In this engaging discussion, Alan Watts, a renowned spiritual teacher known for his insights into Eastern philosophies, shares his reflections on Taoism. He emphasizes the importance of interconnectedness and balance, contrasting it with modern individualism. The conversation dives into karma and spiritual liberation, advocating for actions devoid of attachment. Watts also explores the fluidity of identity and thought, urging listeners to embrace the present moment. Through vivid analogies, he encourages a playful yet profound understanding of life’s complexities.
Taoism emphasizes the importance of going inward, understanding the ego's role, and finding balance in a world shaped by individualism and technology.
The philosophy of Taoism highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things in nature, emphasizing the virtue of allowing things to follow their natural course and governing without control.
Deep dives
Rediscovering Allan Watts: Exploring His Life and Recordings
This podcast episode introduces the listeners to the host, Mark Watts, and their plan to explore the 400 hours of spoken recordings by his late father, Allan Watts. They discuss the history of the recordings and the influence of Allan Watts' works on people today. The conversation touches on the positive impact of technological advancements, such as telecommuting, that have allowed people to connect and work differently. They reflect on the pandemic's effect on society, allowing for a course correction and a return to introspection. The episode highlights the significance of Allan Watts' talks on Taoism, emphasizing the importance of going inward, understanding the ego's role, and finding balance in a world shaped by individualism and technology.
The Way of the Tao: Understanding Nature's Course
This segment delves into the philosophy of Taoism, one of the two dominant currents in Chinese thought. It discusses the concept of the Tao, meaning the way or course of nature, and highlights how it should not be equated with the Western idea of God or a ruling deity. The episode emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things in nature, symbolized by the mutual arising of opposites. It explores the idea that virtue lies in allowing things to follow their natural course and governing without control. The discussion also touches on the Daoist perspective of time as a succession of present moments and the importance of living in the present to free oneself from the burdens of past and future.
Dropping Out of Karma: Liberation from the Past
In this part of the podcast, the focus shifts to the concept of karma and its role in Indian spiritual beliefs. It explains how karma is seen as a moral law where actions have consequences that must be faced and resolved. The discussion explores the idea of liberation from karma through non-attachment and non-identification with past actions, highlighting the importance of acting without generating future karma. The episode mentions the challenges and tests one might face when embarking on a path of spiritual growth, as old debts and attachments come to the surface. It also reflects on the need to live in the present moment and not dwell on past or future, drawing parallels to concepts of mindfulness and the stream of consciousness.
Seeking the Easy Way: Intelligence over Effort
The final part of the episode focuses on the daist perspective of seeking the easy way and the role of intelligence in spiritual pursuits. It differentiates between approaches that cater to less intelligent individuals and those that emphasize intelligence and understanding. The discussion challenges the conventional notion of progress through time and advocates for living in the present moment, emphasizing the importance of immediate perception and action. The episode explores how the daist way of life eradicates problems by unblocking the flow of thoughts, allowing immediate and effortless action. It concludes with the Zen idea of realizing the essence of things and finding joy in playing with connections while understanding their inherent emptiness.
Being in the Way is a podcast series that explores the Alan Watts Archive’s 100-hour tape collection. Hosted by Alan's son, Mark Watts, Being in the Way features curated talks from Alan Watts and conversations with guests who continue to be inspired by Watts' work today.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/alan
This series is made in partnership with the Alan Watts Organization. Discover the official Alan Watts archive at alanwatts.org
