Alan Watts has changed my life… He is still inspiring decades after his death. I’m just a young man from California born in 1987 and I would have never been able to experience him without RUclips.
I was born in 1952. After reading his "This Is It" in 1970 and coming down from an acid trip in 1971, the book's title traipsed through my brain 3 or 4 times, all of a sudden I saw that "I" and everything else were the same thing.
Few people reach through generations even after their passing and have the influence that your Father did. He passed a decade before I was even born but I listen to his lectures every day. He had an incredible mind.
1:37:19 This was me. At the beginning of the pandemic I turned away from Christianity after nearly 40 years, and embraced the esoteric path of seeking. I’ve only recently discovered Alan, but I’ve been consuming his lectures like crazy. I realize that he’s kind of a “starter pack” for spiritual philosophical thinking and exploring, but he’s helping me learn how to articulate these ideas. I’m SO incredibly happy now, more than I ever was as a Christian. Now I get to sample and pick and choose like the most wonderful buffet. I wouldn’t go back to the way things were for anything. As Alan said in “Jesus: His Religion” “I think a loving God would not do something to his children that would rot their brains. Because if we had an infallible guide we would never think for ourselves, and therefore our minds would become atrophied.”
"Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life..." Gen. 3. (read the whole chapter) When one breaks the law, spiritual or otherwise there are consequences. Many have attempted to circumvent the consequences, and no-one has succeeded. We all pay for it in one way or another, in our own sweet way. All the philosophies, the sweet talk, won't change a thing. Only repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as savior, no-one else.
@@fromthepeanutgallery1084 I have read the whole chapter. Perhaps you missed the part where I said I spent 40 years in the Church. I've had enough, thanks. What makes your faith more "real" than mine?
@@NorthWriter I read it all, carefully, before I responded. Faith as a believer, non believer, or that you still believe even having left the church, tired of church? Not sure what you mean by "faith more real" Perhaps I am wrong but could it mean leaving the teachings of Christ and following the teachings Alan Watts?
@@fromthepeanutgallery1084 Alan Watts is someone that I'm listening to. I'm not one of his disciples. He's got some good, wise, and thought-provoking things to consider, just as Jesus did. You believe God's law to be THE law, at least I'm guessing as much since you quoted it to me, and basically told me that by breaking or avoiding God's law I'm going to pay the consequences. You believe that's how it's going to go, and that's fine. I don't. In fact I've come to see much of it as a lot of old arse. So you can talk about it all you want, but I no longer believe it. But that's sweet of you to try.
@@NorthWriter Been listening to him myself for years, agree with most, but not all off what he says. Just to clarify. I did not say you (in particular) will pay the consequences, I said (or attempted to say is:) that as a result of breaking God's law, "we-all" as human kind pay for it (all of us) in one way or another while on this planet. Just look around, plenty of empirical evidence, plus our own personal challenges and sometime downright horrors we face, individually, and collectively. In life all the suffering and pain we endure, wars, pandemics, all of it, is the result. Individuals attempt to escape, thru drugs, fame, liberal religions, alcohol (Alan was a major alcoholic, and it killed him at an early age) but in one way or another we suffer the consequences. No one goes from cradle to crypt (as Alan would say) smooth sailing all the way, no-one.There is a great deal of sorrow and suffering we experience along the way People wonder why this is, well, there is the answer. Gen.3-17 ...And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;.... Peace, blessings, and happiness to you. Just on a quest to try figure it all out.
Wonderful insight into one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century. Alan Watts has helped me immeasurably. And thank you Mark for doing what you do.
Beautiful talk. I admire Mark watts for the genuine demina he has. I find many of the folk that follow Alan are emotionally attached to him because of what he said, how he said it, and who he said it to. A true visionary who was ahead of his time.
09/07/2022: I have been a fan of Alan Watts since 1974. This program was informative & entertaining. It was interesting hearing Mark Watts discuss his father and his works. The Q&A at the end was enjoyable. Well Done! Thank you, ed
I picked up a copy of your dad's book, "Out of The Trap" about 25 years ago and have been listening to his lectures and reading his other books ever since...
