On today's episode I'm joined via Zoom by American novelist and Buddhist, David Guy.
David and I connected back in 2019 when I found an article he wrote for the online publication, Tricycle. This article, originally uploaded back in 1994, was an exploration of whether the works of Alan Watts, British philosopher and key figure in bringing Eastern religions to a Western awareness during the 1950's, still held up, especially if one were to consider the criticisms levied against Watts.
For years, since my own discovery of the late philosopher, I was very hesitant to search anything that might muddy the near perfect perception I held of Watts. When I eventually allowed myself to accept that Watts might not be all wisdom and Zen, it was David's article I found. Amongst other things his writing led me to accept that no, Watts was not perfect, even in regards to his religious commitments, but that the messages he espoused and the stories he shared still held tremendous value.
I spoke to David via email and eventually it led us to this conversation. An insight into the life and importance of Alan Watts, how it related to David's own discovery of Buddhism and how Watts' legacy has changed from being an incredibly accessible teacher of Eastern philosophy, to 'that guy with the amazing voice who speaks over chillstep youtube videos'.
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You can follow David's work and writings at www.DavidGuy.org, which holds a link to his book store.
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You can follow me on instagram - @johnliot
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Music by 'Sizzlebird'
Album: Horizons
Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons