Alan Watts: Part 6: This Is It: And Other Essays on Zen and Spiritual Experience by Alan Watts (6 Of 7)
Published in 1960, "This Is It" is a collection of essays that explore Zen philosophy, mystical experiences, and the nature of consciousness. Alan Watts offers profound insights into the human condition and the quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Core Themes and Key Insights
1. The Immediacy of Experience
Watts emphasizes the importance of fully embracing the present moment, arguing that true enlightenment is not a distant goal but an immediate reality.
"This is IT. This is the whole point of existence. We are forever seeking something else, but this is it."
2. The Illusion of Separateness
A central theme is the realization that the sense of a separate self is an illusion. Watts argues that we are inseparable from the universe.
"You are a function of what the whole universe is doing in the same way that a wave is a function of what the whole ocean is doing."
3. Cosmic Consciousness
Watts explores the concept of cosmic consciousness, where one experiences a profound sense of unity with all existence.
4. The Limitations of Language
The book highlights how language and conceptual thinking can limit our understanding of reality and spiritual experiences.
"Words can be communicative only between those who share similar experiences."
5. The Dance of Life
Watts presents life as a playful dance rather than a journey with a specific destination, encouraging readers to enjoy the process of living.
Actionable Life Lessons
1. Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate present-moment awareness in daily activities.
2. Embrace Interconnectedness: Recognize your fundamental unity with the universe.
3. Let Go of Ego: Practice seeing beyond the illusion of a separate self.
4. Cultivate Spontaneity: Allow life to unfold naturally without excessive control.
5. Explore Non-Verbal Awareness: Engage in practices that transcend language and conceptual thinking.
Mnemonic Device: DANCE
D - Dwell in the present moment
A - Accept interconnectedness
N - Negate the illusion of separateness
C - Cultivate cosmic consciousness
E - Embrace life's playfulness
Historical Context
Watts wrote this book during the late 1950s, a period of growing Western interest in Eastern philosophies. His work bridged Zen Buddhism and other Eastern concepts with Western thought, contributing to the counterculture movement of the 1960s and beyond.
Practical Applications
1. Meditation Practice: Engage in daily meditation to cultivate present-moment awareness.
2. Nature Immersion: Spend time in nature to experience interconnectedness directly.
3. Mindful Communication: Practice listening and speaking with full attention, recognizing the limitations of language.
4. Spontaneous Play: Engage in unstructured, playful activities to cultivate spontaneity.
5. Self-Inquiry: Regularly question your assumptions about identity and reality.
Conclusion
"This Is It" offers a profound exploration of spiritual experience and the nature of reality. Watts challenges readers to look beyond conventional thinking and experience life directly. By embracing the immediacy of experience, recognizing our interconnectedness, and transcending the limitations of language and ego, we can discover a more joyous and authentic way of being.
As the Zen master Dogen said, echoing Watts' philosophy: "If you are unable to find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?" This book encourages us to recognize that enlightenment is not a distant goal but an ever-present reality waiting to be realized in each moment.
Read other related similar content of the 7 Part series
Alan Watts: A 7-Part Series on His Life and Works (1 Of 7)
Alan Watts:Part 2: The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are Prompt (2 Of 7)
Alan Watts: Part 3:The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety (3 Of 7)
Alan Watts: Part 5: The Joyous Cosmology: Adventures in the Chemistry of Consciousness (5 Of 7)
:https://deepakhenx1176ttst.substack.com/p/alan-watts-part-5-the-joyous-cosmology?r=1t66z
Alan Watts: Part 6: This Is It: And Other Essays on Zen and Spiritual Experience by Alan Watts (6 Of 7)
:https://deepakhenx1176ttst.substack.com/p/alan-watts-part-6-this-is-it-and?r=1t66z
Alan Watts: Part 7: Part 7: Philosophical, Practical Wisdom,Key Insights and Actionable Conclusions(7 Of 7) : https://deepakhenx1176ttst.substack.com/p/alan-watts-part-6-this-is-it-and-43f?r=1t66z