What You Are\u003c\/em\u003e, Alan Watts continues to inspire readers to transcend the ordinary, encouraging them to unlock the profound and transformative power of self-awareness. This timeless guide is not only an exploration of philosophical and spiritual ideas but also a practical companion for those on the journey to self-discovery and authentic living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45693294837996,"sku":"9781645472865","price":45.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781645472865.jpg?v=1725596730"},{"product_id":"the-way-of-zen-1","title":"The Way of Zen","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Way of Zen\u003c\/em\u003e by Alan Watts offers a profound and enlightening exploration of Zen Buddhism, meticulously guiding readers through its complex principles and practices. Renowned for his ability to demystify Eastern philosophies for Western audiences, Watts provides an essential introduction to the serene and transformative world of Zen. This book serves not just as a guide to Zen practices, but as an invitation to a deeper, more fulfilling way of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWatts expertly delves into the origins and rich history of Zen Buddhism, tracing its roots from ancient Indian traditions through to Chinese Zen masters and the spread to Japan. With his signature clarity and engaging style, he explains the central tenets of Zen, including the role of meditation, the importance of mindfulness, and the concept of 'enlightenment'. He brings abstract concepts to life, helping readers to appreciate the practical application of Zen philosophy in the modern world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCharacterised by a rare combination of freshness and lucidity, \u003cem\u003eThe Way of Zen\u003c\/em\u003e offers readers not just an intellectual understanding of Zen, but an experiential journey into its essence. Watts describes Zen as “one of the most precious gifts of Asia to the world,” and through this book, he generously shares this gift with readers globally. His insights help to bridge the cultural and philosophical gaps, making Zen accessible and relevant to Western audiences today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePraise for Watts and his work is resounding. According to the \u003cem\u003eLos Angeles Times\u003c\/em\u003e, he is “perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West,” noted for his unique ability to “write beautifully the unwritable.” Similarly, Deepak Chopra lauds Watts as “the perfect guide for a course correction in life.” These endorsements underscore the depth and impact of Watts' work, as he continues to inspire and enlighten readers with his profound insights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are a long-time student of Zen or new to the practice, \u003cem\u003eThe Way of Zen\u003c\/em\u003e is a timeless and valuable resource, offering wisdom that transcends cultural boundaries and enriches all aspects of life. It is a book to be savoured, pondered, and lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45696074907884,"sku":"9780375705106","price":27.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780375705106.jpg?v=1725643480"},{"product_id":"tao-the-watercourse-way","title":"Tao: The Watercourse Way","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eTao: The Watercourse Way\u003c\/i\u003e, Alan Watts presents a profound exploration of Taoism, a philosophy that embraces the natural harmony of the universe. At its core, Taoism is about aligning oneself with the flow of life and nature, letting go of rigid goals and instead living in a spontaneous and flexible way. Watts brings this ancient wisdom to life, interweaving historical analysis with his own interpretations and reflections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing from key texts such as the \u003ci\u003eTao Te Ching\u003c\/i\u003e by Lao-Tzu, the book delves into concepts like Wu Wei (effortless action), the nature of existence, and the contrasts between Taoist thought and Western goal-oriented mentality. Watts invites readers to quiet their minds and open their senses to the world around them, advocating for a way of life that is less about control and more about harmony with nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWatts provides an accessible introduction to the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of Taoism. He contextualizes the teachings of Lao-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu, among others, making their ideas applicable to modern life. His engaging style blends traditional Eastern wisdom with insights relevant to contemporary Western readers, encouraging a shift from striving to simply being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFans of Watts' previous work, especially \u003ci\u003eThe Way of Zen\u003c\/i\u003e, will find familiar themes revisited with fresh insights. The text is infused with the depth of his understanding and his ability to bridge cultural divides. Readers are guided through a journey of reconciling their own lives with the effortless flow symbolised by water, a central metaphor in Taoist philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eTao: The Watercourse Way\u003c\/i\u003e not only offers philosophical insights but practical applications for living a balanced and fulfilled life. By embracing the principles of Taoism, Watts demonstrates how we can cultivate a deeper connection with the world around us and achieve a more peaceful, grounded existence. This beautifully written guide is a timeless piece that continues to inspire and instruct those seeking wisdom and tranquility in a complex world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45706924327148,"sku":"9781788164467","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781788164467.jpg?v=1725893519"},{"product_id":"become-what-you-are-by-alan-watts-9781611805796","title":"Become