Alan Watts Being in the Way
Ep. 26 – Relevance of Eastern Philosophy
Nov 22, 2023
Alan Watts discusses the relevance of Eastern philosophy and the need to let go of preconceived notions of God. Topics include comparative religious studies, the absurdity of Christian imperialism, the difference between faith and belief, the political image of God in the West, Hindu mythology, self-discovery of supreme reality, and contemplative prayer. Watts emphasizes the importance of experience over theory or belief, and explores the concepts of maya, fixed notions of God, and Buddhist vows versus Western obedience.
01:01:38
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Quick takeaways
- Letting go of preconceived notions of God in Western culture is crucial for a deeper understanding of faith and spirituality.
- Embracing the sense of awe and wonder in existence can lead to a greater appreciation and respect for the world around us.
Deep dives
Swimming in a Floating World
Our world is like a floating rock in space, where all positions are relative and any point can be regarded as the center. The religious attitude of our time is not about clinging to rocks, but learning to swim. By trusting ourselves to the water, we can float. This is analogous to the situation of faith, where letting go brings a sense of floating.
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