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Space and Time

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Jun 12, 2023 • 3min

Alan Watts - Part 3 - Buddhism, Religion of No Religion

Alan Watts popularized Eastern philosophy, particularly Zen Buddhism, in the Western world. He introduced the concept of the "Religion of No Religion," which emphasizes direct experience and personal realization over adherence to rigid beliefs and dogmas. Watts believed that traditional religious institutions often lose sight of the spiritual essence due to rituals and doctrines. He saw Zen Buddhism as a way to transcend these limitations by focusing on mindfulness, meditation, and living in the present moment. Watts encouraged individuals to cultivate wonder and openness towards existence, finding religious experiences in everyday life. He saw different religious traditions as expressions of the same underlying reality and emphasized the interconnectedness of all paths. Overall, the "Religion of No Religion" invites individuals to explore their own consciousness and embrace a more experiential approach to spirituality.
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Jun 12, 2023 • 3min

Alan Watts - Part 2 - Buddhism, Religion of No Religion

Alan Watts popularized Eastern philosophy, particularly Zen Buddhism, in the Western world. He introduced the concept of the "Religion of No Religion," which emphasizes direct experience and personal realization over adherence to rigid beliefs and dogmas. Watts believed that traditional religious institutions often lose sight of the spiritual essence due to rituals and doctrines. He saw Zen Buddhism as a way to transcend these limitations by focusing on mindfulness, meditation, and living in the present moment. Watts encouraged individuals to cultivate wonder and openness towards existence, finding religious experiences in everyday life. He saw different religious traditions as expressions of the same underlying reality and emphasized the interconnectedness of all paths. Overall, the "Religion of No Religion" invites individuals to explore their own consciousness and embrace a more experiential approach to spirituality.
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Jun 12, 2023 • 3min

Alan watts - Part 1 - Buddhism, Religion of No Religion

Alan Watts popularized Eastern philosophy, particularly Zen Buddhism, in the Western world. He introduced the concept of the "Religion of No Religion," which emphasizes direct experience and personal realization over adherence to rigid beliefs and dogmas. Watts believed that traditional religious institutions often lose sight of the spiritual essence due to rituals and doctrines. He saw Zen Buddhism as a way to transcend these limitations by focusing on mindfulness, meditation, and living in the present moment. Watts encouraged individuals to cultivate wonder and openness towards existence, finding religious experiences in everyday life. He saw different religious traditions as expressions of the same underlying reality and emphasized the interconnectedness of all paths. Overall, the "Religion of No Religion" invites individuals to explore their own consciousness and embrace a more experiential approach to spirituality.
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Jun 7, 2023 • 49min

Alan Watts - Zen & The Limits Of Explanation.

Alan Watts explored the teachings of Zen Buddhism, a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes direct experience, intuition, and the attainment of enlightenment. Zen places great importance on meditation and the direct realization of truth beyond conceptual thinking. In his various writings and lectures, Watts delved into the paradoxical nature of Zen and the challenges of trying to articulate its essence through language. He recognized that the analytical and conceptual mind often falls short in capturing the depth and subtleties of Zen teachings, which aim to transcend dualistic thinking and conventional understanding. Watts emphasized the experiential and intuitive aspects of Zen, advocating for a direct engagement with life rather than getting caught up in intellectual explanations or rigid dogmas. He urged individuals to let go of the need to explain or grasp everything intellectually and instead cultivate a deep awareness and acceptance of the present moment. While there is no specific work titled "Zen & The Limits Of Explanation," Watts' writings on Zen and his exploration of the limitations of language and rationality provide valuable insights into the nature of Zen Buddhism and its transformative potential for individuals seeking a direct experience of reality.
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Jun 7, 2023 • 25min

Alan Watts - Coincidence

In his teachings, Alan Watts suggested that events that may appear as coincidences or random occurrences are, in fact, part of a larger pattern or web of existence. He emphasized the idea that there is a fundamental unity underlying the apparent diversity and chaos of life. According to Watts, coincidences are meaningful synchronicities that can reveal deeper truths and connections in our lives. Watts encouraged individuals to approach coincidences with an open mind, recognizing them as opportunities for insight and self-discovery. He believed that by embracing the interconnected nature of reality and paying attention to the synchronicities that occur, individuals can gain a greater sense of harmony and purpose in their lives. While there may not be a specific work dedicated to the concept of coincidence by Alan Watts, his teachings on interconnectedness and the exploration of the mysterious ways in which life unfolds often touch upon the idea of coincidences and their significance in our existence.
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Jun 7, 2023 • 27min

Alan Watts - Part 2 - Wisdom of the Mountains.

Alan Watts (1915-1973) was a British-American philosopher, writer, and speaker known for his popularization of Eastern philosophy and spirituality in the Western world. His book "Wisdom of the Mountains" is a fictional work that combines elements of philosophy, spirituality, and storytelling. In "Wisdom of the Mountains," Watts explores the timeless wisdom found in the natural world, particularly in the mountains. He uses mountains as a metaphor for the pursuit of enlightenment, drawing parallels between the physical challenges and mental obstacles one encounters in mountain climbing and the inner journey towards self-realization. Through captivating narratives and thought-provoking anecdotes, Watts delves into various philosophical and spiritual concepts, such as the nature of reality, the interconnectedness of all things, and the illusion of the self. He invites readers to question their preconceived notions about existence and encourages them to embrace a more holistic and experiential understanding of life. "Wisdom of the Mountains" ultimately seeks to inspire readers to look beyond the confines of societal expectations and explore the profound wisdom that can be found in nature and within themselves. Watts' eloquent prose and ability to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western thought make the book a valuable resource for those seeking philosophical insights and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
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Jun 7, 2023 • 27min

Alan Watts - Part 1 - Wisdom of the Mountains.