What You Are","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRenowned lecturer and author Alan Watts presents his meditations on the dilemma of seeking your true self. In doing so, becoming what you are—at once an impossible directive and an unavoidable fact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this collection of writings, Alan Watts displays the intelligence, playfulness of thought, and simplicity of language that has made him so perennially popular as an interpreter of Eastern thought for Westerners. Drawing on a variety of religious traditions, he presents the dilemma of seeking your true self—to \u003cem\u003ebecome what you are\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce called \"the godfather of Zen in America,\" Watts also covers topics such as the challenge of seeing one's life \"just as it is,\" the Taoist approach to harmonious living, the limits of language in the face of ineffable spiritual truth, and psychological symbolism in Christian thought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series. The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distil the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46506604658924,"sku":"9781611805796","price":28.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/23991773482761.jpg?v=1748699414"},{"product_id":"the-book-on-the-taboo-against-knowing-who-you-are-by-alan-watts-9780285638532","title":"The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are therefore in urgent need of a sense of our own existence, which is in accord with the physical facts and which overcomes our feeling of alienation from the universe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are\u003c\/i\u003e, Alan Watts asks what causes the illusion of the self as a separate ego, housed in a bag of skin, which confronts a universe of physical objects that are alien to it. Rather, a person's identity (their ego) binds them to the physical universe, creating a relationship with their environment and other people. The separation of the self and the physical world leads to the misuse of technology and the attempt to violently subjugate man's natural environment, leading to its destruction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplaining man's role in the universe as a unique expression of the total universe, and interdependent on it, Alan Watts offers a new understanding of personal identity. It reveals the mystery of existence, presenting an alternative to the feelings of alienation that are so prevalent in Western society, and a vision of how we can come to understand the cosmic self that is within every living thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe foremost Western expert on Eastern thought, Alan Watts urges against the idea that we are separate from the world. Nowhere is this idea more apparent than in the concept of cultural taboos. The biggest taboo of all is knowing who we really are behind the mask of our self as presented to the world. Through our focus on ourselves and the world as it affects us, we have developed narrowed perception. Alan Watts tells us how to open our eyes and see ourselves not as coming into the world but from it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlan Watts takes us through our daily lives, explaining how our goal-oriented selves leave something missing. In tackling technology and consumerism from the 1960s, Alan Watts demonstrates ways of thinking that have become increasingly urgent in the time since \u003ci\u003eThe Book\u003c\/i\u003e was first published. In our increasingly adversarial times, \u003ci\u003eThe Book\u003c\/i\u003e offers a way out of conflict by reckoning first with who we are before defining us against others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlan Watts overturns the illusion that individuals are merely 'egos' contained within their bodies who are separate from the rest of the universe. Drawing on the Vedanta religion, Alan Watts explains how a person's identity makes them the centre of the universe, and outlines that the universe has meaning only if each individual places himself at the centre of it. The separation of the Self from the physical universe has led to Mankind's hostile attitude to the environment, and a destructive attitude to Nature. In coming to understand the individual's real place in the universe, Alan Watts presents a critique of Western culture and a healing alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46521967739116,"sku":"9780285638532","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/18812013482289.jpg?v=1749027443"},{"product_id":"wandering-nowhere-by-alan-watts-9781846048258","title":"Wandering Nowhere","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWandering Nowhere\u003c\/em\u003e by Alan Watts is a guided meditation journal that muses on spiritual experience, crafted by the pioneering Zen scholar himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"A spiritual polymath, the first and possibly greatest,\" - Deepak Chopra\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe spiritual is not to be separated from the material, nor the wonderful from the ordinary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOffering reflections on living for the present moment, the pleasures of listening to music, and finding the playfulness of day-to-day life, this beautiful guided meditation journal will help readers engage in the mindful practice of journaling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePioneering Zen scholar Alan Watts combines insightful and pithy wisdom with charming line illustrations in this collection of journalling prompts and mindfulness observations. The text is full of Watts's warm encouragement and humour, accompanying some of his most salient philosophical observations, from seeing through arbitrary separations prescribed by language and society to leaving behind assumptions to see things as they truly are—fleeting, yet everlasting—simple, but wondrous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46652742336748,"sku":"9781846048258","price":36.