Alan W. Watts

Book by Watts, Alan

"Become What You Are" is a selection of writings by Alan Watts dealing with the dilemma of man seeking to discover himself. This becomes possible only if we manage to see our life "as it is", freed from illusions and expectations. To immerse yourself in the harmony of life and its eternal now is to become what you are. It has been said that the highest wisdom consists in detachment—not regretting the past nor fearing the future, letting life take its course without attempting to interfere with its movements and changes, without seeking to prolong pleasant things or hasten the end of unpleasant ones. To do this is to enter time with life and be in complete harmony with its changing melody, which is called enlightenment. In short, it means detaching yourself from both the past and the future and living in the eternal now. Life exists only in this single moment, and it is precisely in this moment that it is infinite and eternal. Alan Watts is one of the foremost authorities on Eastern wisdom. It was he who, in the middle of the last century, built a bridge between the West and the East, introducing the Western reader to Eastern philosophy and culture. Alan Watts is a scholar of both Zen Buddhism and Indian and Chinese spiritual traditions.

Just as groundbreaking today as it was when it first appeared in 1947, Behold the Spirit is philosopher Alan Watts’s timeless argument for the place of mystical religion in today’s world. Drawing on his experiences as a former priest, Watts skillfully explains how the intuition of Eastern religion—Zen Buddhism, in particular—can be incorporated into the doctrines of Western Christianity, allowing people of all creeds to enjoy a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the spiritual in our present troubled times.

Alan Watts ofrece una nueva perspectiva para los temas perennes de la vida, la muerte, la existencia, la meditación, la eternidad, la “divina locura”, etc. Editado por Mark Watts, hijo de Alan, este libro es un compendio de las últimas enseñanzas del maestro.

From “perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West—and an author who ‘had the rare gift of ‘writing beautifully the unwritable’” ( Los Angeles Times )—a guide that draws on Chinese Taoism to reexamine humanity’s place in the natural world and the relation between body and spirit. Western thought and culture have coalesced around a series of constructed ideas—that human beings stand separate from a nature that must be controlled; that the mind is somehow superior to the body; that all sexuality entails a seduction—that in some way underlie our exploitation of the earth, our distrust of emotion, and our loneliness and reluctance to love. Here, Watts fundamentally challenges these assumptions, drawing on the precepts of Taoism to present an alternative vision of man and the universe—one in which the distinctions between self and other, spirit and matter give way to a more holistic way of seeing.

In order to come to your senses, Alan Watts often said, you sometimes need to go out of your mind. Perhaps more than any other teacher in the West, this celebrated author, former Anglican priest, and self-described spiritual entertainer was responsible for igniting the passion of countless wisdom seekers to the spiritual and philosophical delights of Asia and India. Now, with Out of Your Mind: Essential Listening from the Alan Watts Audio Archives, you are invited to immerse yourself in 12 of this legendary thinker's pinnacle teaching sessions about how to break through the limits of the rational mind, and begin expanding your awareness and appreciation for the Great Game unfolding all around us.Carefully selected from hundreds of recordings by Alan Watts' son and archivist, Mark Watts, Out of Your Mind brings you six complete seminars that capture the true scope of this brilliant teacher in action. On these superb, digitally restored recordings, you will delve into Alan Watts' favorite pathways out of the trap of conventional awareness, including: The art of the controlled accident—what happens when you stop taking your life so seriously and start enjoying it with complete sincerity• How we come to believe the myth of myself that we are skin-encapsulated egos separate from the world around us, and how to transcend that illusion• Why we must fully embrace chaos and the void to find our deepest purpose• Unconventional and refreshing insights into the deeper principles of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Western philosophy, plus much, much moreWhether you're completely new to Alan Watts or familiar with his work, here is a rare opportunity to experience him at his best improvising brilliantly before a live audience on Out of Your Mind: Essential Listening from the Alan Watts Audio Archives.

What is the common ground between Western psychiatry and Eastern philosophy, and what has each to learn from the other? Alan Watts found a common principle that, intentionally or otherwise, seems to be used wherever therapy is trying to overcome man's false sense of himself as an isolated ego -- an ego that traps him in a perpetual flight from death and loneliness. In varying ways and degrees, both Eastern philosophy and Western psychotherapy engage the individual in experiments that vividly reveal the fallacy of this conception and give him a new feeling of identity.

