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Leave It Be
- Alan Watts on the Art of Meditation
- Narrated by: Alan Watts
- Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
- Speech
- Categories: Health & Wellness, Alternative & Complementary Medicine
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Summary
The legendary author, speaker, and self-described "philosophical entertainer" Alan Watts delights us on audio with a wealth of illuminations into the spirit and art of meditation, spanning many traditions
"What would it be like to see all as one?" Alan Watts asks. "We hear about attaining great states of consciousness. But the only way to have a real transformation is to stop thinking about it - and simply experience it."
From the 1950s to the 1970s, this seminal teacher sparked the West's love for Eastern wisdom. Now, in these rare recorded gems, he inspires a new generation of inner explorers seeking deeper insights into meditation - its myriad forms, how they work, and what happens when we practice them.
On the "artless art" of contemplative practice, Watts explores Buddhist and yogic paths, Zen koans, Hindu mantra chanting, deep listening, effortless awareness, and more.
The key to all meditation, reflects Watts, is to give up trying to do it - to leave it be - and allow ourselves to be meditated by what is beyond our illusory self.
For those looking for teachings seldom explored in the current tide of books on mindfulness, Buddhism, and yoga, Watts is here to enthrall us - as original, humorous, and relevant today as ever.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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What listeners say about Leave It Be
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- John Davis
- 19-01-20
A gem
About 2 thirds of this book are already available in other audio books by Alan Watts, but the 1 third that’s available for the first time is worth its weight in gold.
9 people found this helpful
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- Davie
- 25-01-20
Beware - there are repeats
I love Alan Watts and have all of his talks, but a lot of them are just repeats. whoever published these, please check before publishing. major let down.
5 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 07-04-20
Uncle Alan takes you for a walk.
How these lectures are compiled and produced compliments the wisdom held within.
I have been trying to live by the Tao for a couple of years now and these lectures helped me understand more. I hope others enjoy them as I have.
many thanks.
2 people found this helpful
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- Anna in Cliviger
- 20-01-22
Lovely voice and fascinating subject
Alan talked about things I've been curious about for years. All delivered with a wonderful sense of humour.
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- Anonymous User
- 09-01-22
The Best
Alan Watts: What an incredible philosopher. Such an impressive voice. It must have been incredible to listen to him speak and impart his wisdom decades ago.
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- John Sharpe
- 15-08-20
Some beautiful concepts and perspectives..
Very good. The Dao, the energy that drives nature and the concept of wu wei; effortless action are beautiful to contemplate, Many of the anecdotes and perspectives shared by Alan Watts in this collection will have a lasting effect on the listener.
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- Kevin Reade
- 28-07-20
We are fortunate to have Alan Watts
Alan is effortless in his delivery which rings true to the title!
Great message and openedy eyes to Zen
Only reason not a perfect 5 🌟 is because the lectures chop and change a small bit so it is slightly confusing to follow at times. Don't let that deter you from getting the book however! You will not regret it
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- Anonymous User
- 22-04-20
great philosophy
Was a bit simpler to his other book but still contained a lot of useful information and I like the guided meditation at the end
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- vin72
- 30-01-20
This is the same book as “you’re it”
This book is exactly the same as “you’re it”.
Literally somebody took the same audio and slapped a different name on the book.
49 people found this helpful
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- Dom
- 17-01-20
Nice Collection of Talks
In my opinion, you can never have too many Alan Watts audio books in your collection.
4 people found this helpful
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- Andrew
- 12-01-20
Not specific to meditation
Just another collection of Alan Watts lectures. Not specific to meditation.
This was a disappointing purchase. I like Alan Watts and the lectures are interesting. However, this is not guide to starting or furthering a meditation practice. I was mislead by the chapter titles. They arbitrary to sell the book and not a representation of what topic is covered in the lecture for that chapter.
If you want a collection of lectures to further your curiosity into various areas Eastern philosophy, this is a good resource. But, that is not the topic that was represented by the seller.
7 people found this helpful
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- HouseDrummer
- 07-05-20
Best Watts Book
Best overview of Eastern religion-based philosophies, possibly ever! Listened to each chapter several times to glean the big picture presented here. I own and have read and heard most of Watts' material for decades and this book actually made me want to go back and revisit them all. Well done.
1 person found this helpful
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- M3dicjay
- 19-04-20
This audio book comes with a PDF!!!
Alan Watts is great!! But, This book has a PDF that comes with it. Whoever publishes these books. PLEASE!! add PDF's to "Out of your mind" That is a lot of audio that isn't labeled. Other than that. I think everybody needs to listen to Watts.
1 person found this helpful
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- Scottie
- 25-03-22
Alan Watts is a great
I loved it. I highly recommend it. Alan Watts is one of my favorites of all time.
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- Alex Arrington
- 12-12-21
Phenomenal
So eye opening, and clearly explained. It is not a guide to meditation though.
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- Marc Wilhelm
- 11-08-21
Alan Watts and his genius are concentrated here
I started with “You’re It” and then “Out of Your Mind” and they are amazing and wonderful. I do not know if they primed me for “Leave It Be” but I almost feel like “Leave It Be” has all the best lessons, applicable Eastern teachings and information for a Westerner encapsulated and organized in a marvelous way. If I could only recommend one of these three, or have only one I could take onto a desert island, it would be “Leave It Be.”
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- Brian Christian
- 24-02-21
Essential listening.
Alan Watts is an inspiration. We would do well to listen to his perspectives and slow down a touch.
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- VT Foodie
- 02-12-20
Leave It Be is IT!
Leave It Be is the perfect compilation of Watts’ wisdom into the essence of the Spirit behind all religion. His gift of understanding is just immense, as is his ability to communicate. This recording (actually from several recordings) is a treasure. If you listened to only one, this is it.