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/7210033482845.jpg?v=1752431478"},{"product_id":"there-is-never-anything-but-the-present-by-alan-watts-9781846047299","title":"There Is Never Anything But The Present","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA beautiful gift collection of life-changing wisdom from pioneering Zen scholar Alan Watts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'The perfect guide for a course correction in life'\u003c\/em\u003e - Deepak Chopra\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor decades, people have turned to the inspiring words of pioneering Zen scholar Alan Watts for guidance, support, and spiritual sustenance. In this thought-provoking collection of aphorisms and quotations, Watts reminds us all to slow down, to recognize we are not the universe but part of it, and to enjoy each moment that composes our lives. This is a timeless work to reflect upon, to live by, and to read for inspiration, knowledge, and growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46833725735148,"sku":"9781846047299","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/7200443482845.jpg?v=1758477149"},{"product_id":"buddhism-by-alan-watts-9780804856089","title":"Buddhism","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Although Alan Watts' famous voice and happy laughter are missing now, his penetrating vision of Buddhism remains, and his lectures become brilliant prose in book form.\" - Publishers Weekly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBuddhism: The Religion of No-Religion\u003c\/em\u003e presents six powerful essays by Alan Watts, the guru for an entire generation of 20th-century thinkers, writers, and poets. Watts was an engaging speaker and an icon of America's Beat and Counterculture movements. His friends included Aldous Huxley, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, John Cage, and Joseph Campbell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Watts explores all aspects of Buddhism - from its roots in ancient India to the explosion of interest in Zen and Tibetan Buddhist thought in the West.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe fascinating topics covered in this book include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinding a Middle Way:\u003c\/strong\u003e How a spiritual path to awakening is formed not just by avoiding extreme indulgence but extreme denial as well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Religion of No-Religion:\u003c\/strong\u003e How Buddhism eschews any particular dogma and instead acts as a guide to understanding oneself.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuddhism as Dialogue:\u003c\/strong\u003e How Zen teaches us that we are one with the world, and so as we learn to navigate the world, we must also learn about ourselves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWatts traces the early beginnings of Buddhism, outlines the differences between Buddhism and other religions, and reviews the Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path. \u003cem\u003eBuddhism: The Religion of No-Religion\u003c\/em\u003e is a valuable reminder of the peace to be found by looking inward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"David Bateman Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853396463852,"sku":"9780804856089","price":46.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/15116433482474.jpg?v=1759201690"},{"product_id":"zen-and-the-beat-way-by-alan-watts-9784805317068","title":"Zen and the Beat Way","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Everything disappears into nothing at all, but out of that same nothing at all come all the new things, forever and ever.” - Alan Watts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Jack Kerouac wrote his novel \u003cem\u003eDharma Bums\u003c\/em\u003e, his views on Zen Buddhism echoed the sentiments of the Beat Generation, who found in Zen a way of life unencumbered by the limits of \"square\" society. It was the philosopher Alan Watts who first wrote and spoke about Zen and Eastern culture in terms accessible to mainstream Western audiences. Watts was an engaging speaker and an icon of America's Beat and Counterculture movements, who counted among his friends Aldous Huxley, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, John Cage, and Joseph Campbell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough his popular radio series \u003cem\u003eWay Beyond the West\u003c\/em\u003e, Alan Watts presented the practical side of Zen, which he described as \"a cure for education and culture.\" By the early sixties, his radio programmes were renowned for their synthesis of Eastern wisdom and everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWatts' teachings during an era of turmoil and political strife are as timely today as they were over 50 years ago. The fascinating essays in this collection include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThe Beat Way of Life\u003c\/em\u003e: How the Beats lived an uncomplicated Zen life and despite being denigrated as worthless slackers, like Eastern thinkers, they actively pursued \"an arduous course of spiritual and psychological discipline\".\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eReturn to the Forest\u003c\/em\u003e: How the popular works of the writer Joseph Campbell influenced the earliest Beat traditions by advocating the internal search for individual truth over learned schools of thought.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThe Democratization of Buddhism\u003c\/em\u003e: How Buddhism is actually a \"religion of no-religion,\" that conveys the spiritual through the everyday and the ordinary and recognizes no division between the two.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is an engaging introduction to Watts' fascinating and enduring Zen teachings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854429737196,"sku":"9784805317068","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9784805317068.jpg?v=1759241194"},{"product_id":"out-of-your-mind-by-alan-watts-9781788164450","title":"Out of Your Mind","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to come to your senses, Alan Watts often said, you sometimes need to go out of your mind. \u003cem\u003eOut of Your Mind\u003c\/em\u003e brings readers, for the first time, six of this legendary thinker's most engaging teachings on how to break through the limits of the rational mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOffering answers to generations of spiritual seekers, Alan Watts is the voice for all who search for an understanding of their identity and role in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor those both new and familiar with Watts, this book invites us to delve into his favourite pathways out of the trap of conventional awareness: discover the art of the 'controlled accident' — what happens when you stop taking your life so seriously and start enjoying it with complete sincerity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEmbrace chaos to discover your deepest purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow do we come to believe 'the myth of myself'—that we are skin-encapsulated egos separate from the world around us—and how can we transcend that illusion?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFind the miracle that occurs when we stop taking life so seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46868743356652,"sku":"9781788164450","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/18173543482824.jpg?v=1759767676"},{"product_id":"instant-weather-forecasting-by-alan-watts-9781472929730","title":"Instant Weather Forecasting","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eInstant Weather Forecasting\u003c\/em\u003e has been a perennial bestseller since it was first published nearly 50 years ago. A brilliant concept, its winning formula of 24 clear colour photographs of cloud formations and their accompanying explanatory text enables the reader to read the sky, pick up the clues, and predict what the weather will do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis revised and updated 5th edition takes into account the new ways users can receive professional weather forecasts, factor them into their own cloud observations, and develop an even better understanding of how the weather will change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis bestselling gem of a book will continue to be invaluable to anyone participating in outdoor activities, from farming, gardening and walking to riding, golfing, flying, sailing, fishing - and of course holidaymakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47430999015660,"sku":"9781472929730","price":36.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781472929730.jpg?v=1774558117"},{"product_id":"nature-man-and-woman-by-alan-watts-9780679732334","title":"Nature, Man and Woman","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eperhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West\u003c\/em\u003e—and an author who \u003cem\u003ehad the rare gift of ‘writing beautifully the unwritable’\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eLos Angeles Times\u003c\/em\u003e)—a guide that draws on Chinese Taoism to reexamine humanity's place in the natural world and the relation between body and spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWestern thought and culture have coalesced around a series of constructed ideas—that human beings stand separate from a nature that must be controlled; that the mind is somehow superior to the body; that all sexuality entails a seduction—that in some way underlie our exploitation of the earth, our distrust of emotion, and our loneliness and reluctance to love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHere, Watts fundamentally challenges these assumptions, drawing on the precepts of Taoism to present an alternative vision of man and the universe—one in which the distinctions between self and other, spirit and matter give way to a more holistic way of seeing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48147556270316,"sku":"9780679732334","price":40.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780679732334-nature-man-and-woman.jpg?v=1786450006"},{"product_id":"instant-weather-forecasting-6th-edition-by-alan-watts-9781399430784","title":"Instant Weather Forecasting 6th edition","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eInstant Weather Forecasting's\u003c\/em\u003e winning formula of 24 clear colour photographs of cloud formations and accompanying explanatory text enables the reader to study the sky and use clues to predict what the weather will do next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA perennial bestseller since it was first published over 50 years ago, this revised and updated sixth edition takes into account the new ways users can receive professional weather forecasts, factor them into their own cloud observations, and develop an even better understanding of how the weather will change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis bestselling gem of a book has sold over a million copies worldwide and continues to be invaluable to anyone participating in outdoor activities, from farming, gardening and walking to riding, golfing, flying, sailing, fishing - and of course holidaymakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48317965598956,"sku":"9781399430784","price":32.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781399430784-instant-weather-forecasting-6th-edition-1.jpg?v=1788750433"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/alan-watts.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}