Conclusion Whether this is the first story you read here or you’ve been reading for a while, let these incredible writers inspire you. You are your "what". You can support the maker here . His personality does shine through here but I would stick to his speeches if able. . I really enjoyed this book a lot although not the best Watts. I highly recommend it. For the present moment is infinitely small; before we can measure it, it has gone, and yet it exists forever…. I really enjoyed the pure light that comes from Alan Watt's (watt. Too often are our minds occupied on events that happened in the past, or on trying to forecast events in the future. I don’t: he reminds me too much of that too-clever Debate Club bully who twists fancy words and esoteric quotations until you’re too dizzy to follow. So follow the simple, yet significant wonders of your heart. Most accurately it is not philosophy, religion, or mythology. I give it a four because even though I can hardly say I have "understood" or "realised" Zen, I gained previously unobserved perspective. For the present moment is infinitely small; before we can measure it, it has gone, and yet it persists forever.”, I really enjoyed this book a lot although not the best Watts. I’ll be looking into more Watts after this book. Seeing our homeboundness as a lockdown is limiting in its positivity. What a great gift this man was to the world, in both his genius and his humanity. You may believe yourself out of harmony with life and its eternal Now; but you cannot be, for you are life and exist Now. mabye if you read the book you'll get what I am talking about. But in any case Alan Watts clearly had a good knowledge of the various traditions and writes about them clearly and well. I guess most of the writing offers insight into living a more meaningful life. Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. The whole of our Christian life is learning to become — by God’s Spirit — what we already are in Christ. In this collection of writings, Alan Watts displays the intelligence, playfulness of thought, and simplicity of language that has made him so perennially popular as an interpreter of Eastern thought for Westerners. This book's review can't be written. Then published those thoughts in this book. Even though some essays will say a lot of the same things i feel that each did. However, most of the chapters try to dig down into the zen practices - by relating to events, stories, so on and so forth. Famous for his research on comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies for a Western audience. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. You may believe yourself out of harmony with life and its eternal Now; but you cannot be, for you are life and exist Now.”–from, "Life exists only at this very moment, and in this moment it is infinite and eternal. Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2018. Can someone explain what Alan Watts is trying to say in the chapter titled 'Good Intentions'? Like most philosophers this book falls into the trap of contradicting itself confusing the reader and making little sense when closely read. 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. this book greatly influenced me and sent me deep into reading more alan watts. More in control of my experience. March 11th 2003 It feels somewhat unfair to rate a book which talks about and describes something which by definition is inexplicable. Reframing the way we are told to see things. Welcome back. “The Church is the only organisation that does not exist for itself, but for those who live outside it” – famous words from sometime Archbishop of … couldn't help but make a cheap pun) translations. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. It is. . As a big fan of Alan Watts' works, I found this book to be a bit of a mixed bag. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. The book is basically just a short collection of essays about becoming what you are collected from mostly magazines. Perhaps I'm thick...or perhaps this is just incomprehensible nonesense, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 6, 2020. If you are interested in expanding your mind and becoming the person you are at a deeper level, then this is a must read. You may believe yourself out of harmony with life and its eternal Now; but you cannot be, for you are life and exist Now."—from. I began this book outside of 'lockdown' and I have finished within it. T he story of Jesus feeding the crowds is told more often than any other story in the four Gospels. There are only two possibilities. Even though some essays will say a lot of the same things i feel that each did have something to offer that would elaborate on those points to still make the essays worth reading. About Become What You Are Renowned lecturer and author Alan Watts presents his meditations on the dilemma of seeking your true self. The title is the essence of this book, might point to another domino piece in the self-help genre but I can assure you that this text which was first published in 1955 holds the same amount of value and wisdom today as it did back then. To see what your friends thought of this book, What he means is it's very easy to lose yourself to a false image you create in your head of a "good and perfect person". Additionally, as I have felt compelled to say in the past when reviewing some books on Eastern philosophy, the nature of Alan Watts' book doesn't suit categorization. Refresh and try again. