It’s difficult to talk about the spread of Zen Buddhism in Western culture without mentioning Alan Watts. Though he never claimed the title of Zen Buddhist, Watts introduced many to the philosophy and ideas of Zen, paving the way for traditional Zen teachers like Soto priest Suzuki Roshi. In a delightful discussion, animated by the creators of South Park, Watts humorously declares, “I am not a Zen Buddhist,” and instead refers to himself as “an entertainer” with no agenda to push. Could he be jesting?
Watts authored insightful works such as The Spirit of Zen (1936), The Way of Zen (1957), and This Is It and Other Essays on Zen and Spiritual Experience (1960). His interests spanned across various religions and philosophies, including Christianity, mysticism, and even “Erotic Spirituality.” From 1945 until 1950, he served as an Episcopal priest, maintaining his stance as a nonconformist throughout.
Though Watts didn’t adhere strictly to the doctrine of Zen, he shared profound insights from Japanese Buddhism, as demonstrated in the top video. He also drew parallels with Daoism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things. See a brief animation by Eddie Rosas from The Simpsons where Watts uses a simple story to perfectly illustrate “Daoism.”
Watts’ teachings seamlessly apply to ecological awareness and our relationship with the environment. In a parable animated by Steve Agnos, Watts describes nature as a complex process, suggesting its true nature defies our understanding and resists labels of ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ He advises us to suspend judgment and embrace the mystery of reality.
In another animated talk by Tim McCourt and Wesley Louis from Westminster Arts & Film London, Watts critiques the human impulse for quick judgments and questions the ego’s perceived separation from reality. He asserts our inseparable connection with society and nature, encouraging a deeper understanding through active listening and the shedding of self-consciousness.
If Alan Watts’ musings captivate you, explore the vast collection of his recorded talks available online. While we might only speculate on his thoughts about this digital age, it’s certain he’d appreciate the accessibility of his lectures on YouTube.
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Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Connect with him on Twitter at @jdmagness
