The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts
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The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts

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The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts video series was recorded in 1971 above Muir Woods, California, and in 1972 aboard the ferryboat the SS Vallejo in Sausalito. Produced by his son Mark and directed by long-time archivist Henry Jacobs, the series explores core philosophical themes that spawned over Watts' career.
IMDb 9.3/101972
FitnessSmartInspiring
FitnessSmartInspiring
IMDb 9.3/101972
13+
Season 1
11 episodes
  • 1. Nothingness

    1. Nothingness

    Alan Watts argues that everything relies on nothing for its existence, challenging the notion that you can't get something for nothing.
    Alan Watts argues that everything relies on nothing for its existence, challenging the notion that you can't get something for nothing.
    ALL
    28min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 2. Ego

    2. Ego

    Alan Watts challenges us to escape the confines of the “I” and realize we are more than the words we use to define ourselves.
    Alan Watts challenges us to escape the confines of the “I” and realize we are more than the words we use to define ourselves.
    ALL
    30min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 3. Meditation

    3. Meditation

    Alan Watts discusses meditation techniques like listening without naming and mantras, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in reality.
    Alan Watts discusses meditation techniques like listening without naming and mantras, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in reality.
    ALL
    30min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 4. God

    4. God

    Alan Watts challenges the traditional gray-bearded image of God, exploring its Near Eastern roots and contrasting it with Eastern divine concepts.
    Alan Watts challenges the traditional gray-bearded image of God, exploring its Near Eastern roots and contrasting it with Eastern divine concepts.
    ALL
    29min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 5. Cosmic Drama

    5. Cosmic Drama

    Alan Watts delves into the Hindu perspective of the universe, where God plays every role while feigning ignorance of their identity.
    Alan Watts delves into the Hindu perspective of the universe, where God plays every role while feigning ignorance of their identity.
    13+
    29min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 6. Time

    6. Time

    Alan Watts challenges our perception of time, arguing that the past doesn't dictate the present like a wake doesn't steer a ship.
    Alan Watts challenges our perception of time, arguing that the past doesn't dictate the present like a wake doesn't steer a ship.
    ALL
    21min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 8. Death

    8. Death

    Alan Watts discusses life as a circular event, emphasizing our reaction to the surprise of being born.
    Alan Watts discusses life as a circular event, emphasizing our reaction to the surprise of being born.
    ALL
    30min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 9. The More It Changes

    9. The More It Changes

    Alan Watts discusses our obsession with reproduction in media and the idea that humans are a star's way of becoming another star.
    Alan Watts discusses our obsession with reproduction in media and the idea that humans are a star's way of becoming another star.
    ALL
    29min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 10. Clothing

    10. Clothing

    Alan Watts discusses how cultural attire, from suits to kimonos, shapes our lives and perceptions, critiquing conformity in fashion.
    Alan Watts discusses how cultural attire, from suits to kimonos, shapes our lives and perceptions, critiquing conformity in fashion.
    ALL
    29min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 11. Do You Smell?

    11. Do You Smell?

    Alan Watts discusses our repressed sense, exploring the role of incense in Buddhist rituals and its significance in various cultures.
    Alan Watts discusses our repressed sense, exploring the role of incense in Buddhist rituals and its significance in various cultures.
    ALL
    29min
    Dec 31, 1971
  • 12. Conversation With Myself

    12. Conversation With Myself

    Alan Watts discusses humanity's struggle with nature and warns of ecological crises from our attempts to control the environment.
    Alan Watts discusses humanity's struggle with nature and warns of ecological crises from our attempts to control the environment.
    ALL
    28min
    Dec 31, 1970
  • The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts
    FitnessSmartInspiring
    IMDb 9.3/101972
    The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts video series was recorded in 1971 above Muir Woods, California, and in 1972 aboard the ferryboat the SS Vallejo in Sausalito. Produced by his son Mark and directed by long-time archivist Henry Jacobs, the series explores core philosophical themes that spawned over Watts' career.
    Creators and Cast
    Producers
    Mark Watts
    Content advisory
    13+
    violenceFlashing lights and strobing patterns might affect photosensitive viewers
    Audio languages
    English
    Subtitles
    English [CC]
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