Alan Watts Being in the Way
Be Here Now Network / Love Serve Remember Foundation
Take a deep dive into the collected recordings of Alan Watts with Alan’s son, Mark Watts. Being in the Way is a podcast series that explores the Alan Watts Archive’s 100-hour tape collection - including recordings not heard in 40 years. We will meet some of the people being influenced by the works of Alan Watts today and learn a little of the history behind how these remarkable recordings were made. Mark and his guests offer reflections on Alan’s ideas— ideas that were radically innovative and groundbreaking in the sixties and seventies, and yet seem to have come of age today.Being in the Way is brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization, in partnership with Ram Dass' Be Here Now Network.Check out all of the Alan Watts Organization's offerings at alanwatts.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
47 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 46min
Ep. 36 – Seeing through The Net
In a captivating discussion, Alan Watts, a renowned British philosopher celebrated for bridging Eastern and Western philosophies, delves into the fragmented view of reality shaped by modern technology. He critiques the reductionist approach to knowledge, stressing the need for a holistic perspective. Watts tackles the challenges of bureaucracy and the nature of desire, urging listeners to rethink their relationship with technology and the environment. He highlights the difference between mechanism and organism, and critiques the disconnect between symbols like money and true fulfillment in life.
85 snips
May 15, 2025 • 54min
Ep. 35 – Dreaming the World
In this engaging discussion, Alan Watts, a renowned British philosopher, explores the universe as a playful divine dream. He delves into the complexities of identity, questioning the tension between acting and simply being. The conversation revolves around seeing life not as a serious task but as a beautiful, artistic expression. Watts invites listeners to embrace paradoxes, highlighting the interconnectedness of existence and the essence of love. He encourages a playful appreciation of life's dualities, all while addressing the importance of mental health awareness.
60 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 60min
Ep. 34 – Confucianism vs. Taoism
In a captivating discussion, Alan Watts, a renowned spiritual teacher, contrasts the structured nature of Confucianism with the fluid philosophy of Taoism. He emphasizes the concept of mutual arising as central to Taoist thought, advocating a spontaneous harmony with nature. Watts critiques rigid societal norms, promoting a more natural way of living instead. He explores how Taoism transcends karma without dismissing it and delves into the illusory nature of time, urging listeners to embrace the flow of the present and align with the effortless essence of the Tao.
47 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 51min
Ep. 33 – Zen Reconsidered
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!
42 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 32 – Zen and the Art of the Controlled Accident
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.
49 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 54min
Ep. 31 – Religion of No Religion
Alan Watts, a renowned spiritual teacher and writer, dives deep into the idea of a 'Religion of No Religion.' He explores how the highest Buddha can appear like an ordinary person and critiques how religious expressions often become clichés. Watts emphasizes the balance between the spiritual and the worldly, underscoring our interconnectedness in the universe. Through Zen poetry and philosophy, he illustrates the integration of the material with spiritual experiences, urging listeners to prioritize self-care while recognizing the profound simplicity of life.
84 snips
May 2, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 30 – Flow: Symbolic Reality vs. Real Reality
Alan Watts, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, dives deep into the themes of sensory awareness and the illusion of material reality. He encourages listeners to engage fully with their surroundings, distinguishing between symbolic and real experiences. Watts challenges the confusion between societal symbols like wealth and authentic experiences. He promotes embracing all senses and letting go of the ego to experience life directly. The conversation also tackles the emotional complexities in spirituality, advocating for genuine liberation over guilt.
112 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 46min
Ep. 29 – Philosophy of the Tao
Alan Watts, a pivotal spiritual teacher, dives into the heart of Taoism, unraveling ancient Chinese philosophies with profound insights. He discusses the dynamic interplay of Yin and Yang, revealing the inseparable nature of opposites. Watts challenges societal conventions and invites listeners to embrace their mortality, suggesting that acceptance leads to liberation in life's later stages. He also emphasizes the philosophy of 'wu wei,' advocating for a harmonious flow with the universe, encouraging us to act naturally and let go.
31 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 54min
Ep. 28 – Limits of Language
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.
22 snips
Jan 15, 2024 • 23min
Ep. 27 – Love Of Waters
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.
