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  • Reality, Art and Illusion

  • Written by: Alan Watts
  • Narrated by: Alan Watts
  • Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (12 ratings)

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Reality, Art and Illusion

Written by: Alan Watts
Narrated by: Alan Watts
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Publisher's Summary

Alan Watts discusses the Indian philosophy of the world as maya - under its multiple meanings as illusion, art, magic, creative power, measure, etc. Various techniques in the arts are used to illustrate the delicate and vibrational character of the material world, and to suggest a new approach to the old philosophy that the universe is "mind" only.

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Great but incomplete

Amazing insight. Entertaining presentation by Watts. This “book” is an excerpted recording from what may have been retreat of sorts - perhaps a weekend course. As such it has been edited. It is also interrupted periodically by the “publisher” of this recording. So the production and conception of this presentation has some faults. But it is worth it for to hear some of what Alan Watts said.

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  • Jonathan
  • 2015-01-21

Amazing

I feel that Alan Watts has explained everything that has to do with anything else.

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8 people found this helpful

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  • David F.
  • 2021-03-19

Great Teacher

I love Alan watts presentment. However, I find it troubling in one part. Due to the era he comes from, he makes the disgusting statement "just like not all black men are n!!!!!rs, or not all China Men are c""nks," etc. He never says, "and not all white men are cra!!ers..." but because he said not ALL "this" are "that" it's not supposed to be racist.
Well... such is the way of human ignorance.
By the way, racism is not purely a white issue. Were I white in India I'd of stood a great chance of being pulled out of my house and burned to death in the middle of the night in recent times.
A certain Latino comedian is fond of saying everyone is racist, and that he hates white people.
Racism sucks. I love you all. Thank you.

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  • Lamar
  • 2016-01-27

Good Information

Some info here that is not in Essential Lectures.
A Few long pauses as usual, but also some volume issues in places. Very good perspectives though :-)

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  • sam
  • 2015-09-05

welcome to reality

loved it. life changing . one of the best lectures by alan watts. a must

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  • Jacob Ermete
  • 2020-07-06

One for revisiting and fast listen through

As someone who enjoys Eastern spirituality and art, I love the clairvoyance Watts brings to how art is an extension of the universe playing. I find myself revisiting this recording whenever I'm feeling creatively uninspired.

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  • Stephen Cafasso Jr
  • 2022-08-09

Only the best!!

The greatest zen lectures of recent times. If you have not given his lectures a chance you are missing out.

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  • JK
  • 2023-08-03

EXCELLENT

This is another set of lectures I finished by Alan Watts.
So much to learn in a very logical way and full of humor.
He’s is never dull or boring.
Needless to say that I highly recommend him.
I am looking forward to more lectures,
My thanks to all involved, JK.

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  • Tom
  • 2022-10-31

A disjointed intro to Watts

These bits and pieces drawn from Watts’ deep study of Eastern Religions and Culture don’t really provide much understanding of his Philosophy.

There are some gems included and it’s great to hear his delivery in his own voice. If you want to learn more read his books. Three Stars for his presentation. ***

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  • G. Parlee
  • 2022-09-27

good

Very good explanation of some of these concepts. Well worded. Enjoyed it thoroughly. I've only just started listening to Alan Watts and if all his work is like this I think it will be well worth the time to hear/read it.

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  • Mr Dangerous
  • 2022-08-31

Solid

Lotta good stuff here. Not my favorite of his, but if this is on sale - get it.

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