Thanking Mark for helping to keep his father's legacy in the Light. Its impossible to describe how much I've gleaned from his work throughout the decades. My understanding of Christ, in particular, has been sustained. Paz y luz, everyone.
I heard Allen describe one of his spiritual experiences and... It was the Only description that matched my own. His gift to me. My spiritual story, for me, was an explosion of emotions and I wanted to have a life like that everyday. But I could feel it leaving sometimes, sounds, smells... No longer there. Why? I think I return to the 'vomit' - old ways and? I was ridiculed for saying anything.
His addiction to alcohol must've been an immense struggle, tho. I got sober decades ago in AA and my first sponsor was a student of Watts; I'm very grateful to them both for giving their Light so selflessly.
@@mortalclown3812 If you think there is some PERFECT line or path that life must tread, then you would have missed the whole point my friend. The reason being I am a hardcore stoner (pothead) and sometimes I feel there must be a "BEST" way to live life without smoking up 4 times a day everyday. But the wit of the whole thing is... if I were to lead a sober life, I would be ruing and ruminating that imagine if one could wind down and be less grumpy by smoking once in a while. This IDEA that there MUST be a PERFECT life or way of living ie eating healthy and greens, vegan meal, yoga, no vice, making money, dabbling in psychedelics occassionally for self-"improvement" is a MAN MADE notion and PRECISELY perpetuated by a society who doesn't get it at all. Does it mean a scum of the world like pedophile or obese person playing video games wasting away his life or a heroin addict... does it mean they are on the 'right' path as well? Well the thing with these examples is that they are extreme and far fetched. And this idea of 'right way of living' or 'wrong way of living' actually delays from liberation. As ultimately....there IS no right vs wrong.
At 6:20, he says that his father was born outside of London, in Wales. Wasn't he born in Chistlehurst, Kent? Its outside of London but certainly not in a different country.
As much as we appreciate Mark's stories, and Alan Watts' books and lectures; I had to stop listening after about an hour in. Mark idealises his father to the extent that he was I'm denial of his health and habits. I don't think of Alan as lesser, because he loved drinking and smoking cigars; however, it is obviousl that this was not simply enjoying alcohol. I think, if anything we should be honest about Alan's drinking problem instead of pretending. It's just so phony to say Alan Watts planned his death, when actually he had cardiomyopathy from heavy drinking. Again, not holding this against him in anyway. Before I knew he had a serious drinking problem and was a womanizer, I kinda had a feeling he was a rascal all along. You have to be a rascal to be so authentic and raw as Alan was. Yes, Alan Watts was a rascal, a womanizer, neglectful to his family. But he was also a wise, intelligent,generous and kind human being. And the best damn ad lib lecturer the world has ever seen!
As apposed to habits I get where you're going but neglect is a strong word. I know of people who neglected to make better life choices and suffer their consequences, people who have been neglected by families because of mental disorders and were forced to be homeless, people who have neglected their friends and convinced themselves that they were neglected. So, If you have as many kids as he did and traveled as much then neglect is the last thing you're likely to think about and regret may be in the time you wish you could spend. So, have some compassion with a touch of reason on that note however your honesty and sincerity is appreciated, and insightful. Also, if you want to truly understand what Mark was saying then I suggest Listening to what you did not finish.
I agree. Jung once said that alcoholics were lost mystics; this was in conversation with Bill W. It's tragic that AW never got past his alcoholism. To think it didn't play a huge part in his early demise does truth a disservice. And I still believe Watts was as brilliant, vital and loving force the world has known. Rest in peace.
Alan wasn't perfect much like the rest of us. I am newish to his works and speeches and such but I never got the impression that he was any less prone to the failings of being human. I mean that is a huge part of his issues with Christianity. "We are all the boss's son"
@@joelhenderson9393 The man enjoyed drinking. That some people think this somehow undercuts his basic message (or the peace and joy he has brought to millions) is completely nonsensical. Textbook example of their projection of their own shame onto him - something Watts never did in his writings or lectures - something far more problematic than an enjoyment of booze.
