Alan Watts Being in the Way Ep. 26 – Relevance of Eastern Philosophy
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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.
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Floating World
- Our world is a floating world, relative in space.
- The appropriate religious attitude is learning to swim, not clinging to rocks (fixed beliefs).
Ceramic Model vs. Eastern Philosophy
- Western thinking often assumes a 'ceramic model' where an external intelligence shapes matter.
- This contrasts with modern physics and Eastern views that focus on pattern and structure, not a separate creator.
The Universe as Drama
- Hindus see the universe as a drama, not a construct.
- The self (Atman) is Brahman, the ultimate reality, playing hide and seek with itself.