Alan Watts Lectures Alan Watts Movie - The Silent Mind
Mar 23, 2023
The podcast explores Buddha's seated posture as a symbol for a certain attitude towards life. It discusses how constant thinking can disconnect us from reality. The practice of meditation is explored, emphasizing experiencing the world as it is rather than through abstract thoughts. Achieving unity with the universe through meditation is discussed, highlighting the importance of quieting the mind for true fulfillment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Meditative Posture As Quiet Observation
- The Buddha's seated posture symbolizes a meditative, sane attitude of quiet observation toward life.
- Alan Watts links this posture to a Chinese character meaning serene watching, emphasizing receptive perception.
Heron Watching As A Teaching Image
- Watts illustrates the Chinese character 'guan' with the image of a heron watching water.
- The heron metaphor shows serene, receptive observation catching ripples without straining.
Perception Works By Receptivity Not Effort
- Meditation is a way of using the mind, not merely an exercise to perform.
- Watts argues that chronic sensory strain from trying to 'see' or 'hear' impedes clear perception.