Alan Watts | Unlocking the Mysteries of the Self

In this enlightening lecture, the renowned philosopher Alan Watts explores the complexities of human existence, the nature of self, and the philosophical perspectives of Eastern philosophies like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Daoism. He delves into the universal feeling of alienation, the struggle of human consciousness, and how these philosophies propose to resolve the eternal conflict within us.
Key Topics Covered:
Understanding Self and Consciousness: Watts discusses the enigmatic nature of the self, likening it to a "blind spot" that cannot be directly perceived. He delves into how we associate with our egos and the misconceptions that arise from this identification.
Feeling of Alienation: The sensation of feeling like a stranger in the universe is unpacked, highlighting how it stems from our perception of reality and the confrontation with existential fears.
Critique of Modern Living: A critical eye is cast on Western culture’s obsession with constant activity and noise, pointing out how it distracts us from truly understanding ourselves.
Philosophical Insights from Eastern Traditions: Drawing from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Daoism, Watts illustrates how these traditions aim to transform our consciousness and alter the perception of our relationship with the world.
Role of Language and Symbols: The lecture explores how our reliance on language and symbols can lead to a fragmented view of reality, distancing us from a holistic experience of life.
Illusion of Separation: Watts challenges the notion of individuality, suggesting a oneness with the universe that is obscured by cultural and linguistic constructs.
Share your thoughts in the comments below about your own experiences with self-awareness and consciousness.
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Explore how these insights can impact your perception of reality and consider the profound implications of understanding the self and universe as interconnected parts of a single, seamless process. Can we truly change our consciousness? Dive in and discover with Alan Watts.

[@rentalsnake6542]

No music, thank god.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

You are an amalgam of everything you've ever heard, seen, read, learned, believed, and felt. "You" aren't really you alone at all. You're a composition of complex influences, some of which aren't based in reality, and others which certainly are.
🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨
"Before I start, I must see my end. Destination known, my mind’s journey now begins. Upon my chariot, heart and soul’s fate revealed. In time, all points converge, hope’s strength resteeled. But to earn final peace at the universe’s endless refrain, we must see all in nothingness... before we start again."
🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨
--Diamond Dragons (series)

[@interstellarlua]

In What year was this recoding or lecture made?

[@ArtofZentrification]

It would have been sometime in the 1960's. Watts spoke a lot so origin of recordings are not always documented well.

[@paulangell786]

1955¿ ? Or so

[@orlandocuadra2125]

Yes/No

[@Backfromthestorm]

It's real

[@malikaikinn1153]

The volume is too low