Alan Watts (1915-1973) who held both a master’s degree in theology and a doctorate of divinity, is best known as an interpreter of Zen Buddhism in particular, and Indian and Chinese philosophy in general. He authored more than 20 excellent books on the philosophy and psychology of religion, and lectured extensively, leaving behind a vast audio archive. With characteristic lucidity and humor Watts unravels the most obscure ontological and epistemological knots with the greatest of ease.
“The Wisdom of Insecurity” captivated me when I first read it at 15. For some reason, Watts is an author who I can never get enough of, even if he repeats himself. Just a beautiful mind. Another great work of his is “Nature, Man, Woman.”
At 21, I finally spent a summer at a Tibetan Buddhist meditation retreat center. Thanks, Watts.
His writing inspired me to become a practicing Buddhist. Since he passed away more than three decades ago, I guess meeting him will have to wait for another lifetime.
His excellent books were a staple during the 70s and 80s. He was one of the best interpreters of eastern mysticism.
I consider his Psychotherapy East and West a classic of the discipline, and highly recommend it to any psychologist.
But I’ve read all of his books I’ve been able to find, and in every single one I’ve found something new. The way I look at things now, the way I enjoy life and cooking and music and conversation, I owe much of that to Alan Watts.
It started when I came across his lecture series on WFMU 91.1 FM in New Jersey when I was a teenager. Listening closely I would hang on his every word until it felt like meditation, and I could hear him drag on endless cigarettes. Later I found a book of his essays. It’s amazing how Alan Watts comes up in great conversations and with people who have become good friends. There is everything to love and absorb here.
meliflower wants to meet jimrin
Charlie Spencer Chaplin
ferrisia_prographic
Groceries
Cory Doctorow
MVRDV
Soulmate
Common
Toni Collette
Alexander McQueen
cjeon
Bjork
Mia
Maria Mena
Stuart Murdoch
Aya wants to meet Benji
rebecca allen
Apple Green
ZYD
jollychicklet
Colin Firth
James Howard Kunstler
Viggo Mortensen
jerrid
Salman Rushdie
