Alan Watts is best known for advocating Zen and Eastern philosophies in the Western world.  He had an early interest in Zen Buddhism during his childhood and this was renewed in his adulthood. During the sixties Alan Watts emerged as a "flower child" and an advocator of Zen.  He earned this reputation due to his publication of  The Way of Zen.  Following the sixities, Alan Watts published many books on the topics of philosophy and psychology of religion, on Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Zen. Alan Watts was also well known for his lectures to large audiences, and he considered himself a philosophical entertainer. Even though Alan Watts passed away in 1973, he still has a large following due to his publications and speeches.  Alan Watts applies his Zen philosophy to such sports as Judo.  He advocates the balance in sport and his feelings are very similar to Herrigel's in Zen in the Art of Archery.

1.)  Alan Watts  (http://www.jcf.org/watts/)
This page provides background information on Alan Watts.

2.)  Subject Index of Books  (http://www.osho.org/shop/works.htm)
This page provides a subject index of books by Alan Watts along with brief summaries.  One can purchase a book if they would like.

3.)  WATTS AMISS  (http://www.fwbo.org/reviews/watts_amiss.html)
This page addresses Monica Furlong's biography on Alan Watts. Through the review one is provided with a lot of information about Alan Watts.

4.)  Essential Alan Watts   (http://www.mysticfire.com/TVWatts.html)
This page gives a brief history on Alan Watts and then it goes on to describe the two videos: Man in Nature, Work as Play.  In Work As Play, Watts advocates bringing the two together in order to prevent boredom.

5.)  Alan Watts Electronic University  (http://www.alanwatts.com/)
This page is the Alan Watts Electronic University.  There are a number of quotes by Alan Watts along with a history.  Access to his video and audio courses are provided.

6.)  JUDO: THE GENTLE TAO   (http://www.alanwatts.com/judo.html)
This page addresses Watts feelings about the sport of Judo and how Zen is related.

7.)  Kendo: The Way Of Gentleness -- Part II   (http://www.alanwatts.com/kendo.html)
This page is another lecture by Alan Watts.  The topic of this lecture is Kendo: The Way of Gentleness.  Kendo is the Japanese art of fencing and Watts explains Zen's influence on the sport.

8.)  TAOISM  (http://www.alanwatts.com/taoism.html)
This is a lecture by Alan Watts on taoism.

9.)  Alan Watts Speak    (http://www.deoxy.org/audio/watts/hey_alan.htm)
This page is called Alan Watts Speak and it provides links to other philosophy sites.

10.)  An Introduction to Alan Watts   (http://users.ccnet.com/~rudra/mea/a_watts.htm)
This page provides an introduction to Alan Watts.  This page provides good summaries of Watts' areas of work.

11.)  Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3...9723013/peterbblochA/002-5305745-3319438)
This page provides an opportunity to purchase Watt's book, The Way of Zen. One can access reviews of the book or other books by Watts.
 

Return to class readings page:  Kinesiology 493: Philosophy of Kinesiology