Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea. Blog, Internet resources, online reading groups, articles and interviews, Illuminatus! info.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Tim Lott on Alan Watts


Alan Watts


A few days ago, Michael Johnson called my attention to an article by Tim Lott in Aeon, "Off-beat Zen: How I found my way out of depression, thanks to the writings of the English priest who brought Buddhism to the West," a piece about Alan Watts. 

Michael remarked, "Watts was a huge personal influence on RAW."

You can see evidence of that in Lott's essay. Here are the first couple of paragraphs: 

Ever since I was a child, I have been acutely sensitive to the idea — in the way that other people seem to feel only after bereavement or some shocking unexpected event — that the human intellect is unable, finally, to make sense of the world: everything is contradiction and paradox, and no one really knows much for sure, however loudly they profess to the contrary.

It is an uncomfortable mindset, and as a result I have always felt the need to build a conceptual box in my mind big enough to fit the world into. Most people seem to have a talent for denying or ignoring life’s contradictions, as the demands of work and life take them over. Or they fall for an ideology, perhaps religious or political, that appears to render the world a comprehensible place.

The bit about falling for an ideology sounds a lot like getting trapped in the reality tunnels that RAW wrote about.

Here's the end bit:

My personal ‘enlightenment’ came and went — but I hope it might return. Perhaps this article will be the first step in that direction. It feels like it is. It might be in my hands or it might not. But if I can find the path again, then I will stay on it — until I lose it. And, as the Zen saying instructs, if I see the Buddha, I will kill him. Because the moment you start thinking of yourself as ‘enlightened’, you are not.

The last sentence sounds like the Cosmic Schmuck principle, no?

Thanks, Michael!


72 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh great, I'll check that out. Alan Watts is my favorite!

In one of his books, RAW says that he met Watts through Playboy Magazine (RAW was an editor and Watts a contributing writer).

He says one of his first mystical experiences came as a result of a comment by Watts' then-wife. RAW was talking about living in the moment and Mrs. Watts said, "Where else can you live?" RAW said he was walking in a daze for days after that.

michael said...

Alan Watts also told RAW that he'd read a really interesting book by Israel Regardie (_The Eye In the Triangle_) about Aleister Crowley, which began RAW's odyssey as a Crowley exegete. RAW said that if Watts mentioned a book was worth reading he took Watts seriously and made it a point to read those books.

Anonymous said...

Shortly after reading Stranger in a Stranger Land, I read my first Alan Watts book. Oh. That's what "Thou art God" means. (Well, one part of it.) Watts introduced me to the whole Hindu/Buddhist/Taoist thing (and as a full-fledged sloppy syncretist, that's how I still think of it). Yes, I do realize that quantum physics doesn't really tell us that we must eat our vegetables and refrain from clubbing baby seals, but the images of unity and wholeness and interdependence that the East teaches us do have some relevance. Watts may be the best spokesman for this sort of thing, or at least he speaks to me, and he has furnished my mind: Light shines in darkness because what else would it shine in? The environment is my body. Laws against consensual sex and drugs turn the police into armed clergymen. And more.

Unknown said...

Malam jadi saksinya, kita berdua diantara kata yang tak terucap berharap waktu membawa keberanian untuk datang membawa jawaban https://qncjellygamatoriginalblog.wordpress.com/

Unknown said...

Terimakasih atas informasi dan artikel yang anda rangkum sangat bermanfaat sekali. Obat Sering Buang Air Kecil Di Pagi Dan Siang

Unknown said...

Artikel yang sangat menarik sekali gan Obat Luka Di Dalam Telinga

Dani Prakoso said...

Watts may be the best spokesman for this sort of thing, or at least he speaks to me, and he has furnished my mind Obat Infeksi Saluran Pernafasan Anak

Unknown said...

khasiat jelly gamat qnc
khasiat jelly gamat qnc
cara pesan qnc jelly gamat
aturan minum qnc jelly gamat
khasiat teripang emas qnc jelly gamat
obat ace maxs

Unknown said...

