Join the legendary Alan Watts, a revered spiritual teacher known for bridging Eastern philosophies with modern life, as he reintroduces Zen traditions. He urges listeners to break free from mechanical practices and rediscover the essence of Zen as a path to mindfulness and presence. Watts discusses the challenges posed by Western rationality to understanding Zen, the need for genuine engagement with its principles, and the art of being present in a fast-paced world. Prepare for a fresh perspective on Zen and its transformative power!

Discover the fascinating core of Taoism and its seamless flow within nature. Delve into the illusion of separateness and how it shapes our perception of reality. Explore the harmony between chaos and order, embracing life's natural rhythms. Alan Watts shares insights on interconnectedness, leading to a deeper unity with the universe. Unpack the principles of Wu Wei and Li, and reflect on the balance between law and equity, all while appreciating the beauty of spontaneity and authenticity in art and life.

Alan Watts, a renowned philosopher known for bridging Eastern and Western thought, discusses the nuanced concept of a 'Religion of No Religion.' He delves into how true enlightenment resembles ordinary existence and critiques the clichés that often plague organized religion. Watts illustrates how Zen Buddhism balances the metaphysical with the mundane, emphasizing our interconnectedness through the metaphor of Indra's net. He invites listeners to explore spirituality beyond dogma, celebrating simplicity over rituals and advocating for a personal connection with the universe.

Alan Watts explores the importance of total sensory awareness, the confusion between symbolic reality and real reality, the uselessness of guilt, the significance of motivation and intention, experiencing life directly, and using all five senses to witness surroundings

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.

Alan Watts explores the limits of language, examining the unexamined systems of belief underneath language and the substance of form. He discusses the Chinese views of nature, the limitations of using language to define the ineffable, and the importance of recognizing the universe as a process. The podcast also explores the subjective nature of perception, the development of music and theatrical conventions, and the importance of challenging conventional beliefs and seeking personal understanding.

Alan Watts reflects on the separation of human civilization and the natural world, discussing the beauty of life on the waters, the rhythms of nature, the transformation of forms, and the spacious environment of the ocean.

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.

Alan Watts speaks on the connection between religion and sexuality, including topics like baptism and religious initiation, the historical perspective on sex in Christianity, the mystical nature of human sexuality, and the conflict between religion and scientific naturalism. This podcast delves into the profound aspects of love and the importance of finding a balance between modesty and license.

This time on the Being in the Way Podcast, Alan Watts delves into questions of identity, purpose and buying into the ‘Myth of Myself’.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/alanIn this episode, Alan Watts explores:The question of our own identity and our place in the worldMyths of the self handed down through historyViewing ourselves and the world with a “floodlight consciousness” – rather than the narrow “spotlight consciousness” we are taught to see the world throughHow we are not born into this world, but grow out of it – “In the same way an apple tree apples, the Earth peoples.”“The most fascinating problem in the world is who am I? What do you feel when you say the word I? I myself?This problem has fascinated me for many years. Most Western people locate their ego inside their heads. This is the ordinary average conception of what is oneself.” – Alan WattsThis series is brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization and Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation. Visit https://Alanwatts.org for full talks from Alan Watts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.