ALAN WATTS (1915-1973) was a British-born philosopher, writer, and speaker renowned for interpreting and popularizing Eastern philosophy for Western audiences. Born in Chislehurst, England, he moved to the United States in 1938 and began Zen training in New York. He received a master's degree in theology from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and served as an Episcopal priest before leaving the ministry in 1950. Watts then moved to California, where he joined the faculty of the American Academy of Asian Studies (now the California Institute of Integral Studies). He authored more than 25 books, including The Way of Zen and The Wisdom of Insecurity, and became a prominent lecturer, introducing millions to Eastern thought through his writings and broadcasts. His work influenced a wide range of thinkers, artists, and spiritual teachers, including John Lennon, Ken Wilber, Van Morrison, Spike Jonze, and Bruce Lee.