The Zen Master of Eternal Now
Dogen Zenji, founder of Soto Zen, revolutionized Japanese Buddhism by emphasizing zazen and the inherent Buddha-nature of all beings, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire practitioners worldwide.
Eastern Philosophy and Traditions, Spiritual Traditions
Buddhist Masters, Hindu Traditions
Can you bite your own teeth?
Alan Wilson Watts
Alan Watts, a bridge between East and West, challenged conventional notions of self and reality, advocating for a playful approach to life and a deep understanding of our interconnectedness.
British and American writer, speaker, and self-styled "philosophical entertainer"
BIRTH:
January 6, 1915
Death:
November 16, 1973
Life and times
Alan Wilson Watts, a British-born philosopher, writer, and speaker, embarked on a lifelong quest to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western thought. Watts became a countercultural icon, introducing Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and other Eastern philosophies to a Western audience hungry for meaning beyond materialism. He challenged conventional notions of self, religion, and reality with wit and wisdom, advocating for a more playful and less rigid approach to life. His lectures and writings were a refreshing blend of scholarly insight and humorous anecdotes, making complex philosophical concepts accessible and engaging.
LEGACY
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Popularized Eastern philosophy in the West.
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Authored numerous influential books (e.g., The Way of Zen, The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are).
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Inspired the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
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Challenged conventional views on religion, self, and society.
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Influenced fields of psychology, spirituality, and philosophy.
There are rumours that Watts used to hold Zen retreats where, instead of strict silence, participants were encouraged to engage in philosophical debates and laughter-filled discussions.
MODERN ECHOES
Watts’ work continues to resonate with contemporary audiences seeking alternative perspectives on spirituality, mindfulness, and the nature of reality. His teachings on the interconnectedness of all things align with modern ecological awareness and systems thinking. In the field of psychology, his ideas have influenced the development of mindfulness-based therapies and transpersonal psychology.
Watts was a self-described “philosophical entertainer” who could explain complex Eastern concepts with clarity, humor, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
TIMELESSNESS
Watts emphasized the illusion of the separate self, a core tenet of non-dual philosophies. He urged individuals to recognize their interconnectedness with the universe and embrace the ever-changing flow of existence. This perspective aligns with the Unalome Project’s emphasis on transcending limiting beliefs and embracing the totality of being. Living in the present moment is the key to self-realization.
“Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth. To understand the self is to forget the self. But to know what there is no self, is not to know what you are as the self. This, as they say, is the great breakthrough. This, also, is the great blockade.”
Take Away
Watts’ teachings encourage us to question our assumptions about ourselves and the world, to embrace the present moment, and to find joy in the dance of existence. This aligns perfectly with the Unalome Project’s mission of fostering self-discovery and radical transformation through a deeper understanding of our true nature.
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Further Reading
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The Way of Zen by Alan Watts
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The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts
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In My Own Way: An Autobiography by Alan Watts
Recommended Resources
References:
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Watts, Alan. The Way of Zen. Pantheon Books, 1957.
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Watts, Alan. The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are. Pantheon Books, 1966.
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Watts, Alan. In My Own Way: An Autobiography. Pantheon Books, 1972.
Keywords:
Alan Watts, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, Eastern Philosophy, Western Philosophy, Non-duality, Mindfulness, Self-Discovery, Counterculture, Spirituality, Unalome Project
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