Re "A much more interesting read is Watts' The Supreme Identity (1950) which is
largely based upon the insights of Rene Guenon.":
Yes, I've been intending to read that. As you have given it the thumbs up, if
it turns up in a second-hand bookshop I'll definitely grab it. It's out of
print of course.
("Beyond Theology" was another Watts' book in this field but I found it a
disappointment. "Psychotherapy East and West" is another title some people rave
about but I found it pedestrian.)
On a completely different topic: Alan Watts' "The Joyous Cosmology" (ghastly
title!) is the best description of the LSD experience. It's even better than
Huxley's classic "Doors of Perception". Philosophy as poetry - and short and
sweet. Check it out.
---In [email protected], <[email protected]> wrote:
A much more interesting read is Watts' The Supreme Identity (1950) which is
largely based upon the insights of Rene Guenon.
---In [email protected], <s3raphita@...> wrote:
For those interested in the Christian faith can I recommend two books by Alan
Watts. He made a name for himself with his books on Zen and eastern religions.
Those books are all readable and rewarding - if approached with caution - but
I've found his earlier works on Christianity both better written and more
suggestive.
"Myth and Ritual In Christianity" (only available second-hand) approached
Christianity by ignoring completely its truth or falsity and treating the
sacraments purely as myth. "Behold the Spirit" is one of the best books that
Watts wrote (it's my personal favourite), a wonderfully perceptive account of
the mystical strain in Christianity.
Pity he was a (genuine) sex addict and a serious alcoholic. The two vices are
linked as he said he only felt sexy when he was drunk. And he knew even less
about meditation than I do! Still, his faults were his problem; we can enjoy
his insights.
---In [email protected], <authfriend@...> wrote:
Barry's already made two WHOPPING bloopers today, but I guess he figures he
needs to round things off with a third. And what a third...
When Barry's panties get in a twist, it has the effect of shutting down what
little is left of his brains.
Of all the mind-numbingly stupid posts he's made--and I have 18 years' worth
from which to choose--this one tops them all.
(snip)
Barry wrote:
> Anyone daring to use the term "anti-Semitic" has already
> withdrawn from the company of thinking individuals on
> planet Earth.
>
> You're implying that one group of people's fantasies about
> how the universe works are more important than, more "true"
> than, and and more inviolable than, anyone else's.
>
> Me, I class ALL religious beliefs as fantasies. I think that
> qualifies me as an egalitarian, unlike some who get their
> panties in a twist when their particular fantasies are
> challenged. :-)