Obat Sering Kencing Di Pagi Hari
Obat Sembelit Pada Bayi Dan Anak
Obat Gusi Bengkak Dan Bernanah Anak
Obat Pemulihan Pasca Kuret
Obat Radang Usus Buntu Anak
QnC Jelly Gamat
Obat Bisul Di Payudara Ibu Menyusui
Obat Bisul Di Kepala Anak
Obat Pemulihan Pasca Oprasi
Obat Pemulihan Pasca Kuret
Obat Luka Pada Lambung
Obat Pemulihan Tipes
Obat Sering Buang Air Kecil Di Pagi Dan Siang
Obat Luka Di Dalam Telinga
Obat Kebas Pada Lidah
Obat Penghilang Jamur Kulit
Obat Benjolan Di Leher Ibu Hamil
Obat Keputihan Pada Anak
Obat Infeksi Paru Paru Anak
Obat Pengering Luka Di Lutut
Obat Pengering Luka Bakar
Obat Ligamen Robek
Obat Sinusitis Akut
Obat Agar Luka Cepat Kering
Obat Radang Pada Lutut
Obat Radang Pada Benjolan
Obat Sakit Di Bawah Lidah
Obat Infeksi Pada Lidah

Unknown said...

Dansulin Asli
Cara yang tepat membersihkan paru paru bagi perokok aktif
Obat wasir setelah melahirkan

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing Obat Luka Lambung Akut

Unknown said...

Website Jelly Gamat
Obat Gondok
Obat Luka Pada Lidah
Obat Pengering Luka Jahitan Di Vagina
Obat Luka Lambung Akut
Obat Benjolan Di Penis
Obat Benjolan Di Langit Langit Mulut
Obat Radang Usus Anak
Obat Benjolan Di Tenggorokan
Obat Benjolan Di Mata
Obat Benjolan Di Anus
Obat Infeksi Pada Lidah
Obat Benjolan Di Pinggir Lidah
Obat Pusing Saat Berdiri Setalah Duduk
Obat Benjolan Di Bibir
Obat Radang Telinga Anak
Obat Benjolan Di Langit Langit Mulut
Obat Bisul Di Ketiak
Obat Radang Hidung
Obat Radang Hidung
Obat Alami Cedera Lutut
Obat Herbal Nyeri Lutut
Obat Hipertiroid Ibu Hamil

Unknown said...

Terimakasih atas informasinya Obat Tumit Kaki Pecah Pecah

Unknown said...

The world is changing fast. people are also being transformed. day by day we are becoming more dependant on degital system. you are making me think of this really. You have a great method of sharing your thoughts

Ace Maxs
Tips mengobati Kanker Serviks Dengan Ramuan Tradisional
Jelly Gamat QNC
Obat Untuk Diabetes
Obat Jerawat

Unknown said...

This website is always presenting useful information to visitors and hopefully more successful update adds yes, thank you
https://khasiatqncjellygamatharga.wordpress.com/ atau
khasiat qnc jelly gamat

Unknown said...

http://obatherbalampuhusirdiabetes.blogspot.co.id/

Unknown said...

Thanks for share with us this awesome blog.
Jaipur Call Girls Service
Dehradun Escorts
Delhi Escorts Service
Escort in Gurgaon
Escort in Manali

Unknown said...

thanks for the information that has been conveyed , very interesting. Salam Obat Untuk Diabetes | Obat Kelenjar Getah Bening | Cara Pemesanan Ace Maxs

John said...

stephen curry shoes
michael kors outlet
hollister kids
cheap nike shoes
sac longchamp
louis vuitton outlet online
kate spade outlet
hollister co
supra for sale
discount oakley sunglasses
nike air force black
timberland boots outlet
christian louboutin shoes
michael kors uk
pandora charms
nike cortez
fitflops sale
ray bans
dior sunglasses
ghd flat iron
reebok shoes
puma shoes
fitflops sale clearance
hermes uk
coach outlet clearance
oakley sunglasses outlet
louis vuitton handbags
michael kors outlet
ralph lauren outlet online
converse shoes
hollister clothing store
cheap jordan shoes
nike cortez white
michael kors outlet
2016607yuanyuan

Indra Maulana said...

cara mengobati payudara gatal
cara menghilangkan kutil kelamin
<a href="http://www.obattra

agungmahdiramdani said...

makanan pencegah rabun senja | cara mengurangi mata minus | penyebab dan penyembuhan buta warna

Unknown said...

