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Alan Watts Being in the Way

Ep. 29 – Philosophy of the Tao

Mar 28, 2024
Alan Watts, a philosopher and interpreter of Eastern philosophy, delves into the profound wisdom of Taoist philosophy, discussing Yin and Yang, Tao as the force of nature, acting in accordance with nature, and the inseparability of Yang and Yin. He explores how social institutions are mistaken for the real world, the self and roles in life, preparations for conscious dying, and embracing opposites like prickles and goo.
46:27

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Taoism emphasizes the interconnectedness of opposites like yin and yang, guiding towards understanding unity in apparent dualities.
  • In Taoism, the concept of mutual arising challenges conventional thinking by revealing the inseparable nature of opposites, fostering insight into balance and unity.

Deep dives

The Essence of Taoism

Taoism, rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, delves into the concept of the Tao, representing the fundamental energy of the universe and one's true self. Unlike tangible entities, the real self defies definition and categorization. The philosophy emphasizes the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of life, where opposites like being and non-being, or yin and yang, arise mutually. By embracing the ineffable nature of the Tao, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their existence and the unity underlying apparent dualities.

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