Letting Go - Alan Watts
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Published 2021-05-03
In this profound and thought-provoking talk, renowned philosopher Alan Watts delves into the principles of Zen philosophy and the art of letting go. Drawing upon Eastern wisdom, Watts discusses the role of desire, attachment, and spiritual energy in Hindu and Chinese traditions, highlighting the contrasting perspectives of the West and the East. Exploring the concept of "kundalini" and the significance of redirecting psychic energy, Watts reveals how the practice of yoga aims to elevate consciousness and transcend the dissipating nature of sexuality.
With a blend of Indian Buddhism and Chinese Taoism, Zen emerges as a powerful expression of living awakened while actively engaging in the world. Watts elucidates the essence of Zen and its unique approach to existence, characterized by being "king on the outside and the sage on the inside." He delves into the interplay between practical affairs and inward introspection, offering insights into the Chinese Zen tradition and its integration with art, poetry, and scholarship.
Throughout this captivating talk, Watts sheds light on the nature of Zen training, emphasizing the dialogue between master and student, and the journey of self-discovery it entails. He explores the paradoxical nature of Zen, where teachers often reject students and provoke them to persist in their quest for authentic being. By immersing oneself in meditation, contemplating koans, and embracing rigorous discipline, students are encouraged to transcend the illusion of self and experience profound insights.
As Watts narrates captivating anecdotes and shares deep insights, viewers are invited to contemplate the nature of reality, the significance of self-exploration, and the transformative power of embracing the present moment. Discover the timeless wisdom of Zen philosophy and embark on a journey of self-discovery with Alan Watts as your guide.
Join us for this enlightening discussion on "Letting Go" and explore the profound teachings of Zen philosophy with Alan Watts, a masterful orator and philosopher who continues to inspire and challenge our perspectives on life, existence, and the nature of being.
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In this video, Alan Watts discusses morality and letting go.
About Alan Watts:
Alan Watts was one of the very first philosophers to interpret Eastern ideologies for a Western audience. Alan Watts was born outside of London in 1915. It was in his youth when he first discovered a nearby Buddhist lodge. In 1938 he moved to the United States where he became an Episcopal priest and relocated to Millbrook, New York,. it was here that he wrote his most pivotal book The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety.
Alan later moved west to San Francisco in 1951. It was here that he began to teach Buddhist studies, and in 1956 he started his well-known radio show “Way Beyond the West.”
By the sixties, his radio talks were aired nationally and the counterculture movement had truly adopted him as a spiritual genius. Alan continued to write and travel until the end.
How to let go by Alan Watts
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All Comments (21)
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Thank you a 1000 times for not putting music in the background!
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I’ve been listening to and learning from Alan Watts for years on YouTube and the most amazing thing is to see people discovering him and commenting on his videos every day. No matter when I click on a video of his there is always a new comment from a newly awakened person. He lives on as a teacher infinitely.
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I allways listen to Alan when I feel lost, which is often.
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“FAITH is when you let go, not when you hold on to” 🙌🏽
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That last line, “you can’t give it away because everybody’s got it, you have to make them see that they have it … that’s the most difficult task” calls to me from time to time and I come back to this video to hear it again. It’s so beautiful. Thank God for Alan Watts ❤ and thank God for every one of you, whomever may be reading this
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I'm 15 and i love alan watts so much I listen everyday oml
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Losing your mind Losing your mind is terribly underrated. All our lives we are taught to be analytical, rational, goal-oriented and in control. That’s why most of us are forever living in our minds rather than in the real world. In other words, we’ve got our heads buried in our screens or lost in thoughts rather than being present to what is here now. And when you take a break from being in your head and look around you, your mind immediately tells you all the things that are wrong or lacking from this moment. It’s a bit cold. I wish it was sunny. I’m bored. I wish I had money/love/happiness. I wish I was as tall/handsome/strong/popular as that guy. Before you know it, we’re right back in our minds figuring out how to fix this moment. In other words, we almost never live in this moment because we are always trying to get to the next, better moment. But by the time we get to that moment, we will be too busy to really notice because we will be so preoccupied with getting to the next, even better one. In this way, the mind separates us from life, from the magic of why we came here in the first place. The mind is afraid of life, that’s why it’s always trying to protect us from it. So if you have the opportunity to lose your mind, I suggest you seize it with both hands. Don’t worry about what the others will think - they’re really too busy thinking about themselves and the next moment to really notice anyway.
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Listening to this on a mushroom experience was the key to unlocking my chains. It's been over a year now and every day is just wonderful.
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“You can’t give it to them because everybody’s got it.” Gold.
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I discovered Alan Watts from a band named NOTHING MORE. They sample quite a few of his lectures and I got curious as to who was talking in the sample and thus the rabbit hole began. I am so glad that I discovered him when I did. Definitely has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life
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I know he passed long ago.. unfortunately. Still saving lives though. He’s a permanent voice playing on my daily drive to a job and a life I want to shed.
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In my ever present attempt to overcome a crippling depression, I am coming to really enjoy the voice and the lessons of this man!
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Alan Watts changed my life.
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Alan Watts is the rascal. In explaining the game he has played it perfectly. The magician whose trick is showing you the trick. He has outwitted us completely. I see you and your compassion Alan. The Bridge from East to West.
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His voice and his laughter is appealing lighthearted and kind.
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Nothing as dangerous as a righteous saint. Brilliant
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"the highest teaching is not to grasp nor to cling"
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Thank the Universe that we have all these recordings of Alan Watts. He has done a great service to Western culture by bringing Eastern philosophy to us in ways we can easily comprehend.
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Only started listening to him since last night and most things he say just make sense to me and make me happy to hear. He reassures me that death is nothing to be afraid of and that nothing in life or survival of life is of real concern. Death and life are just two versions of existence and it doesn’t change me if I die. Life merely is, and therefore I don’t need to worry about anything or be anxious about something at school or with a relationship etc. I can live my life however I want to live and be grateful for its simple pleasures. I can choose to be sincere and compassionate to others, which is meaningful because that’s the person I want to be. I am eternally grateful to be here right now and being able to listen to him and others, and experiencing the gifts of life!
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Periodically I hear the call, an inevitably find my way back to Alan. My realms of idealized imaginations ring with his voice from every leaf and petal.
