Finding Levity in the Divine Play of Existence
Created at: June 17, 2025
Man suffers only because he takes seriously what the gods made for fun. — Alan Watts
Alan Watts and the Human Predicament
Alan Watts, a scholar of comparative religion and philosophy, often emphasized the contrast between how humans and the cosmos approach life’s experiences. In this quote, he suggests that much of human suffering arises from taking too seriously what, in the grand scheme, is meant to be playful or lighthearted. Watts draws from both Eastern and Western philosophies, urging us to examine the weight we assign to life’s challenges.
The Concept of Lila: Divine Play in Eastern Thought
To further contextualize Watts’ insight, we turn to the Hindu concept of 'Lila,' or cosmic play. Ancient Indian texts, such as the Bhagavata Purana, describe the universe as an act of divine sport—a creative outpouring without ultimate seriousness. This playful view stands in contrast to the human tendency toward gravity and attachment, highlighting how suffering often emerges from losing sight of the underlying game.
Modern Life and Excessive Seriousness
Building on these spiritual ideas, contemporary life frequently encourages us to prioritize achievement, control, and certainty. Social pressures and cultural narratives reinforce the belief that every failure or setback is a crisis. Watts’ observation thus becomes relevant: the more we cling to the seriousness of existence, the more we burden ourselves with unnecessary anxiety—a phenomenon explored in Viktor Frankl’s 'Man’s Search for Meaning' (1946), where excessive attachment to outcomes often leads to despair.
Comedy and the Human Condition
Transitioning to literature and the arts, comedy has long served as a reminder of life’s inherent absurdities and joys. Shakespearean fools or the trickster gods of myth embody this principle—mocking the self-importance of kings and mortals alike. By inviting laughter at our foibles, these traditions offer relief from suffering and a return to the spirit of play that Watts champions.
Toward a Playful Engagement with Life
Finally, integrating this perspective means reimagining daily life as a dance, not a duty. Watts—and the traditions he draws upon—encourages us to loosen our grip, to experiment and even stumble with curiosity rather than fear. Adopting a lighter touch does not ignore pain, but places it within a broader context where joy and light-heartedness coexist with seriousness. In doing so, we become participants in the cosmic play rather than its tragic audience.