About
Alan Watts
Alan Watts called himself a genuine fake or spiritual entertainer, not a guru, teacher or master. He was often accused of simply repeating the work of ancient wisdom traditions – not having unique philosophical ideas – which he took as a compliment.
At an early age, he learned about Buddhism and started corresponding with the Buddhist Lodge in London. When he got his father to take him there, the member were highly surprised to learn that the eloquent letter they had been receiving came from a 15-year old boy.
Watts went on to study religion, philosophy and etymology. He was one of the first to teach the Eastern concept of non-duality in the West. He died in 1973, but his work has remained popular every since, due to his great voice and the humor with which he explains serious topics.
"I love one statement of one of the most important people of the West, Alan Watts. He was a drunkard, but he was the man who introduced to the West the most essential parts of Zen and enlightenment. He wrote not as a scholar, but as a master. Before he was dying, he was still drinking and a disciple asked him, 'Have you ever thought... if Buddha had seen you drinking alcohol, what do you think he would have thought about it?'
Alan Watts said, 'There is no problem. I always drink in an enlightened way.'
The question is not what you do, the question is how you do it. Yes, I accept Alan Watts' statement. There is a possibility of a man to drink alcohol in an enlightened way. Enlightenment should not have any limits. And it should not have a particular formula, a particular pattern that you have to follow.
Enlightenment should be an individual experience - the most individual experience, incomparable and unique to everybody. Once this is understood, all the clouds that surround you with darkness start dispersing."
~ Osho
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