Alan Watts was a British-American philosopher, writer, and speaker, best known for his popularization of Eastern philosophy for Western audiences. He was born in London in 1915 and began his career as an Anglican minister, but eventually left the church to pursue a career in writing and speaking about Eastern philosophy.
The Life and Work of Alan Watts
Watts is most well-known for his work on Zen Buddhism and Taoism, and his writings have had a significant influence on the development of the American counterculture of the 1960s. He wrote more than 25 books on the subject, including "The Way of Zen", "The Tao of Philosophy", and "The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are".
Alan Watts' Teachings on the Tao and the Ego
One of Watts' main teachings is the concept of "the Tao" which he describes as the ultimate reality, the natural flow of life, and the source of all things. He believed that the Tao is the ultimate reality and that we can only truly understand it by letting go of our preconceptions and judgments and by experiencing it directly.
Watts also emphasized the importance of living in the present moment and being aware of one's surroundings. He believed that by being fully present in the moment and paying attention to the world around us, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of existence and find true happiness.
Another of his teachings is the concept of "the ego" which he saw as a construction of the mind that separates us from the natural flow of life. He believed that by letting go of the ego and its desires, we can experience true freedom and find inner peace.
Alan Watts on Creativity, Humour, and Play
In addition to his teachings on Eastern philosophy, Watts also wrote and spoke about the importance of creativity, humour, and play in our lives. He believed that by embracing these aspects of life, we can find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Sources:
Alan Watts Organization. (n.d.). About Alan Watts. Retrieved from https://alanwatts.org/
Watts, A. (1957). The Way of Zen. Vintage Books.
Watts, A. (1967). The Tao of Philosophy. Alan Watts Organization.
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