Alan Watts (1915-1973) was a British-American philosopher, writer, and speaker known for his popularization of Eastern philosophy and spirituality in the Western world. His book "Wisdom of the Mountains" is a fictional work that combines elements of philosophy, spirituality, and storytelling. In "Wisdom of the Mountains," Watts explores the timeless wisdom found in the natural world, particularly in the mountains. He uses mountains as a metaphor for the pursuit of enlightenment, drawing parallels between the physical challenges and mental obstacles one encounters in mountain climbing and the inner journey towards self-realization. Through captivating narratives and thought-provoking anecdotes, Watts delves into various philosophical and spiritual concepts, such as the nature of reality, the interconnectedness of all things, and the illusion of the self. He invites readers to question their preconceived notions about existence and encourages them to embrace a more holistic and experiential understanding of life. "Wisdom of the Mountains" ultimately seeks to inspire readers to look beyond the confines of societal expectations and explore the profound wisdom that can be found in nature and within themselves. Watts' eloquent prose and ability to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western thought make the book a valuable resource for those seeking philosophical insights and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
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Jun 1, 2023 • 3h 15min

Theodore (Ted) Kaczynski - Industrial Society And Its Future a.k.a. The Unabomber Manifesto.

Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, is an infamous figure in American history due to his acts of domestic terrorism. Between 1978 and 1995, Kaczynski sent numerous mail bombs that resulted in the deaths of three people and injured many others. However, what made Kaczynski even more enigmatic was his manifesto, titled "Industrial Society and Its Future," or commonly referred to as the "Unabomber Manifesto." Published in 1995, Kaczynski's manifesto spanned 35,000 words and presented a scathing critique of modern industrial society and its consequences. In his writing, he argued that technological advancements and the pursuit of industrial progress had resulted in the erosion of personal freedoms, the degradation of the natural environment, and the overall decline of human happiness and fulfillment. Kaczynski saw technology as a destructive force that dehumanized individuals and undermined their autonomy. Kaczynski believed that the only solution to the problems he outlined was to dismantle the technological infrastructure that drove modern society. He advocated for a return to a simpler, more primitive way of life, where individuals would live in small, self-sufficient communities, free from the influence of technology and industrialization. His manifesto also proposed the idea of a revolution against the technological establishment, which he believed was necessary to bring about meaningful change. While Kaczynski's actions were unquestionably criminal and morally reprehensible, his manifesto raised important questions about the impact of technology on society and the potential consequences of unchecked industrial progress. It sparked a debate about the ethical implications of technological advancements and the need for responsible development and use of technology. However, it is crucial to note that the means by which Kaczynski sought to bring attention to these issues were deeply flawed and harmful. Violence and terrorism can never be justified as a means of promoting social change or engaging in intellectual discourse. Today, Kaczynski's manifesto remains a controversial document, remembered for the violence it was associated with rather than its underlying message. It serves as a chilling reminder of the destructive power that can arise from extreme ideologies and the importance of addressing societal issues through peaceful and constructive means.
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May 27, 2023 • 2min

Alan Watts - Part 11 - Who is it who knows there is no ego

Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker known for popularizing Eastern philosophy and spirituality in the Western world. He was particularly influential in introducing Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Vedanta to a wider audience through his lectures, books, and radio broadcasts. Regarding the question of "Who is it that knows no ego?" Alan Watts often discussed the nature of the ego and its dissolution in his teachings. According to Watts, the ego or the "self" is a construct that arises from our identification with our thoughts, emotions, and body. He emphasized that this sense of individual identity is not a fixed, separate entity, but rather an ever-changing and interconnected process. Watts suggested that the ego is a product of our conditioning and socialization, and that our true nature is not limited to this egoic self. He spoke about the possibility of transcending the ego and realizing a deeper sense of self or identity that is not confined to the narrow boundaries of individuality. This realization often involves recognizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things. Watts often encouraged individuals to explore their direct experience and to question the assumptions and beliefs that give rise to the ego. He suggested that through practices such as meditation, contemplation, and self-inquiry, one could come to a direct experience of the "no-self" or the dissolution of the ego, leading to a greater sense of freedom and unity with the world. It's important to note that the concept of "no ego" or "no-self" can be complex and nuanced, and interpretations may vary among different philosophical and spiritual traditions.
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May 27, 2023 • 5min

Alan Watts - Part 10 - Who is it who knows there is no ego

Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker known for popularizing Eastern philosophy and spirituality in the Western world. He was particularly influential in introducing Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Vedanta to a wider audience through his lectures, books, and radio broadcasts. Regarding the question of "Who is it that knows no ego?" Alan Watts often discussed the nature of the ego and its dissolution in his teachings. According to Watts, the ego or the "self" is a construct that arises from our identification with our thoughts, emotions, and body. He emphasized that this sense of individual identity is not a fixed, separate entity, but rather an ever-changing and interconnected process. Watts suggested that the ego is a product of our conditioning and socialization, and that our true nature is not limited to this egoic self. He spoke about the possibility of transcending the ego and realizing a deeper sense of self or identity that is not confined to the narrow boundaries of individuality. This realization often involves recognizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things. Watts often encouraged individuals to explore their direct experience and to question the assumptions and beliefs that give rise to the ego. He suggested that through practices such as meditation, contemplation, and self-inquiry, one could come to a direct experience of the "no-self" or the dissolution of the ego, leading to a greater sense of freedom and unity with the world. It's important to note that the concept of "no ego" or "no-self" can be complex and nuanced, and interpretations may vary among different philosophical and spiritual traditions.

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