Alan Watts Being in the Way Ep. 26 – Relevance of Eastern Philosophy
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Nov 22, 2023 Alan Watts discusses the relevance of Eastern philosophy and the need to let go of preconceived notions of God. Topics include comparative religious studies, the absurdity of Christian imperialism, the difference between faith and belief, the political image of God in the West, Hindu mythology, self-discovery of supreme reality, and contemplative prayer. Watts emphasizes the importance of experience over theory or belief, and explores the concepts of maya, fixed notions of God, and Buddhist vows versus Western obedience.
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Agnosticism and Faith
- An 'atheism in the name of God' acknowledges unknowing (agnosia).
- Contemplative prayer involves letting go of God concepts, a supreme act of faith.
Church vs. Medicine
- Watts contrasts physicians, who want patients gone, with clergy, who need addicts.
- He told students not to attend church out of duty but only for genuine celebration.
Letting Go of God
- True faith is letting go, starting with letting go of fixed God images.
- This isn’t traditional atheism, which fervently denies God’s existence.