Before he became a counterculture hero, Alan Watts was known as an incisive scholar of Eastern and Western psychology and philosophy. In this 1961 classic, Watts demonstrates his deep understanding of both Western psychotherapy and the Eastern spiritual philosophies of Buddhism, Taoism, Vedanta, and Yoga. He examined the problem of humans in a seemingly hostile universe in ways that questioned the social norms and illusions that bind and constrict modern humans. Marking a groundbreaking synthesis, Watts asserted that the powerful insights of Freud and Jung, which had, indeed, brought psychiatry close to the edge of liberation, could, if melded with the hitherto secret wisdom of the Eastern traditions, free people from their battles with the self. When psychotherapy merely helps us adjust to social norms, Watts argued, it falls short of true liberation, while Eastern philosophy seeks our natural relation to the cosmos.

A lucid discussion of Taoism and the Chinese language . . . profound, reflective, and enlightening. --Boston Globe According to Deepak Chopra, Watts was a spiritual polymatch, the first and possibly greatest. Drawing on ancient and modern sources, Watts treats the Chinese philosophy of Tao in much the same way as he did Zen Buddhism in his classic The Way of Zen. Critics agree that this last work stands as a perfect monument to the life and literature of Alan Watts. Perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West, . . . Watts begins with scholarship and intellect and proceeds with art and eloquence to the frontiers of the spirit.--Los Angeles Times

At the root of human conflict is our fundamental misunderstanding of who we are. The illusion that we are isolated beings, unconnected to the rest of the universe, has led us to view the “outside” world with hostility, and has fueled our misuse of technology and our violent and hostile subjugation of the natural world. To help us understand that the self is in fact the root and ground of the universe, Watts has crafted a revelatory primer on what it means to be human—and a mind-opening manual of initiation into the central mystery of existence. In The Book, Alan Watts provides us with a much-needed answer to the problem of personal identity, distilling and adapting the Hindu philosophy of Vedanta. A revelatory primer on what it means to be human, from "the perfect guide for a course correction in life" (Deepak Chopra)—and a mind-opening manual of initiation into the central mystery of existence.

La obra del famoso filósofo y experto en tradiciones orientales Alan Watts ha adquirido una extraordinaria relevancia y suscitado un apasionado interés entre millones de discípulos y admiradores. A diferencia de algunas estrellas efímeras, los ensayos de Alan Watts no hacen sino ganar en consistencia y se van convirtiendo en motivo de un creciente estudio y meditación. Con su estilo inimitable, a la vez profundo y ameno, lleno de humor y paradojas, Alan Watts ha sido durante décadas el principal intérprete de las filosofías orientales en Occidente. Toda una nueva generación se ha enriquecido con sus libros, grabaciones, conferencias, programas de radio y televisión. Poco antes de su muerte, Alan Watts consagró cierto tiempo a dar término a un proyecto que había acariciado largamente. En la atmósfera calma y retirada de su vivienda, el ferryboat Vallejo, y en su retiro montañés de Druid Heights, dio forma a los principios básicos de su filosofía. Ahora aparecen estos últimos trabajos reunidos por primera vez en esta edición que no sólo es una magnífica introducción y guía para quienes comienzan a aventurarse en la obra de Alan Watts, sino que representa un legado imprescindible para quienes son ya sus seguidores.

"For more than twenty years [circa 1977] Alan Watts earned a reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Eastern philosophies to the West. Beginning at the age of 20, when he wrote The Spirit of Zen, he developed an audience of millions who were enriched by his book, tape recordings, radio, television, and public lectures. Just before his death he completed the project most dear to his heart. In the secluded and relaxed atmosphere aboard his ferryboat SS Vallejo and at his mountain retreat in Druid Heights he recorded the basic tenets of his philosophy. Revised by his son Mark here is the last original work of Alan Watts now combined with several classic pieces previously not available in book form, including the favorites "Work As Play" and "The Trickster Guru." This final volume is an outstanding introduction to Watts for those who do not know him and a valuable legacy for all." - from the back cover

