Alan W. Watts: Selected Writings from a Buddhist-Christian Pilgrimage

Alan W. Watts (1915-1973) was a transformative figure in twentieth century spiritual and religious discourse, known for bridging Eastern and Western philosophies. His diverse spiritual journey, which alternated between Christianity and Buddhism, is reflected in his significant contributions as a thinker, writer, Episcopal priest, and professor. His literary legacy, as explored in this anthology, is divided into four sections: early writings on Buddhism and its relevance for Western audiences, theological insights during his Episcopal tenure, tutorial essays on Zen and Buddhist philosophy, and his later explorations of art, psychology, mysticism, and social issues. His profound impact earned him recognition as a progenitor of American counterculture and one of the most important Western thinkers on Eastern Spirituality. This body of work exemplifies Watts’ enduring influence on comparative religion and philosophy. Peter J. Columbus is administrator of Shantigar Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors of Valley Zendo – a Soto Zen Buddhist Temple in the lineage of Kodo Sawaki and Kosho Uchiyama. He is editor or co-editor of five previous books on Alan Watts’ life and work, including (with Don Rice), Alan Watts – Here and Now, The Relevance of Alan Watts in Contemporary Culture, and most recently (with Michael Heyman and Mark Watts) Alan Watts’ Nonsense: An Annotated and Expanded Edition. Also Of Interest Related Materials