Go Out of Your Mind Once a Day — Alan Watts on Meditation

The Art of Meditation and Reality 00:01

"The art of meditation is a way of getting in touch with reality."

• Meditation serves as a bridge to connect individuals with the genuine reality of existence, contrasting the superficial understanding often shaped by societal symbols and linguistic constructs.

• Many civilized individuals lose touch with reality, mistaking their mental symbols and narratives about the world for authentic experiences.

• This discrepancy arises because humans often conflate the real world with their thoughts and descriptions about it, leading to a distorted perception of life.

• The challenge lies in recognizing the profound difference between our conceptualization of the world and the world as it truly is, which meditation helps reveal.

Understanding Reality and Concepts 01:19

"Reality itself is not a concept."

• Philosophically, reality can be difficult to define, as it often gets entangled with various concepts, whether they pertain to the physical or spiritual realms.

• The idea that reality can be labeled or boxed into concepts distracts from experiencing it directly; this notion implies realness cannot be fully encompassed by language.

• The real world is not characterized by discrete objects or events; instead, it represents a dynamic system of perceptions and experiences.

• Just as constellations in the sky are merely groups of stars formed in our minds, our idea of self, distinct from the universe, stems from conceptualization rather than existential truth.

The Role of Meditation in Perception 03:28

"Meditation is the way in which we come to feel our basic inseparability from the whole universe."

• Engaging in meditation allows individuals to experience a fundamental connection with the universe, dissolving the fabricated boundaries of self.

• A crucial aspect of effective meditation is achieving mental silence, which involves quieting the incessant inner dialogue that distracts from present reality.

• The incessant internal chatter, often seen as normal, prevents awareness of the world around us, which can lead to life existing solely within the realm of symbols rather than in authentic experience.

Meditation Without a Purpose 04:51

"Meditation doesn't have a reason or a purpose."

• Unlike many activities with clear objectives, meditation exists not to achieve something in the future but rather to enhance one's engagement with the present moment.

• The essence of meditation parallels arts like music and dance—there is no endpoint to reach; the experience itself is the goal.

• Approaching meditation with an ulterior motive undermines its purpose because the future is merely a conceptual construct that does not genuinely exist.

• True meditation cultivates an appreciation for the "eternal now," where the focus is on the present moment instead of future aspirations.

The Enjoyable Nature of Meditation 07:12

"Meditation is supposed to be fun."

• Meditation should be experienced as a joyful practice rather than a burdensome duty, contrasting with traditional conceptions of religion that sometimes frame spiritual practices as strict obligations.

• This enjoyable aspect fosters a deeper engagement with the present, enabling a deeper understanding of life's essence as residing firmly in the here and now.

• Emphasizing the pleasurable nature of meditation serves to attract individuals to its practice as a natural exploration of consciousness.

Props and Practices in Meditation 08:08

"We are going to use pure sound as a means of stilling chatter in the mind."

• Incorporating elements like sound can be beneficial in meditation, and a variety of tools are suggested, such as gongs or chanting, to aid in achieving tranquility.

• The use of incense can enhance the meditative atmosphere, as specific scents can evoke certain mental states conducive to peace and contemplation.

• Beads can serve a dual purpose; they offer a method for timing meditation sessions naturally without needing to watch the clock, allowing for prolonged focus.

• The way one sits during meditation significantly affects the experience; maintaining a comfortable yet erect posture is essential for physical stability and mental clarity.

Initiating the Meditative State 11:28

"The easiest way to get into the meditative state is to begin by listening."

• A practical approach to entering meditation is to simply close one's eyes and focus on the ambient sounds, experiencing them without labeling or judgment.

• By observing sounds purely as they are, without identifying or categorizing them, individuals can cultivate a clearer presence.

• Acknowledging that thoughts are similar to sounds in the environment allows meditation practitioners to engage with their thoughts without feeling overwhelmed or distracted by them.

The Interconnection of Inner and Outer Experiences 14:26

Your thoughts are a happening just like the sounds going on outside; everything is simply a happening, and all you're doing is watching it.

• Alan Watts explains that the division between the outside world and our inner thoughts is an illusion, as both are part of a singular experience. By observing this connection, we begin to recognize that our thoughts and the sounds around us are equally part of our existence.

• As we engage in meditation, we acknowledge our breath as an essential aspect of this experience, suggesting that we should let our breath occur naturally instead of controlling it through exercises.

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Breathing 14:59

The curious thing about breath is that it can be looked at both as a voluntary and an involuntary action.

• Watts points out the unique nature of breathing, allowing insight into the often arbitrary distinctions we make between what we actively do and what happens to us. It serves as a gateway to understanding our experiences as a unified flow, where the lines between action and perception blur.

• This reflection on breathing becomes a significant part of meditation practice, as it cultivates an awareness of both the voluntary and involuntary aspects of our experience, leading to a more profound state of consciousness.

Relaxation Through Breath 18:33

Without making any effort, you can breathe more and more deeply.

• By allowing our breath to happen naturally, we may discover that it becomes deeper and more relaxed over time. This relaxed state, akin to settling into a comfortable bed, allows us to release tension both physically and mentally.

• The process of exhaling and allowing the breath to return should be effortless, emphasizing the importance of fully letting go and trusting the natural rhythm of the body as we meditate.

The Importance of Awareness in Meditation 20:00

Just be entirely content to be aware of what is.

• Emphasizing surrender to the present moment, Watts advises against the tendency to rush or be overly critical of our meditation progress. Simply observing whatever arises in our consciousness without judgment can deepen our meditative experience.

• Stripping away the verbal thought processes allows for a clearer space to just be, facilitating a connection to the foundational sensations and affirming the natural occurrence of thoughts and feelings.

Use of Sound in Meditation 21:23

Listening to the gong and letting that sound be the whole of your experience is quite simple and requires no effort.

• In aiding the meditation practice, Watts suggests utilizing sound, such as a gong or mantras, to help clear the mind from discursive thinking. This creates a more profound focus and allows participants to become absorbed in the present moment.

• Mantras, like the sound "Om," serve as tools for anchoring the mind in sound rather than conceptual thought, facilitating a connection to the total energy of existence.

Experiencing the Eternal Now 24:49

By going out of your mind, you come to your senses.

• Watts emphasizes that disconnecting from rigid, over-rational thinking allows us to experience life in a more fluid and dynamic manner. This liberation from a purely mental state helps us appreciate the unity of existence, removing the distinctions between ourselves and the world around us.

• By incorporating rhythmic chants or sounds, practitioners can immerse themselves in a state where the concept of past and future dissolves, allowing for an enriched awareness of the present experience.