A rediscovered treasure for a new generation: the first and only story for kids ever written by Alan Watts Alan Watts, beloved for bringing a childlike wonder to the spiritual journey, once wrote a story for children. 'THE FISH WHO FOUND THE SEA' brings this delightful and wise teaching parable to life for a new generation. Presented with new art from award-winning illustrator Khoa Le, here is a story as timely as it is entertaining—sharing a key message about getting into harmony with the flow of life. In this tale of a tail, kids will meet a fish with a strangely familiar problem—he’s gotten himself so mixed up that he spends all his time chasing himself in circles! Only the Great Sea knows how to help our poor fish get out of the mess he’s created with his own runaway thoughts. Here is a parable that perfectly captures the wit and wisdom that has made Alan Watts a timeless teacher we will never outgrow. RUNNING TIME ⇒ 8mins. © 1944, 1973, 2020 Estate of Alan Watts (P)2020 Sounds True

The Way of Zen begins as a succinct guide through the histories of Buddhism and Taoism leading up to the development of Zen Buddhism, which drew deeply from both traditions. It then goes on to paint a broad but insightful picture of Zen as it was and is practiced, both as a religion and as an element of diverse East Asian arts and disciplines. Watts's narrative clears away the mystery while enhancing the mystique of Zen. Since the first publication of this book in 1957, Zen Buddhism has become firmly established in the West. As Zen has taken root in Western soil, it has incorporated much of the attitude and approach set forth by Watts in The Way of Zen, which remains one of the most important introductory books in Western Zen.

In this fascinating book, Alan Watts explores man's quest for psychological security, examining our efforts to find spiritual and intellectual certainty in the realms of religion and philosophy. The Wisdom of Insecurity underlines the importance of our search for stability in an age where human life seems particularly vulnerable and uncertain. Watts argues our insecurity is the consequence of trying to be secure and that, ironically, salvation and sanity lie in the recognition that we have no way of saving ourselves.

Six essays dealing with the relationship of mystical experience to ordinary life.

A guided journal for practical wisdom and self-reflection—featuring insightful quotes, sage advice for a life well-lived, and charming illustrations—from acclaimed philosopher Alan Watts. Whether you are familiar with his work or new to it, these inspiring messages will guide you in the mindful practice of journaling. From the quotidian to the profound, these ideas touch on themes such Alan Watts spent a lifetime bringing ancient wisdom and spiritual revelations of Zen Buddhism to Western readers. Having written more than twenty-five books, his work represents a treasury of enlightened personal thought, compassionate disruption of convention, and warm encouragement. In this journal, readers will discover some of Watts’ most salient and pithy philosophical observations, from seeing through arbitrary separations prescribed by language and society to leaving behind assumptions to see things as they truly fleeting, yet everlasting—simple, but wondrous.

The Universe Is Playing Hide and Seek―and You’re It! Imagine you’re climbing a mountain path that will lead you to a paradise where all your needs are met and your questions answered. What do you find when you reach the top? A mirror. This is the great cosmic game, reveals Alan Watts―that everything you’re seeking through meditation, self-improvement, or spiritual practice is always hiding inside of you. On You’re It! , join this legendary “stand-up philosopher” for 15 classic talks on how to play your role in the divine drama of existence with a clear mind, open eyes, and an abiding sense of the joy in the game itself. See What Answers Are Hidden in Your Own Reflection Just as you need a mirror to see your own face, the best way to see your own true nature is to let a teacher like Alan Watts reflect it back to you. Watts stands out as one of the 20th century’s most compelling voices because he is so adept at holding up this spiritual looking glass. With his unique combination of penetrating insight and playful irreverence, Watts illuminates the truth that unites all the great wisdom traditions from the East and West―that the universe is always expressing its full, delightful mystery through you. A 12-hour Audio Retreat with the Original Spiritual Entertainer These restored audio sessions selected by Alan Watts’ son and archivist Mark Watts reveal the master in his element, performing a one-man “spiritual jam session” before a live audience. Whether he’s unraveling Taoist thought, poking fun at our modern myths, or exploring the subtle beauty of Japanese poetry, Alan Watts always returns to one all-important lesson―how to get out of your own way and live in the perfection that is always present. HIGHLIGHTS The game of yes and no―how non-dual truths are revealed in the duality of Yin and Yang • Mysticism and morality―exploring the relationship between revelation and ethics • On Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and their translation into Western thought • The beauty of the unenlightened state―why you don’t have to be “awakened” to play the great game • Mind over mind―the contradiction at the heart of all spiritual practice • The veil of thoughts―how to stop being bamboozled by your own brain • What is reality? Is the universe a ceramic pot, a clockwork engine, or something far more interesting? • Seventeen hours of philosophy, humor, and stunning insight from legendary spiritual entertainer Alan Watts