Zen is a way of life that goes beyond concepts and words, requiring direct experience of the present moment through the practice of meditation.
To truly understand Zen, one must develop stillness of mind and enter a state of non-thinking, allowing for a direct experience of the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Deep dives
The Essence of Zen
Zen is not a doctrine or philosophy, but a way of life. It cannot be grasped through concepts or words, but is a direct experience of the present moment. Zen is about letting go of thoughts and being fully present. It is a state of being that is beyond the concepts of transcendental or ordinary, infinite or finite, temporal or timeless. Through the practice of meditation or zazen, one can quiet the mind and experience the world without the filter of concepts, leading to a deeper understanding of reality.
The Importance of Stillness
In order to truly understand Zen, one must develop stillness of mind. This involves stopping the constant stream of thoughts and entering a state of non-thinking. Through this stillness, one can become fully present and experience the extraordinary in the ordinary. The practice of meditation, such as zazen, helps cultivate this stillness and allows for a direct experience of the present moment.
The Integration of Ecstasy and Discipline
While ecstasy and transcendent experiences are part of the Zen journey, they need to be balanced with discipline and order. Zen practitioners are encouraged to embrace both the transcendent and ordinary aspects of life. The disciplined side provides a framework for containing the powerful force of liberation, while the everyday world of order helps practitioners navigate the practical aspects of existence.
Seeing the Divine in All Beings
Zen teaches that all beings possess Buddha nature, the divine essence, and are inherently enlightened. By developing this understanding, practitioners are able to see the divine presence in themselves and others. This realization allows for genuine compassion and a deep connection to all forms of life.
Alan Watts illuminates the nuances of Zen and the Unspeakable World in this dynamic 'Zen Bones' talk adorned with Buddhist chanting, chimes, and gongs.
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Mark Watts introduces a classic talk entitled, 'Zen Bones,' a remarkable public lecture that Alan gave in 1967 at the Avalon Ballroom (usually the scene of wild rock concerts) for a 'Zen-efit' put on by the San Fransisco Zen Center to raise money to purchase Tassajara – a remote Zen center in the mountains of Big Sur. Diverting this week from the 'small-audience' seminar and workshop recordings of our first few podcasts, this episode marks Alan's first 'big hall' recording on Being in the Way, fittingly opened by the dynamic resonance of chanting Buddhist monks, chimes, and gongs.
This series is made in partnership with the Alan Watts Organization. Discover the official Alan Watts archive at alanwatts.org