Alan Watts Quotes about Buddhism

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Man suffers only because he takes seriously what the gods made for fun.

Man suffers only because he takes seriously what the gods made for fun.

Alan Watts

Buddhist, Fun, Buddhism

Alan Watts (2003). “Become what You are”, p.29, Shambhala Publications

Here's an example: someone says, "Master, please hand me the knife," and he hands them the knife, blade first. "Please give me the other end," he says. And the master replies, "What would you do with the other end?" This is answering an everyday matter in terms of the metaphysical. When the question is, "Master, what is the fundamental principle of Buddhism?" Then he replies, "There is enough breeze in this fan to keep me cool." That is answering the metaphysical in terms of the everyday, and that is, more or less, the principle zen works on. The mundane and the sacred are one and the same.

Alan Watts

Buddhism, Hands, Knives

Alan Watts (2010). “What Is Zen?”, p.29, New World Library

Buddhism ... is not a culture but a critique of culture, an enduring nonviolent revolution or "loyal opposition" to the culture in which it is involved.

Alan Watts

Buddhism, Culture, Loyal

"Psychotherapy, East and West" by Alan Watts, (p. 7), 1961.