Cloud-hidden, Whereabouts Unknown: A Mountain Journal

zen and Buddha approved

If you've ever heard any of Alan Watts' lectures, then you know you can expect a forthright version of the nature of our consciousness, and by extension, the world around us, told in the most poetically blunt way possible. In other words, this dude is really, really smart, and makes most of our vocabularies sound like a Kindergartner's attempt at sounding refined. That aside, the man has a witty, if rather sarcastic sense of humor, and gives a fresh new perspective on the aspects of our lives we most take for granted and give very little importance to. His writing is instilled with a profound sense of beauty, and has a way of drawing you in, and keeping you entranced with his otherworldly descriptions of thought, circumstance, spirit, and the human condition, not to mention the levels of human folly that would cause even the guiltless to blush a little bit.Alan Watts has a way of coloring one's perceptions in such a way as to cause a subtle shift in consciousness and make one want to reflect on areas in their life that may need tending to, without all the pretentious self-help talk from would-be gurus & therapists. In fact, in many of his lectures, both in this book and elsewhere, he exudes an almost childlike sense of humor with a deadpan twist that makes his talks rather enjoyable. I actually found myself chuckling at several points while reading. Not a normal occurrence, I assure you. Most noteworthy, however, is the simplicity of this man's philosophy and his ability to break it down in such a way as to make it easy enough for a middle-school student to understand. There is something about his writing that just rings of truth when you read it; and, if you're willing to put prejudices & biases aside for a moment, it helps you look at the world through the eyes of a worldly scholar with a bright new outlook on life.

This particular work is far more introspective and personal than much of what Watts published during his time. Since it comes from journal entries made during a time of reflection away from things, it allows the reader to have a more personal insight into the man behind the lectures and books. And it shows a good deal of his growth as a thinker and person from earlier works and talks. It isn't too heady or academic and is well worth the read.

This less well know Alan Watts classic is a pure experience of the person, through his journals, living in his most inspirational cottage, hanging on the heavily wooded side of Mt Tamalpais, looking over the Bay from Sausalito all the way to San Francisco.Bought this new copy of the Mass Market book and it arrived in perfect condition; 5-stars for this seller. The cover and fresh, cheap pages were almost crisp. It's the perfect edition of the book to put in your back pocket and sneak off to your favorite power-reading spot.

Having spent a lot of time on Mt. Tamalpais and in Marin county, this book offers localsa sense of home spun wisdom. One of my all time favorites and I highly recommend thisbook to anyone looking for a refreshing perspective.

I read this book 30 years ago and gave a copy to someone whose path never crossed mine again .I am so thrilled to find a copy .Thank you Amazon! His style of writing is beautful and etherial.I love it.It makes me calm and spiritual..Not religious or dogmatic,simply IS.

Astonishing revelation of the easy life becoming an easy life. You will like these thoughts from Alan. He saw things and they thought he was out there in his time. 40 years later now we know he is right on the money. But there is no such thing as money :)

Love it!

This book is 'of it's time' i.e. late 1960s/ early 1970s. If you hark back to those days, then you may find it interesting. Unfortunately, I didn't. Better options are either to choose traditional Buddhist texts, or more modern mindfulness-type books.

Like hearing him think out loud. I love dipping into this book and recognise a lot of the content from his lectures.If you buy it you won't be disappointed. It's the perfect travel companion. Small and light, not too heavy :)

Haven’t read the book yet, review is based solely on quality of product. Unfortunately the book is printed poorly, most text runs down the page and is cut off on the far right hand side, the book itself is of extremely poor quality and in my opinion should never be sold as sent.

So wonderful to read something new from Alan Watts. Very affecting and deeply wonderful.

Product as described, speedy delivery, very pleased overall.