She lost me at "safely at home" implying to go outside or to meet during the pandemic would be unsafe. I have PTSD who two people who believe in the pandemic. I was struck by lightning and ever since any time I hear untruth I suffer my mychlonic contractions in my legs and my feet. Everything we were told about the pandemic covid-19 and vaccines is the equal and opposite of Truth. My intuitions are backed up by my life long immersion in nature biology and biotechnology as a biological research technician and junior scientist who has 60 years of experience in the field.
I agree. An illness is a condition -- It is not a thing by itself -- It is not something alive laying in wait to attack you -- It is a result of an insult or deficiency -- It is a process of elimination & evacuation -- It is not an invisible microscopic monster -- It is a physiological condition and it cannot be transferred to someone else -- Your health is personal, subjective, unique and cannot be caught by someone else.
Alan Watts has changed my life… He is still inspiring decades after his death. I’m just a young man from California born in 1987 and I would have never been able to experience him without RUclips.
I’m the same position.
Except I’m a young man from Leicester, United Kingdom who was born in 1997 😂
🙏🏻Same here, 1987 Slovakia
same, 1987 from Connecticut
1967-Milwaukee WI
I was born in 1952. After reading his "This Is It" in 1970 and coming down from an acid trip in 1971, the book's title traipsed through my brain 3 or 4 times, all of a sudden I saw that "I" and everything else were the same thing.
Few people reach through generations even after their passing and have the influence that your Father did. He passed a decade before I was even born but I listen to his lectures every day. He had an incredible mind.
True his talks are as fresh today as they were 50+ years ago
it’s really incredibly interesting to hear mark watt‘s extensive recollections about his father‘s life and work.
thanks bigtime for posting this!
1:37:19 This was me. At the beginning of the pandemic I turned away from Christianity after nearly 40 years, and embraced the esoteric path of seeking. I’ve only recently discovered Alan, but I’ve been consuming his lectures like crazy. I realize that he’s kind of a “starter pack” for spiritual philosophical thinking and exploring, but he’s helping me learn how to articulate these ideas. I’m SO incredibly happy now, more than I ever was as a Christian. Now I get to sample and pick and choose like the most wonderful buffet. I wouldn’t go back to the way things were for anything. As Alan said in “Jesus: His Religion” “I think a loving God would not do something to his children that would rot their brains. Because if we had an infallible guide we would never think for ourselves, and therefore our minds would become atrophied.”
"Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life..." Gen. 3. (read the whole chapter) When one breaks the law, spiritual or otherwise there are consequences. Many have attempted to circumvent the consequences, and no-one has succeeded. We all pay for it in one way or another, in our own sweet way. All the philosophies, the sweet talk, won't change a thing. Only repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as savior, no-one else.
@@fromthepeanutgallery1084 I have read the whole chapter. Perhaps you missed the part where I said I spent 40 years in the Church. I've had enough, thanks. What makes your faith more "real" than mine?
@@NorthWriter I read it all, carefully, before I responded. Faith as a believer, non believer, or that you still believe even having left the church, tired of church? Not sure what you mean by "faith more real" Perhaps I am wrong but could it mean leaving the teachings of Christ and following the teachings Alan Watts?
@@fromthepeanutgallery1084 Alan Watts is someone that I'm listening to. I'm not one of his disciples. He's got some good, wise, and thought-provoking things to consider, just as Jesus did. You believe God's law to be THE law, at least I'm guessing as much since you quoted it to me, and basically told me that by breaking or avoiding God's law I'm going to pay the consequences. You believe that's how it's going to go, and that's fine. I don't. In fact I've come to see much of it as a lot of old arse. So you can talk about it all you want, but I no longer believe it. But that's sweet of you to try.
