ISSUE 2 : ALAN WATTS
"But my dear man, reality is only a Rorschach ink-blot, you know..."
- Alan Watts
Alan Wilson Watts (Jan 6, 1915 - Nov 16, 1973) was a philosopher, writer, lecturer and expert in comparative religion. He wrote over twenty-five books and numerous articles on subjects such as personal identity, the true nature of reality, consciousness and the pursuit of happiness, relating his experience to scientific knowledge and to the teachings of religions and philosophies (Zen, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism).
Alan Watts was a well-known autodidact. He was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies.
He held a Master's Degree in Theology from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and an Honarary DD from the university of Vermont in recognition of his work in the field of comparative religions. Beginning at age sixteen, when he wrote essay for the journal of the Buddhist Lodge in London, he developed an audience of millions who were enriched through his books, tape recordings, radio, tv and public lectures.
His life and work reflects an astonishing adventure: he was an editor, Anglican priest, graduate dean, broadcaster, author, lecturer and entertainer. He has fascinations of archery, calligraphy, cooking, chanting, dancing and still was completely comfortable hiking alone in the wilderness.
Bibliography
- 1936 The Spirit of Zen
- 1937 The Legacy of Asia and Western Man
- 1940 The Meaning of Happiness
- 1944 Theologica Mystica of St. Dionysius
- 1948 Behold The Spirit: A Study in the Necessity of Mystical Religion
- 1950 Easter - Its Story and Meaning
- 1950 The Supreme Identity
- 1951 The Wisdom of Insecurity
- 1953 Myth and Ritual in Christianity
- 1957 The Way of Zen
- 1958 Nature, Men and Woman
- 1960 "This is It" and Other Essays on Zen and Spiritual Exprience
- 1961 Psychotheraphy East and West
- 1962 The Joyous Cosmology: Adventures in Chemistry of Consciousness
- 1963 The Two Hands of God: Myths of Polarity
- 1964 Beyond Theology: The Art of Godmanship
- 1966 The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
- 1967 Nonsense
- 1970 Does It Matter?
- 1971 Erotic Spirituality: The Vision of Konarak
- 1972 The Art of Contemplation
- 1972 In My Own Way
- 1973 Cloud-Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown: A Mountain Journal
- 1975 Tao: The Watercourse Way
- 1987 The Early Writings
- 1990 The Modern Mystic
PSYCHEDELICS AND RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
