Margins
Leave It Be book cover
Leave It Be
Alan Watts on the Art of Meditation
2020
First Published
4.34
Average Rating
300
Number of Pages

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.

Avg Rating
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Author

Alan W. Watts
Alan W. Watts
Author · 84 books
Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. Famous for his research on comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies for a Western audience. He wrote over 25 books and numerous articles on subjects such as personal identity, the true nature of reality, higher consciousness, the meaning of life, concepts and images of God and the non-material pursuit of happiness. In his books he relates his experience to scientific knowledge and to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy.
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