@@NorthWriter Been listening to him myself for years, agree with most, but not all off what he says. Just to clarify. I did not say you (in particular) will pay the consequences, I said (or attempted to say is:) that as a result of breaking God's law, "we-all" as human kind pay for it (all of us) in one way or another while on this planet. Just look around, plenty of empirical evidence, plus our own personal challenges and sometime downright horrors we face, individually, and collectively.
In life all the suffering and pain we endure, wars, pandemics, all of it, is the result. Individuals attempt to escape, thru drugs, fame, liberal religions, alcohol (Alan was a major alcoholic, and it killed him at an early age) but in one way or another we suffer the consequences. No one goes from cradle to crypt (as Alan would say) smooth sailing all the way, no-one.There is a great deal of sorrow and suffering we experience along the way
People wonder why this is, well, there is the answer. Gen.3-17 ...And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;....
Peace, blessings, and happiness to you. Just on a quest to try figure it all out.
This has filled in so many blanks for me. Alan Watts was a treasure and his son seems to understand that and appreciate it as well.
Wonderful insight into one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century. Alan Watts has helped me immeasurably. And thank you Mark for doing what you do.
Alan Watts is my favorite pantheist philosopher. Thank you Mark for preserving his works. ❤
I met Mark at David Barr's house in Mill Valley, probably around 1975, and I remember thinking "what a beautiful young man".
Beautiful talk. I admire Mark watts for the genuine demina he has.
I find many of the folk that follow Alan are emotionally attached to him because of what he said, how he said it, and who he said it to.
A true visionary who was ahead of his time.
09/07/2022: I have been a fan of Alan Watts since 1974. This program was informative & entertaining. It was interesting hearing Mark Watts discuss his father and his works. The Q&A at the end was enjoyable. Well Done! Thank you, ed
Definitely has his eyes 👀 😊🙏🔥thanks mark!!!
Thank you from rural Australia, terrific video. Alan Watts inspires me everyday, fascinating mind.
I picked up a copy of your dad's book, "Out of The Trap" about 25 years ago and have been listening to his lectures and reading his other books ever since...
Thank You.
Thank you Mark for sharing your personal stories and insights, so special!
Thanking Mark for helping to keep his father's legacy in the Light. Its impossible to describe how much I've gleaned from his work throughout the decades. My understanding of Christ, in particular, has been sustained. Paz y luz, everyone.
This should be better known! Mark's father's positive influence was enormous , even on my own interest on Asia.
alan watts was , is and always will be, a legend.
Thank you very much I appreciate it
I heard Allen describe one of his spiritual experiences and... It was the Only description that matched my own. His gift to me. My spiritual story, for me, was an explosion of emotions and I wanted to have a life like that everyday. But I could feel it leaving sometimes, sounds, smells... No longer there. Why? I think I return to the 'vomit' - old ways and? I was ridiculed for saying anything.
Alan.
Alan was a realized being.
His addiction to alcohol must've been an immense struggle, tho. I got sober decades ago in AA and my first sponsor was a student of Watts; I'm very grateful to them both for giving their Light so selflessly.
@@mortalclown3812 Addiction to alcohol or addiction to escaping from this experience?
@@IamThatiAm420 Could've been both
@@mortalclown3812 If you think there is some PERFECT line or path that life must tread, then you would have missed the whole point my friend. The reason being I am a hardcore stoner (pothead) and sometimes I feel there must be a "BEST" way to live life without smoking up 4 times a day everyday. But the wit of the whole thing is... if I were to lead a sober life, I would be ruing and ruminating that imagine if one could wind down and be less grumpy by smoking once in a while.
This IDEA that there MUST be a PERFECT life or way of living ie eating healthy and greens, vegan meal, yoga, no vice, making money, dabbling in psychedelics occassionally for self-"improvement" is a MAN MADE notion and PRECISELY perpetuated by a society who doesn't get it at all.
