Alan Watts was a British philosopher who wrote several personal development books and lectured widely on the subject of Eastern mysticism.
Many of his essays and talks on Zen and the Tao are still popular today even though they were written decades ago.
Much of his work has been compiled and published posthumously by his son or other Eastern philosophers.
Background of Alan Watts
Alan Watts was born on January 6, 1915 in England and died at the age of 58 on November 16, 1973. He felt a pull towards the Eastern world, and things unseen from a very early age.
As a young adult, he began the study of Buddhism, Zen, and other Eastern philosophies. He underwent training as a Zen monk, although he quit before he became ordained.
Alan Watts also attended a Western seminary school where he studied Christian scripture along with Asian philosophy. For a time, beginning at age 30, Watts was an Episcopal priest.
Eventually, he landed in San Francisco where he freelanced as a radio personality and acquired a large following in the Zen community.
Alan Watts Books – Books by Alan Watts
• “The Spirit of Zen: A Way of Life, Work, and Art in the Far East” was published in 1936, and is available as a book and ebook today. In this work, Alan Watts introduced the Western world to the principles of Zen, including its history and practices in a modern monastery. He informs readers of the self-control, mental discipline, and tough spiritual exercises that comprise the road to Zen. Included are examinations of other aspects of Japanese life such as swordsmanship and tea ceremonies.
• “The Supreme Identity” is a book that was originally published in 1950. This early book by Alan Watts expounds on his idea of Oneness, and offers comparisons of Oriental metaphysics and Christian religions.
• “The Way of Zen” was published in 1954 and is available as a book, ebook, and audio book. This book provides readers with a history of Zen. Watts follows it through its roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Although this book was written decades ago, it is still quite popular and is a good introduction for those interested in learning more about Zen.
• “This Is It: and Other Essays on Zen and Spiritual Experience” was published in 1960 and is available as a book and ebook. It contains six essays by Alan Watts on a variety of mystical subjects such as instinct, intelligence, and anxiety, spirituality and sexuality, states of consciousness, and psychedelic drugs.
• “Psychotherapy East and West” was published in 1961 and is an exploration of the differences and similarities between Western psychotherapy and Eastern mysticism. Alan Watts explains they have one thing in common and that is trying to do away with the notion of an isolated sense of self, or ego, and instilling the idea of Oneness.
• “Become What You Are” is a book of collected writings by Alan Watts that cover such topics as the Taoist way of harmonious living, psychological symbolism of Christianity, the challenge of seeing oneself as one really is, and the limits of language on the expression of spirituality.
• “Tao: The Watercourse Way” was published in 1977. This book contains the thoughts of Watts accompanied by beautiful illustrations. In this book, Watts explains the concepts of the Chinese Tao in a way that is enlightening and profound. This is one of the last books written by Watts and is often considered to be one of his best.
• “What is Zen?” is a compilation of lectures given by Watts on the subject of Zen. It is available as a book and ebook. He begins by explaining Zen in the first chapter and then goes on to offer techniques used by Zen masters to quiet the mind and enter into meditation. This work is good for seasoned students of Zen and beginners alike.
• “In My Own Way: An Autobiography” was published in 1972 and is available as a book and ebook. Watts shares the story of his life with readers from his beginning as a child of religious conservatives to his spiritual development. Included are bits of philosophy, observations of Western culture, tales of celebrity associations, and experiences with psychedelic drugs.
• “Behold the Spirit: A Study in the Necessity of Mystical Religion” is a book and ebook by Alan Watts that was first published in 1948. This book covers the topic of mystical religion, why it is important and how it can be reconciled with Western religions.
• “The Book: On The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are” was published in 1966, and is available as a book, ebook, and audio book. This is one of the more popular self improvement books by Alan Watts. This book attacks the belief that we are separate egos and set apart from the rest of the world. Watts offers an alternate viewpoint that is based on ancient Hindi and Vedantic philosophy.
• “Does It Matter?: Essays on Man’s Relation to Materiality” is a book and ebook that was originally published in 1970. In this work, Alan Watts looks at man’s relationship with the world around him including things such as clothing, technology, housing, and economics. He explains our obsession with material things makes us unconscious of nature, plants, animals, and the earth.
• “Cloud-hidden, Whereabouts Unknown: A Mountain Journal” was published in 1973, and is available as an ebook and book. This book contains thoughts written in a journal Watts kept at his retreat in Mount Tamalpais, California. He covers many topics such as karma, meditation, ecstasy, nature, Tao, race relations, and religion. Watts explains the best path may be one of contemplative meditation and accepting what is.
The Legacy of Alan Watts
Alan Watts touched many lives through his many personal development books, essays and lectures.
Many of his lectures have been preserved and are archived by the radio station where he worked and by his son who has compiled the lectures and essays into various collections.
His writing style that is witty, humorous, and insightful has helped generations of spiritual seekers come to better understand the concepts of Oneness, Zen and the Tao.
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