This page is very interesting .. what you intend to see my web, but the appearance is very much different to have this .. my page discusses Obat flu batuk herbal tradisional yang aman ini terbuat dari teripang emas berjenis Stichopus Variegatus

Unknown said...


very nice what you say. said, polished and elegant very, very good. To view website you is very nice, definitely take the time to make a success like this.. Obat peradangan sendi | obat ejakulasi dini | obat penambah sperma | konsultasi kesehatan

indra said...

cara mengobati keputihan kuning, hijau, putih, coklat
cara menghilangkan jerawat di vagina
cara menghilangkan jerawat membandel
cordyceps plus capsule
cara menghilangkan jamur kepala

Call Center De Nature WA : 085715585781 said...

obat kutil kelamin salep dan kapsul
obat kutil dan herpes dari alam
obat kutil kelamin yang sudah terbukti manjur
obat kutil kelamin yang aman tanpa efek samping
obat kutil kelamin tanpa operasi
obat herbal untuk kutil kelamin
obat manjur untuk kutil kelamin

Unknown said...

QnC Jelly Gamat Cair

Unknown said...

Obat Bayi Kejang Kejang

Unknown said...

Manfaat Putih Telur Untuk Kulit Wajah Kencang

Unknown said...

Langkah Sederhana Untuk Melindungi Ginjal
Penyakit Diabetes Tips 2

Unknown said...


inspiring, certainly keeps me motivated is getting better again in writing. Thank you very much
Please visit to my website. The following: Efek Samping Gazero | Makanan Yang Harus Dihindari Oleh Penderita Asam Lambung

Unknown said...

mengobati mata minus menggunakan metode bates
Penyebab Mata Minus Cepat Bertambah
menahan buang air kecil dapat menyebabkan sakit ginjal
Bahaya Terlalu Banyak Minum Bagi Penderita Sakit Ginjal
khasiat bunga mawar sebagai obat batuk berdarah
Cara Mengobati Batuk Berdarah Dengan Teripang Emas
digoxin obat untuk gagal jantung kongestif
Mani Encer Bukan Penyebab Kemandulan
Tips Langsing Cepat Dengan Slimming Capsule
Cara Penularan Infeksi Pernafasan Akut
Dimethicone Obat Untuk Melindungi Kulit
http://thechicimage.blogspot.com/
Mata Minus Berkurang Dengan Latihan Sederhana Ini

Unknown said...

Buat Kamu pria mesti berhati-hati kanker testis. Penyakit ini yakni pertumbuhan sel terorisme di testis (buah penis),Gejala Kanker Testis
Kanker rahim memperoleh pengucapan "The Silent Lady pembunuh" dari anggota Kesehatan, jadi penyebab paling tinggi kematian bagi wanita.Mencegah Kanker Rahim Dengan konsumisi Makanan Sehat
Manusia bersama lifestyle yg tidak baik, lebih rentan pada segala macam penyakit termasuk juga kanker di bandingkan wanita.Tips Menurunkan Risiko Terkena Kanker Testis Untuk Pria
Kategori buah & sayuran melawan kanker serviks (kanker leher rahim)-banyak orang wafat lantaran kanker merangkak oleh penyakit & satu penyakit yg mematikan ini. Sayuran dan Buah-buahan Pencegah Kanker Serviks
Seperti kita seluruhnya tahu, Rokok mampu meningkatkan bisa jadi kanker paru-paru jangka panjang, namun tak tahu bahwa Merokok pula meningkatkan bisa jadi menderita kanker tenggorokan.Langkah-langkan Mencegah Penyakit Kanker Laring

auliatisnisundari said...

Kerusakan saraf mata ke kelompok saraf yg utama di system penglihatan manusia. Cahaya diringkus oleh mata seterusnya dikirim oleh saraf ke otak utk diterjemahkan.Peyebab dan Tanda Gejala Saraf Mata Putus
Hyperopia sanggup pakai gelas cembung lensa, yg berfungsi buat menyatukan sinar sebelum masuk poin, maka menempa air terjun bayangan cocok terhadap retina.Penyebab Terjadinya Penyakit Mata Hipermetropi
Tak perlu khawatir bila mata Anda terkena kondisi silinder karena ada beberapa langkah yang bisa dianggap sebagai cara ampuh untuk mengatasinyaCara Mengatasi Penyakit Mata Silinder Secara Alami
Pandangan Anda memburam pada malam hari atau sulit melihat di cahaya temaram? Mungkin Anda mengalami nyctalopia atau rabun senja.Waspada Bahwa Rabun Senja Bukanlah Penyakit
Meski kebanyakan tidak berbahaya, beberapa penyebab mata merah harus diobati dan dirawat oleh dokter yang berkompetensi.Cara Mengobati dan Menghindari Mata Merah Secara Alami

Unknown said...