Does it mean a scum of the world like pedophile or obese person playing video games wasting away his life or a heroin addict... does it mean they are on the 'right' path as well? Well the thing with these examples is that they are extreme and far fetched. And this idea of 'right way of living' or 'wrong way of living' actually delays from liberation.
As ultimately....there IS no right vs wrong.
At 6:20, he says that his father was born outside of London, in Wales. Wasn't he born in Chistlehurst, Kent? Its outside of London but certainly not in a different country.
He was born in Kent.
Thank you for this.
Hey, where are the pictures ?
the hawk story is really amazing. haha wow!
im 21
The story near the end about how Mark felt alan was in the car was intense
Around an hour and 32 minutes in.
Mark Watts' Father biologically was Carlton Gamer. His mother bore a child to Carlton while married to Alan.
I enjoy allan.
Alan.
Is Kent "in Wales"?
No
@@mortalclown3812 Then, why “Wales”?
The Eagle😊
As much as we appreciate Mark's stories, and Alan Watts' books and lectures; I had to stop listening after about an hour in. Mark idealises his father to the extent that he was I'm denial of his health and habits. I don't think of Alan as lesser, because he loved drinking and smoking cigars; however, it is obviousl that this was not simply enjoying alcohol. I think, if anything we should be honest about Alan's drinking problem instead of pretending. It's just so phony to say Alan Watts planned his death, when actually he had cardiomyopathy from heavy drinking. Again, not holding this against him in anyway. Before I knew he had a serious drinking problem and was a womanizer, I kinda had a feeling he was a rascal all along. You have to be a rascal to be so authentic and raw as Alan was. Yes, Alan Watts was a rascal, a womanizer, neglectful to his family. But he was also a wise, intelligent,generous and kind human being. And the best damn ad lib lecturer the world has ever seen!
As apposed to habits I get where you're going but neglect is a strong word. I know of people who neglected to make better life choices and suffer their consequences, people who have been neglected by families because of mental disorders and were forced to be homeless, people who have neglected their friends and convinced themselves that they were neglected. So, If you have as many kids as he did and traveled as much then neglect is the last thing you're likely to think about and regret may be in the time you wish you could spend. So, have some compassion with a touch of reason on that note however your honesty and sincerity is appreciated, and insightful. Also, if you want to truly understand what Mark was saying then I suggest Listening to what you did not finish.
I agree. Jung once said that alcoholics were lost mystics; this was in conversation with Bill W.
It's tragic that AW never got past his alcoholism. To think it didn't play a huge part in his early demise does truth a disservice. And I still believe Watts was as brilliant, vital and loving force the world has known. Rest in peace.
Alan wasn't perfect much like the rest of us. I am newish to his works and speeches and such but I never got the impression that he was any less prone to the failings of being human. I mean that is a huge part of his issues with Christianity. "We are all the boss's son"
Wow. Such judgement upon one's life. Like living longer is the measurement of what? Or whatever? He helped people deal.
@@joelhenderson9393 The man enjoyed drinking. That some people think this somehow undercuts his basic message (or the peace and joy he has brought to millions) is completely nonsensical. Textbook example of their projection of their own shame onto him - something Watts never did in his writings or lectures - something far more problematic than an enjoyment of booze.
She lost me at "safely at home" implying to go outside or to meet during the pandemic would be unsafe. I have PTSD who two people who believe in the pandemic. I was struck by lightning and ever since any time I hear untruth I suffer my mychlonic contractions in my legs and my feet. Everything we were told about the pandemic covid-19 and vaccines is the equal and opposite of Truth. My intuitions are backed up by my life long immersion in nature biology and biotechnology as a biological research technician and junior scientist who has 60 years of experience in the field.
I agree.
An illness is a condition --
It is not a thing by itself --
It is not something alive laying in wait to attack you --
It is a result of an insult or deficiency --
It is a process of elimination & evacuation --
It is not an invisible microscopic monster --
It is a physiological condition
and it cannot be transferred to someone else --
Your health is personal, subjective, unique and cannot be caught by someone else.
1:37:51 peekaboo 😊