Alan Watts' Marriages & Family: A Look Into His Life
Did a man who eloquently expounded the virtues of Eastern philosophy truly live a life as chaotic as the teachings he espoused were serene? Alan Watts, a name synonymous with Zen Buddhism and the popularization of Eastern thought in the West, navigated a personal life marked by complexities that often stood in stark contrast to his public image of enlightened wisdom.
Born in Chislehurst, England, on January 6th, 1915, Watts's intellectual journey led him from the Church to the teachings of Zen, a path that would resonate with countless individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe. He moved to the United States in 1938, a pivotal step in his journey that would shape his future and impact the lives of so many. His move to New York marked the beginning of his Zen training. Yet, the life of the celebrated philosopher and spiritual teacher, it seems, was as intricate and multifaceted as the philosophical concepts he so eloquently articulated. His life was a tapestry woven with threads of family, scandal, and personal exploration, painting a portrait that was both inspiring and, at times, deeply flawed.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alan Wilson Watts |
| Birth Date | January 6, 1915 |
| Birth Place | Chislehurst, England |
| Death Date | 1973 |
| Death Place | Marin County, California, USA |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Occupation | Writer, Speaker, Philosopher, and Entertainer |
| Education | Attended King's School, Canterbury; Episcopal Seminary in Chicago (briefly) |
| Religious Affiliation | Initially Anglican, later Zen Buddhism |
| Spouses | Eleanor Everett, Dorothy Marie DeWitt, Mary Jane Yates King (Jano) |
| Children | Seven children from his first two marriages. |
| Key Contributions | Popularized Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen Buddhism, for Western audiences through books, lectures, and recordings. |
| Notable Works | "The Way of Zen," "The Wisdom of Insecurity," "Beat Zen, Square Zen, and Zen," "This is It" |
| Known For | His ability to translate complex philosophical concepts into accessible language; his exploration of consciousness, identity, and the nature of reality. |
| Interesting Facts | Left the priesthood and his family due to a love affair. Enjoyed exploring various altered states of consciousness. Was known to keep his wife away from Krishnamurti, a fellow spiritual teacher. |
| Reference | Alan Watts Organization |
Watts's personal life was, to put it mildly, eventful. After marrying his first wife, he moved with her to the United States, embarking on a journey that would eventually lead him away from the traditional structures he once embraced. His marriage to Eleanor Everett produced two children, but the union was not destined to last. In 1950, a love affair scandal prompted Watts to leave the priesthood, the church, and, subsequently, his family. This marked a significant turning point in his life, both personally and professionally. His first marriage was soon annulled. The ensuing years were marked by further relationships, including marriages to Dorothy Marie DeWitt and Mary Jane Yates, each bringing its own set of experiences and complexities. He later married Mary Jane Yates on December 4, 1963. Mary Jane Yates, often referred to as "Jano," was a presence in his later years, although they had no children together. His third wife, Mary Jane Yates King, or "Jano," attributed some of his health issues to experiments with breathing techniques aimed at achieving samadhi.
Watts's third wife, Mary Jane Yates King, known as Jano, offered a unique perspective on her husband's life and work. She believed his experiments with breathing techniques, intended to facilitate samadhi or absorptive contemplation, were, in part, to blame for his leaving his body, without knowing how to return. This perspective offers insight into the more unconventional aspects of Watts's practices, which extended beyond traditional Buddhist tenets. This perspective offers insight into the more unconventional aspects of Watts's practices, which extended beyond traditional Buddhist tenets. In contrast, others may have viewed his life differently. However, the consensus remains: Watts's life was a paradox, a mix of brilliance and human fallibility.
The complexity of Wattss character is reflected in his personal life, a life that included three marriages, seven children, and numerous affairs. It is well documented that Watts enjoyed exploring the boundaries of human experience, and that extended to his intimate relationships. He was drawn to unconventional relationships and experiences. This exploration, while perhaps contributing to his understanding of the human condition, also created turmoil.
The personal struggles and unconventional lifestyle of Watts, however, did not diminish his intellectual impact. He was a leading Buddhist in the 1960s. He remained a prolific writer and speaker throughout his life, producing a body of work that continues to influence and inspire. His ability to translate complex philosophical concepts into accessible language was unparalleled. He was a popular figure who could explain Zen Buddhism in terms that were relatable to Western audiences. He was born on January 6th 1915 in Chislehurst, England, a village that would serve as the backdrop to his early life.
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His mother, Emily, was a talented needlewoman, and examples of her work can still be seen at the Royal School of Needlework, where she served as a designer and teacher. The environment where Watts grew up greatly influenced his sense of aesthetics. Attracted to the mesmerizing landscapes of the English countryside, he developed a deep appreciation for nature.
Watts's journey into the world of Eastern philosophy began in his youth. At the age of 12, the novels of Sax Rohmer, the creator of Dr. Fu Manchu, ignited his imagination, and from there, his interest in the Eastern world flourished. This early fascination paved the way for his immersion in Zen Buddhism.
Alan Watts attended an Episcopal seminary in Chicago in the 1940s, before leaving the church. Later, he served as chaplain of a campus ministry. He was a man of the church and had a connection to the teachings of Christianity. His ability to blend the two ideologies of Christianity and Buddhism proved unique. However, Watts's path, despite being rooted in the church, deviated from the traditional. His spiritual journey led him down unconventional paths, exploring concepts that diverged from the dogmatic teachings of the church.
The library, constructed in 1972 out of a redwood water tank, was initially built to house the books and papers of Alan Watts. This demonstrates the impact of his legacy. Mandala House, a cabin shaped like a lotus flower, was originally built by Stiles for Elsa Gidlow's sister and was later rented to Alan and Jano Watts from 1970 until his death in 1973. This cabin became a place of respite and reflection for Watts in his later years.
Watts's move to the United States in 1938 marked a significant turning point. It was during this time that he began his formal Zen training in New York. He was drawn to the esoteric traditions of the East. This eventually led him to Zen Buddhism, which would become the central focus of his life and work. His intellectual curiosity led him away from traditional structures towards the mystical teachings of the East, and his unique interpretations of Japanese, Chinese, and Indian traditions resonated with a growing Western audience eager to explore alternative ways of thought.
Alan Watts left behind a rich legacy. His impact can be seen in the numerous books, lectures, and recordings that continue to inspire. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom. His work has helped to introduce countless people to the principles of Zen Buddhism and Eastern philosophy. Mr. Watts leaves his third wife, Mary Jane. The question remains, however: did the man's inner life match the tranquility he so eloquently preached? The answer, it seems, is as complex and fascinating as the teachings themselves.
In the realm of contemporary business, another "Alan Watts" holds a prominent position. This Alan Watts is the President of Asia Pacific at Hilton. Since joining Hilton in January 2018, he has overseen the company's impressive growth in the Asia Pacific region. He is responsible for over 1,900 hotels across 12 brands in the region. This highlights the diverse reach of the name "Alan Watts," which appears across various sectors.
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Alan Watts, his wife Mary Jane, and J.Krishnamurti, circa 1969. r
Picture of Alan getting Married in 1938 at 23yo AlanWatts
Alan Watts and his son Mark, NYC, 1970. AlanWatts