How Biaya Operasi Hernia 2016 Terbaru will Obat Kelenjar Getah Bening Di Leher again Biaya Operasi Katarak Di Rumah Sakit Jakarta Thanks.......

jujun dai said...

Berapa Biaya Operasi Polip Hidung Di Rumah Sakit have Obat Tradisional Buat Radang Paru Paru Terampuh anothing Obat Tbc Tulang Tradisional Terampuh Thanks.....

Unknown said...

Share Obat Sakit Ulu Hati Tradisional Termanjur have Biaya Operasi Gagal Ginjal Di Rumah Sakit more Obat Benjolan Di Selangkangan Tradisional very Obat Penghilang Benjolan Di Vagina Tanpa Operasi good Obat Nyeri Sendi Lutut Tradisional list Cara Mengobati Kista Tanpa Operasi Thanks.....

Unknown said...

Thank you very much
Please visit to my website. The following:
Cefadroxil Obat Untuk Mengatasi Bakteri
Manfaat Oatmeal Untuk Diet Sehat
Manfaat Rebusan Daun Sirih Untuk Kesehatan
Cefoperazone Antibiotik Untuk Infeksi Bakteri Pseudomonas
Antihistamin Obat Untuk Mengatasi Alergi

Unknown said...

Inilah Cara Menyembuhkan Angin Duduk Di Dada hope Cara Mengobati Penyempitan Tulang Belakang we Cara Mengempeskan Benjolan Di Vagina more Obat Tekanan Darah Tinggi Pada Lansia reading Cara Mengatasi Pembuluh Darah Yang Tersumbat listening Obat Tradisional Maag Kronis Termanjur Thanks.......

Unknown said...

Shared Obat Air Mani Bercampur Darah Terampuh whose Cara Cepat Menyembuhkan Batuk Berdarah can Obat Infeksi Lambung Paling Ampuh too Obat Ginjal Bunga Karang Meduler anothing Obat Flu singapura Tradisional Terampuh Thanks.......

Windha Widianingsih said...

Do you know about the disease Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia and Obesity? Check out some of his articles.

Kasus Arya Bocah Penderita Obesitas
Kasus Penderita Anoreksia Di Dunia
Perbedaan Antara Anoreksia dan Bulimia
Pencegahan Penyakit Anoreksia Nervosa

Unknown said...

happy to be able to visit your site, thanks for sharing information
http://blogderrykurniawan.blogspot.com/
https://blogkesehatandanpengobatan.wordpress.com/

Unknown said...

Oral health can be an indicator of quality of life. Therefore, in order to survive humans need energy from food. pengobatan sakit gigi

Unknown said...

Everyone will want to have clean and strong teeth, fresh breath, and gum pink and do not bleed, is everyone's dream. obat sakit gigi anak

Unknown said...

Drug dengue is a disease called dengue virus to be transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti and Aedes.
http://obatdemamberdarahataudbd.blogspot.co.id/

Unknown said...

Benefits and Benefits Minya Fish For Sight Eye - Fish oil does not have a direct impact on the eye. However, fish oil may play a role in certain conditions that can improve vision health.

Manfaat Minyak Ikan
Minyak Ikan

Unknown said...

When you understand to get out of penangnan blockage of blood vessels so that it can have deadly consequences for patients juka someone who died as a result of this case. This disease can affect this part of some members of the body of the second of the kidneys, heart brain.
ginkgo biloba plus capsule
pengobatan darah kental

Unknown said...

Slow Obat Eksim Kering Dan Basah i'am Obat Asma / Sesak Nafas resfect Obat Kelenjar Getah Bening Bengkak amazing Obat Benjolan Di Tumit read Obat Benjolan Di Vagina more Cara Cepat Mengobati Luka Bakar Tanpa Membekas fallin Obat Ngilu di Bagian Lutut dan Betis Tradisional Thanks.....

muhammad syahrul said...