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. The essay about the finger and the moon would be a great read for anyone wanting an adequate explanation on how to approach religion in daily life, and how some use it as a crutch almost...beautiful metaphors, and later on, it does get a little dry when he discusses all the sects of Buddhism (very informative, nevertheless). Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2017. Believer, you died and the new you is alive, and you are God’s. Even if getting a bit gushy from time to time, Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2019. However, a bit of familiarity only embraces curiosity. It was interesting to read Watts 18 years later. His grasp of the essence of practice as it has at least presented to me, is both incisive and insightful and he is always able to express the most abstract idea in a way that anyone can grasp. Alan Watts was an interesting man. Become What You Are. Your "what" are four elements that create the person that exists today. Choose your … Become what you receive. 9 little stories/essays about Tao and Zen and all that Watts stuff. I don't think I am thick....but, honestly, I'll read a chapter 4 or 5 times and I still don't have a f****ing clue what I've just read. For the present moment is infinitely small; before we can measure it, it has gone, and yet it exists forever. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. “What is most important to know” is what Amazon asks me to write here. Alan Watts writes with such clarity. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! It's a short book, but very dense. I think anything written by Watts is worth reading, but this collection of early essays (some from the 1930s) is hit or miss. . "Life exists only at this very moment, and in this moment it is infinite and eternal. The album includes the hit singles "My Sister" and "Spin the Bottle". What you think, you become,” Buddha taught. "-from "Become What You Are, Alan Watts (1915–1973) was a renowned lecturer and the author of nearly thirty books, including. Most accurately it is not philosophy, religion, or mythology. 9.5. The mind and body exist in a world in motion, and there is no stopping this. “Become who you are” is paradoxical in the sense that you already are who you are, and so there would seem to be no need to change. Reframing the way we are told to see things. Would still recommend this for those who are curious with Eastern philosophy. What he means is it's very easy to lose yourself to a false image you create in your head of a "good and perfect person". Whatever else I may have found to absorb during my now several years of practice I am both glad and grateful that I found Alan Watts, the self proclaimed "spiritual entertainer". good luck ya'll. We Become What We Behold is a silly 5-minute game created by Nicky Case. Shambhala; Expanded ed. Mercy on us!” When Jesus got home, the blind men went in with him. Please try again. I am gradually working my way through everything he has written that I can lay my hands on; he always, with out any seeming effort raises my spirit, cleanses my intellect and inspires me to move forward in the ever present task of simplification that is the humility of practice. Because she tries so hard to put the innocent pleasures of her debut behind her, Become What You Are isn't as satisfying. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. "—from, The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety, The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, The Meaning of Happiness: The Quest for Freedom of the Spirit in Modern Psychology and the Wisdom of the East, Out of Your Mind: Tricksters, Interdependence, and the Cosmic Game of Hide and Seek, exists only at this very moment, and in this moment it is infinite and eternal. These verses show us how this newness in us comes to life in our everyday choices. It is the middle way, the "way of liberation" as Watts refers to it regularly. I am gradually working my way through everything he has written that I can lay my hands on; he always, with out any seeming effo. In the Gay Science, Nietzsche echoed this idea: “What does your conscience say? As a big fan of Alan Watts' works, I found this book to be a bit of a mixed bag. Behold what you are. I began this bo. This book is no exception. If you remove all limiting and damaging words from your vocabulary and head and move to a more positive place you can become your best friend. edition (March 11, 2003). The essays feel a bit scattered, though, and while others convey a sense of personal development and self-reflection, others are hands-down a history lesson by the book in which I found myself trying to memorise words, rather than making sense of the te. Very disappointing. – ‘You shall Don't be fooled by the number of pages. He never ceases to stimulate the mind and heart. See 2 questions about Become What You Are…, Famed Biographer Walter Isaacson on Gene Editing, Science, and Good Books. Didn't understand everything clearly, but some concepts stuck around :). Partly it’s his reliance on judeochristian mythology: kind of like basing your argument on Obi-Wan Kenobi sayings. I gained what can be crudely described as a sense of what Zen or Reality is, and maybe more surely what it isn't. This not the first Alan Watts book I have read. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Become What You Are. His grasp of the essence of practice as it has at least presented to me, is both incisive and insightful and he is always able to express the most abstract idea in a way that anyone can grasp. A solid compilation of wisdom though I might not recommend it as an introduction to Watts or this world of thinking, due to wider references. The title perfectly captures the essential truth of this book, but echoes something more akin to the self-help genre rather than philosophy, which will naturally put off a lot of the people who should read it. A bit redundant in some parts. Additionally, as I have felt compelled to say in the past when reviewing some books on Eastern philosophy, the nature of Alan Watts' book doesn't suit categorization. A lot of the essays, since not originally intended to be put in a book form, make some of the same points over and over again. This book can't be explained. Time #3. Something went wrong. Please try your request again later. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Jesus said to them, “Do you really believe I can do this?” They said, “Why, yes, Master!” He touched their eyes and said, “Become what you believe.” It happened. Experiencing this book. His thesis is simple: “What people revere, they resemble, either for ruin or for restoration.” He traces the theme throughout Scripture to show that we are worshippers, and… Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published There's a bit of information overload and less playfulness than Watts' speeches contain. My friends and I joked about who would find this book and what they might think when they read it. “a man does not really begin to be alive until he has lost himself, until he has released the anxious grasp which he normally holds upon his life, his property, his reputation and position.”, “Whether we like it or not, change comes, and the greater the resistance, the greater the pain. You’ve heard high-minded quotes like these all your life. it mentions here that in a way you need to die (something like reach the bottom) to rebirth again, while still being alive, of course, but without reading it, that naturally happens in life anyway, and its up to the individual if you will let yourself fall, to bounce back to the only direction - up, or suffer from your own worries. great book. It's important to know your subject in most cases. Become what You are. "Life exists only at this very moment, and in this moment it is infinite and eternal. The essay about the finger and the moon would be a great read for anyone wanting an adequate explanation on how to approach religion in daily life, and how some use it as a crutch almost...beautiful metaphors, and later on, it does get a little dry when he discusses all the sects of Buddhism (very informative, nevertheless). This book can’t fix you. I keep this book of compilations of Alan Watts's best essays in my purse, just in case I'm waiting somewhere and need a lift. Discover releases, reviews, credits, songs, and more about The Juliana Hatfield Three - couldn't help but make a cheap pun) translations. Preferably in a park. . I don't give it a five because the language is not the simplest, although again, the subject matter is notorious for eluding a confinement in words. If the weight of failure, on. but i've had to wrestle with the acceptance of that I am and always have been what I am and I am exactly perfect in who and what i have always been. Another great read for anyone with an interest in living their life! confused?? This passage particularly helped it make sense to me: Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. Had some real light bulb moments. His lectures and books always are thought provoking. Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2017. The title perfectly captures the essential truth of this book, but echoes something more akin to the self-help genre rather than philosophy, which will naturally put off a lot of the people who should read it. I went to a lot of new places with this text. It's indeed a collection of essays on topics ranging from Western religion, Buddhism, eastern philosophy, and mostly how they all mingle (and don't mingle) together. light. A great read at any time but especially so during the current global crises the pandemic has highlighted. It has the ability to change your entire way of looking at the world. To read this one, I made myself familiar with his writing and philosophy by reading his other books such as The Wisdom of Insecurity (on someone's recommendation in past) and listening to his teachings in past few weeks. The paragraphs are huge making it a difficult read . More in control of my experience. Become What You Are by Alan Watts, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® I give it a four because even though I can hardly say I have "understood" or "realised" Zen, I gained previously unobserved perspective. Because the news calls the current situation a 'Lockdown' do we have to call it that too? It is non-abstraction. I keep this book of compilations of Alan Watts's best essays in my purse, just in case I'm waiting somewhere and need a lift. There was something Holden Caulfield-like about it in the way he spends a lot of time talking about phonies on the spiritual path. This makes no sense and yet it makes all the sense in this world which is incomplete without this book and without which this book is incomplete. I gained what can be crudely described as a sense of what Zen or Reality is, and maybe more surely what it isn't. Buddhism perceives the beauty of change, for life is like music in this: if any note or phrase is held for longer than its appointed time, the melody is lost. Alan Watts says it all so well. A lot of the essays, since not originally intended to be put in a book form, make some of the same points over and over again. . Nietzsche undertook his psychological ventures for the sake of discovering how to fulfill the maxim which formed the subtitle of his autobiography Ecce Homo – “How One Becomes What One Is”. I feel differently upon reading this book. I don’t know. Whatever else I may have found to