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Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life

Collected Talks: 1960-1969

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About this listen

Alan Watts introduced millions of Western listeners to Zen and other Eastern philosophies, but he’s also recognized as a brilliant commentator on Judeo-Christian traditions as well as a celebrity philosopher who exemplified the ideas — and lifestyle — of the 1960s counterculture. In this compilation of controversial lectures, delivered at American universities throughout the decade, Watts challenges listeners to reevaluate Western culture’s most hallowed constructs. Watts treads familiar ground, interpreting Eastern traditions, and also covers new territory, exploring the counterculture’s basis in the ancient tribal and shamanic cultures of Asia, Siberia, and the Americas.

In the process, he addresses some of the era’s most important questions: What is the nature of reality? And how does an individual’s relationship to society affect this reality? Filled with his playful, provocative style, the talks show the remarkable scope of a philosopher in his prime, exploring and defining the '60s counterculture as only Alan Watts could.

©2021 Alan W. Watts (P)2021 Alan W. Watts Buddhism Eastern Personal Development Philosophy Funny Tradition Eastern Philosophy Eastern Wisdom
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As ever Alan Watts' talks are superb, some of the most clear, lucid and profound words I've ever heard from another human being. I can't recommend these talks enough.

BUT...it seems some people have come to think you can't listen to Alan Watts or anyone speaking of the mystical or spiritual without mixed-in background music of the most inane kind, either tinkly piano or ambient chill vibes. I'm pretty sure Alan Watts himself would have described this as 'guilding the lily', simply trying too hard to force or embellish something that needs no embellishment!

There is some superb music by Jonathan Goldman used in one of the sections where AW offers a guided meditation; perfect. But most of the rest of this production has music needlessly stripped in behind, mostly giving the impression of someone practicing the piano next door...enough already of the tinkly piano music, please!!

Do he REALLY need the inane background music?

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I just like the play on how he seas the world. it helps put thing in perspective where you don't feel controlled to achieve it.

It gives me comfort, where everything else fails

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