Bagi kalian yang menderita penyakit parkinson. Kunjungi website kami obat segala penyakit termasuk penyakit parkinson.
https://goo.gl/B82o3L >> https://goo.gl/7y8zpM >> https://goo.gl/ldutQd >> https://goo.gl/hh7vQA >> https://goo.gl/6bLr7m >> https://goo.gl/nWQKFx

Unknown said...

Obat Oles Luka Borok Akibat Penyakit Gula
Obat Pecah Gendang Telinga

Unknown said...

Manfaat Daun Pegagan Sebagai Menyembuhkan Penyakit Epilepsi

Unknown said...

Obat Suplemen Vitamin Dan Kalsium Untuk Ibu Hamil

Unknown said...

Obat Penyakit Flek Paru Paru Alami Pada Semua Usia

Unknown said...

Inilah Manfaat Makanan Sehat Penderita Flek Paru Paru

Yudi Setiawan said...

Ketahui Cara Awal Mendiagnosis Gejala Asma Pada Anak

Unknown said...

Makanan Sehat Setelah Operasi Caesar

Unknown said...

Alasan Perokok Bisa Punya Paru Paru Sehat

Unknown said...

Jus Jambu Biji Dapat Mencegah Penyakit Kanker Payudara

Unknown said...

Manfaat Calcium Softgel Kirim Barang Dulu

Unknown said...

Makanan Yang Wajib Dihindari Penderita Asam Lambung Tinggi
Cara Menetralkan Asam Lambung Dengan Cepat dan Mudah
Obat Tradisional Untuk Penderita Asam Lambung Tinggi
Cara Mengatasi Penyakit Asam Lambung Tinggi
Makanan Yang Baik Untuk Penderita Asam Lambung

Unknown said...

Tips Sehat Bagi Penderita Penyakit Asma
Bahaya Penyakit Asma Untuk Ibu Hamil
Beberapa Hal Yang Harus Dihindari Oleh Penderita Asma
Mengobati Penyakit Asma Menggunakan Telur Puyuh
Cara Menangani Penyakit Asma Pada Anak

Unknown said...

Thanks for this. I honestly like what you've posted here and want you the pleasant of luck with this blog!
Bold Model Escorts in Gurgaon

Unknown said...

Buah Dan Sayur Terbaik Untuk Penderita Penyakit Jantung
Obat Asam Urat Herbal Terbukti
20 Manfaat Dan Khasiat Buah Jeruk Untuk Kesehatan Tubuh

indra said...

obat tbc
obat usus buntu
obat sakit dada

Unknown said...

Bismilah Semoga Ada Hasilnya :) Daftar Harga Produk Green World Terbaru

Unknown said...

Lahaula Bahaya dan Efek Samping Daun Kelor Bagi Kesehatan

Unknown said...

Buah Buahan Dapat Menyembuhkan Penyakit Gondok
Pengobatan Secara Alami
Kaki Bengkak Akibat Penyakit Jantung dan Cara Mengobatinya

Unknown said...

Obat Obatan Alami

Unknown said...

Mengatasi Kaki Bengkak Pada Penderita Gagal Ginjal
Bahaya Stres Pada Ibu Hamil Dan Cara Mengatasi
Obat TBC Herbal Terbaik Dengan QnC Jelly Gamat Asli

Unknown said...

Manfaat Buah Belimbing Untuk Kesehatan
Pantangan Makanan Untuk Penyakit Gondok
Makanan dan Buah Yang Baik Untuk Penderita TBC

Heni Herbal said...

This site always provide the most current information and helpful as well thank you.
Cara Alami Mengobati Pembengkakan Prostat Terampuh
Pengobatan Alternatif Tumor Payudara Secara Tradisional
Pengobatan Alami Nyeri Haid Yang Aman
Cara Mengobati Benjolan Di Ketiak Secara Alami
Tanaman Ajaib Penurun Kadar Gula Darah Tinggi

Harshita Khan said...

I love your post it is really interesting for reading thanks for sharing with us.
Escorts in Chandigarh

Obiuser said...

I can feel that the articles contained in this blog is so interesting. I also get a variety informasin, thanks.
pengobatan alami penyakit itp