Origin of Human Nature: A Zen Buddhist Looks at Evolution

Albert Low is the director of the Montreal Zen Centre. He is the author of a number of excellent books, some of which tend toward philosophical discussion and some of which tend toward instructing in the path of Zen; but all of which offer many deep, transformational insights into life. His work has certainly influenced my work with clients as a psychologist as well as my own spiritual practices (as a Christian). This, his latest work, should, perhaps, be read first and certainly before 'Creating Consciousness'. Under the form of a debate with the popular neo-Darwinian author and presenter Richard Dawkins, Low most clearly introduces his world view at once both quite alien to current cultural prejudice and yet most at home with and supportive of lived experience. I never get the impression with Low that he lazily rehashes Zen platitudes; all his writings seem to come from deep intellectual and personal struggle and enquiry, creating a genuine 'theological' dialogue between his (Zen) tradition, (Western) culture and personal experience. From reading his work I feel I have grown more in touch with, and accepting of, reality.