Alan Watts       

Among other accomplishments, Alan Watts was foremost and clearly a master of communications. He wrote twenty books on the philosophy and psychology of religion, on Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Zen.

Watts' mastery of the art of communication is even more apparent in his spoken words, offered herein. He delivered some thousand lectures in learned institutions throughout the world. He conducted two national network TV series.

Understanding the subtle differences between spoken and written word, Watts preferred his lectures and seminars to be heard, so they are available only as audio cassettes and not in transcribed form.

His principal concern was the exploration and explanation of man's basic identity with the universe, underlying and having greater reality than the apparently separate person.

While Alan Watts was here, his output was so rich and voluminous, we could hardly keep up with him. Now with the riches of his spoken and written word preserved on tape and paper, we can mull his brilliant insights at our own pace, to share his unique vision and understanding.

In addition to writing numerous books and articles, Alan Watts communicated extensively in the direct spoken word medium. And within the spoken word arena, Alan Watts lectured always in relation to a specific audience. Large collegiate audiences amused Alan Watts and in this context he described himself as a "philosophical entertainer," who fully appreciated human laughter and often shared it with public lectures to many university and college audiences throughout the world.

In contrast, the Alan Watts seminars were weekend events occurring at someone's home or studio, usually with 20 or 30 students in attendance. In the seminars, the subjects are fully explored in depth, generally in a more serious vein than the public lectures. The early radio talks were done solo - Alan Watts, an empty studio and a microphone.

The Introductory Sets included in this online catalog were assembled after an extensive review of all the Alan Watts spoken word material. We recommend these sets as excellent presentations of his philosophical ideas in different areas.

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