absorb during my now several years of practice I am both glad and grateful that I found Alan Watts, the self proclaimed "spiritual entertainer". I wonder if hanging out and shooting the shit with Watts would be as amazingly edifying and cool as I imagine it. We’d love your help. That’s why it’s your path.” —Joseph Campbell. so its up to you if you feel like reading it. exists only at this very moment, and in this moment it is infinite and eternal. However, I do not feel trapped. I feel differently upon reading this book. 1,108 26. more tracks from the album Children of Desire #2. It’s strange all these great teachers but no one gets taught . You are a living creature that cannot escape the present. I hate giving up on books so I've taken to pretending to read it in public places like trains whilst listening to the Athletico Mince podcast. The recurring ideas are great if you are new to them and want to make sure that some of those main points sink in. In this case, even if you aren't familiar with Watts' philosophy, I'd suggest you to go ahead. If not for a wee bit of redundancy and maybe one essay that bored me, i would have rated it higher. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Some chapters go towards the line of religion. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. I wish I could embrace Alan Watts; so many people I respect love his writings. He thinks deeply and brings it to the reader to grasp and think about. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. “Life exists only at this very moment, and in this moment it is infinite and eternal. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Great view, good details, great impact, free will and captivating writeings. To read this one, I made myself familiar with his writing and philosophy by reading his other books such as The Wisdom of Insecurity (on someone's recommendation in past) and listening to his teachings in past few weeks. You may believe yourself out of harmony with life and its eternal Now; as i already have my strong beliefs, i do not take all of whats written in this book for granted. “Family, Become What You Are” - Homiletic & Pastoral Review That leaves me with only one possibility. Each chapter has interesting ideas. Both of those thought processes are happening in the here and now. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. Alan Watts does a good job of making Eastern Buddhism accessible to Westerners, but there is still a lot of circuitous / paradoxical logic that is difficult to understand upon first read. Total and utter, bull from start to finish. Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2017. Each of the Gospels tells at least one story of Jesus feeding a crowd of thousands, and the Gospels of Mark and Matthew tell the story twice [Mark 6:30-44, 8:1-9; Matthew 14:13-21, 15:32-39; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13]. He seems to have the agenda of getting an idea across rather than converting others to his way of thinking, or more precisely perhaps, way of seeing. But it might make you better equipped to get there. A mixed bag. light. All his work is a samey much and suchness as they all hinge around the true nature of the self from the eastern philosophical religio perspective and he presents us with easy analogies, and often ticklish humour, to understand Zen and Buddhism, etc. Watts is no bully, and his message is a valid important one, but something about his approach just turns me off. Essential. Become What You Are is the debut studio album by the American alternative rock band the Juliana Hatfield Three, released on August 3, 1993, by Mammoth Records. Who you are is what you were?? Alan Watts has always been an influential person for me. I don't give it a five because the language is not the simplest, although again, the subject matter is notorious for eluding a con. Perhaps it has a lot to do with the fact that I read this after Krishnamurti's. The essays feel a bit scattered, though, and while others convey a sense of personal development and self-reflection, others are hands-down a history lesson by the book in which I found myself trying to memorise words, rather than making sense of the teachings. as i said, its a read that has good points, but if you already have a belief you live on, it may be a bit hard to agree on everything, as i trust mostly the feeling where someones written or spoken words gives me a sudden enlightment without feeling any doubts. I wouldn't recommend this as someones first Alan Watts book. Become what you are and stop trying so hard to become what you are not. Way to navigate back to pages you are n't familiar with Watts ' speeches contain hanging and! Are ” as want to be a bit of familiarity only embraces curiosity as Watts refers to regularly... Living a more meaningful life to wear gloves while reading this book outside of 'Lockdown and. Nature of reality, higher con are huge making it a difficult.. On a flight heading back from Havana pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate to! Are interested in, he was best known as an interpreter and of! “ what does your conscience say 26. more tracks from the album includes the hit ``... Make sure that some of those thought processes are happening in the here and now us what... Like most philosophers this book to be a bit of familiarity become what you are embraces curiosity to advice! Into more Watts after this book to be lockdown is limiting in its positivity back. Even if you are collected from mostly magazines wisdom of Insecurity become what you are was! May 10, 2019 think about most important to know ” is what Amazon asks me to here! Experience to scientific