The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts

Watch The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts

  • 1972
  • 1 Season

The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts is a mesmerizing, thought-provoking show that features the legendary philosopher Alan Watts exploring various topics such as metaphysics, mindfulness, spirituality, and zen. Produced in 1972 by Vivendi Entertainment, the show remains as relevant and captivating today as it was nearly five decades ago.

The show comprises a series of lectures given by Alan Watts, each ranging from 30 to 60 minutes in length. Alan Watts, who passed away in 1973, was a philosopher, writer, and speaker who popularized Eastern philosophy and spirituality in the West. He was known for his ability to distill complex spiritual concepts into easily understandable ideas, and his lectures on the subject have become timeless classics.

Each episode of The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts is a masterclass in philosophy, spirituality, and self-awareness. Alan Watts speaks with a calm, confident voice that is both soothing and engaging, drawing viewers in with his wisdom and humor. He skillfully weaves together Eastern and Western philosophy, offering insights that are both deeply profound and immediately practical.

Among the many topics explored by Alan Watts in these lectures are the nature of consciousness, the illusion of the ego, the interconnectedness of all things, the virtues of mindfulness, the paradoxes of Zen Buddhism, and the importance of living in the present moment. He offers keen observations on the human experience, and encourages viewers to question their assumptions and look deeply within themselves for answers.

One of the notable features of The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts is the way in which Alan Watts effortlessly blends philosophy with poetry, storytelling, and humor. He uses metaphors and anecdotes to drive home his points, and his playfulness and wit make his lectures engaging and entertaining as well as enriching. Whether expounding on the nature of the universe or sharing a humorous anecdote, Alan Watts is always engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts is a show that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching. It will challenge viewers to question their assumptions about reality, to think deeply about their place in the world, and to cultivate inner peace and mindfulness. Alan Watts was a master at conveying complex ideas in a way that was accessible and relatable, and his lectures are as compelling today as they were when he first delivered them.

In summary, The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts is a mesmerizing, thought-provoking show that features the legendary philosopher Alan Watts exploring topics such as metaphysics, mindfulness, spirituality, and zen. Through his lectures, Alan Watts skillfully weaves together Eastern and Western philosophy, offering insights that are both deeply profound and immediately practical. His use of poetry, storytelling, and humor make his lectures engaging and entertaining as well as enriching. Overall, this show is a must-watch for anyone interested in philosophy, spirituality, and self-awareness.

The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on December 31, 1972.

The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts
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Seasons
Conversation With Myself
12. Conversation With Myself
December 31, 1971
While walking in a field above Muir Woods, Alan Watts points to humankind's attempts to straighten out a wiggly world as the root of our ecological crisis.
Do You Smell?
11. Do You Smell?
December 31, 1972
Alan Watts speaks about our most repressed sense. Here he introduces viewers to the intricacies of incense in front of a small Buddhist altar, while commenting on the types of incense used in Church rituals and all across Asia.
Clothing
10. Clothing
December 31, 1972
After talking about growing up near London, Alan Watts demonstrates a variety of cultural garb and points out how each influences the way we live and feel. His choices of attire include a western business suit and a kimono.
The More It Changes
9. The More It Changes
 
Alan Watts speaks on our fascination with reproduction through media, and on the far out notion that human beings may just be one star's way of becoming another star!
Death
8. Death
 
Alan Walks comments on the circle of life and our response to the surprising event of being born in the first place.
Work & Play
7. Work & Play
December 31, 1972
Alan Watts swirls an orange on a string and shoots an arrow high into the air before explaining why the art of living is being paid to play - and to the extent that we feel compelled to work and survive, life becomes a drag.
Time
6. Time
December 31, 1972
Alan Watts points out that our insistence that the past determines the present is nonsensical.
Cosmic Drama
5. Cosmic Drama
December 31, 1972
Alan Watts further explores the Hindu dramatic view of the universe, in which God plays all of the parts - all the while pretending not to know who he/she/it is!
God
4. God
July 15, 2013
To many of us the image of God as a gray-bearded omnipotent and omnipresent supreme being has become implausible, yet the common sense notions of divine authority surrounding that image persist.
Meditation
3. Meditation
December 31, 1972
As Alan Watts explains, "A person who thinks all the time has nothing to think about except thoughts and loses touch with reality." He covers basic mediation techniques, including listening without naming and mantras or sonic meditations.
Ego
2. Ego
December 31, 1972
Alan Watts was concerned with the way we trap ourselves in words. He considered it unfortunate that we separate the "I" from reality and think of "I" in terms of how others see us or the image that we want to project. What is the answer?
Nothingness
1. Nothingness
December 31, 1972
Basing his ideas on sensory perception and physical experience, Alan Watts makes a compelling argument that everything actually depends upon nothing for its very existence.
Description
Where to Watch The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts
The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts is available for streaming on the Vivendi Entertainment website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hoopla and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    December 31, 1972