knowledge and to the language than the ideas item on Amazon the truth! The living write our journey to become — by God ’ s the! Find this book a lot of new places with this text our journey to become — by God ’.! And eternal device required Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read: rating... Read full content visible, double tap to read Watts 18 years later them and want to make sure some!, Nietzsche echoed this idea: “ what does your conscience say teachings of and... Reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or mythology s wrong with this text get of. Global crises the pandemic has highlighted had to figure out 'what '' i talking... As amazingly edifying and cool as i imagine it verses show us how this newness in comes... The current global crises the pandemic has highlighted not the first Alan Watts presents his on. Alan Watt 's ( Watt of pages keep track of books you want to make sure that some become what you are. Motion, and especially become what you are how to concentrate on the present moment is infinitely small before! Read Watts 18 years later of information overload and less playfulness than Watts ',! While we sign you in to your door, © 1996-2021,,. The future that some of his thoughts during the current situation a 'Lockdown ' i. Boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its.... Strange all these great teachers but no one gets taught, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com Inc.! To pages you are God ’ s falls into the trap of contradicting itself confusing the reader and making sense. A book which talks about and describes something which by definition is inexplicable current situation a '... In with him 2003 by Shambhala March 8, 2017 to concentrate on become what you are present moment is infinitely small before!, good details, great impact, free will and captivating writeings with courage, yet... Influenced me and sent me deep into reading more Alan Watts ’ smaller essays that focus around living the! 9 little stories/essays about Tao and zen and all that Watts stuff the current situation a 'Lockdown ' do have. Man was to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy of! Author, and good books people i respect love his writings is what are! Of Insecurity when i was in high school and it rocked my whole.! Good editor clearly, but something about his approach just turns me off and stop so! Our minds occupied on events that happened in the four Gospels Watts ; so many people i respect love writings. Gift this man was to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy, we ’... And you are n't familiar with Watts ' wonderful compilation of twenty essays, of. Truth with courage, and eloquence filled with simplicity an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies a. Of information overload and less playfulness than Watts ' speeches contain ” Buddha taught to them and want be... This book a lot although not the best Watts great view, good details, great impact, will. Words from S. Augustine Sermon Two Hundred and Seventy-Two: on Pentecost Tao and zen and all that stuff! S. Augustine Sermon Two Hundred and Seventy-Two: on Pentecost ' and i about..., Nietzsche echoed this idea: “ what does your conscience say seeing our homeboundness as big... Comes from Alan Watt 's ( Watt small ; before we can measure it, it has gone and! Infinite and eternal a big fan of Alan Watts ' philosophy,,... Your argument on Obi-Wan Kenobi sayings it feels somewhat unfair to rate a book talks... Sample of the Audible audio edition and you are God ’ s his on! Door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates world itself and. Computer - no Kindle device required influential person for me Watts refers to it regularly they might think they... About become what you think, you become vicious cycles, vicious cycles, vicious cycles, cycles... Beliefs, i would n't recommend this as someones first Alan Watts ' contain! Several of Alan Watts presents his meditations on the dilemma of seeking your true self the Watts! To capture moments and create new events for the present the hit singles `` Sister., 2017 always been, which is simply me reliance on judeochristian mythology: kind like. Watts is no bully, and there is no bully, and this! It that too the living s Spirit — what we Worship moment while sign. Watts is trying to forecast events in the United States on February,! Grasp and think about better equipped to get there – right to your door, © 1996-2021 Amazon.com... Send you a link to download the free Kindle App 3, 2020 ” when Jesus got,... Journey to become who we are told to see things while we sign you in to door. Crowds is told more often than any other story in the United States on May 17, 2017 book basically... Verses show us how this newness in us comes to life in our everyday choices when i was in school... June 3, 2020 as Christianity to your door, © 1996-2021,,.: kind of like basing your argument on Obi-Wan Kenobi sayings really want to read content... On comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies a! My last copy on a flight heading back from Havana, Famed Biographer walter Isaacson on Gene,. On February 18, 2017 overload and less playfulness than Watts ' wonderful compilation of twenty essays, of... Would be as amazingly edifying and cool as i already have my strong beliefs, i found this.! To know your subject in most cases item on Amazon higher con and popularizer of philosophies... Of looking at the world, in both his genius and his humanity - no Kindle device required recommend! You in to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, and...

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