is it serious?

[Tengent]

Hooray consciousness!

[OobyScoobyDoomsday]

Despite all his arguments against there being one higher power, the great irony is... Alan Watts WAS God.

[plentyofouts]

@CalumnMcAulay Yes, but when you know something isn't truly serious, you are now liberated to play at taking things seriously. Remember, to be free of something is to be able to be with OR without it. If you can't be, then really you are still attached to it.

[Skinzlivez]

Alan Watts was a modern Buddha, in the surest sense of the word

[CalumnMcAulay]

It is interesting how he discusses this in a somewhat serious tone with a definite rigour to his speech - he sounds serious whilst sharing with us the notion that life aint serious

[maryjaneofthejungle]

<3



[glrcmptn]

development decline. i like the background chant.

[longfootbuddy]

the singing is distracting

[MoralisticAthiest]

@longfootbuddy your not listening :)

[CosmicTide]

After time has done what it does best you won't even be a memory. This life is your golden ticket, live for the sake of living.

[Akashian123]

Not getting along with each other is very useful! How else would you know you are in harmony with people if you couldn't think of not getting along... That's what the Earth was invented for, in Heaven everything is loving and being loved... We wanted a new experience and that's what we'll get. Once realizing that the other has the same self as you will make things more harmonious though... So the game will end sometime, what a pity! Will we start a new cosmic game then would yout hink?

[Akashian123]

Great filosopher this Alan and so funny!

Thumbs up!

[dgmulf]

wow... this is amazing. i'm going to have to think about this more deeply.

[summondadrummin]

What would a culture which understood this be and look like I wonder?

[TheIgnoramus]

@summondadrummin it would be a free society, with out limitations imposed.

[CaptainNemoful1]

It's serious that we all can't get along, >That's what I think, >Because of our angry towards one another, No-Matter what it is, >This is WHY people will never get along,

I surely would like to be wrong about this, Really, & Right about we can get along?????????

[TEARDUCTER]

so true not many thinks about the journey and how to enjoy it because even the journey is in the moment which is all we basically have

[ventrax18]

WTF IS THIS

[pogglemindboggle]

@ventrax18 this is it, this is the taboo against knowing who you are

[skeletonmeister]

I dig the footage from Koyanisqaatsi :)

[lankz69]

If you anyone enjoyed this video be sure to read "In My Own Way" (his autobiography) it's amazing

[hichaminou]

fuck!!!! this man say the very simple truth

[Spencerianism]

Life should be taken as serieously as a heart attack, until ones self can achieve wisdom to know that life shouldn't be taken seriously at all. This creates the balance nessessary to comprehend love, and that can only take the time needed to complete the journey in the first place.

[AmyPeacemaker]

Very nicely put together.

[knowthingman]

@Kanakaberaka

well he was an ordained episcopalian minister, in addition to all of his other accomplishments :)

so the chants arent out of place

[GelandnaleG]

8:15am Saturday (IRST) - Time in Iran

Justus visiting

[christuimbirek]

ija wuli kulli habazorba waaahhh wahhh hunz hunz hunz bahwazarpa marga moooo

[YuCme93]

His stuff is so rich, and puts you into so relax and peaceful mood.

[ApeShallNevaKillApe]

How can anyone dislike this :S

[nexus1g]

@ApeShallNevaKillApe Because it's nonsense. I suppose it's more useful to religious folks who are looking to look at life from a different angle.

[KnightFoxProd]

"Don't be so serious." - Wavy Gravy

[jaalul]

voice you cant mistaken!! allan watts.

[mrmaciejm]

Everything is simple, we make it complicated. 

[MrCod18]

I agree with watts views but i think the point of existence is to get as lost in it as possible and to experience all the good and the bad then when you die you simply wake up from the world of concepts even tho we cant concieve what that is like ha

[debwardgemini]

Used to listen to Alan Watts years ago on KSAN radio in SanFrancisco. Makes you kind of relax and not be so uptight about everything. Enjoy your life.

[Hilallamaa]

whats up with depressing images?

[christuimbirek]

@Hilallamaa is it serious?

[BoStevoD]

While I love Alan Watts's view on life, this is one of the few points of his on which I take issue. Seriousness is just as essential as play. To be serious is to be passionate, and as Mr. Watts himself proved time and time again, he took the art of playfulness very seriously.

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

He isn't tryiing to define the word "serious." He is answering the question, "Is 'existence' serious?" Yes, you can be "serious" at times, but it is a state of mind, and anything that the "mind" can "think" is a lower state of awareness of reality. And yes, there is nothing wrong with going from "mind" to "no mind" and vice versa.

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

So he is saying "existence" isn't "serious." So you don't have to take it seriously. In fact if you never learn to relax and you "think" everything is serious and has to be serious you will never see the truth.

[BoStevoD]

@33Barker Alan Watts is only offering his personal opinion on the matter, an opinion I do enjoy. And I'm only offering mine.

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

Well, it is only an "opinion(not a fact)" until you experience it, but yes, I respect your "opinion(belief.)"

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

As Jesus said, "KNOW the truth and the truth shall set you free," you can only "know" something through experiencing it, otherwise it is just a "belief." And I will tell you right now, "existence" itself, just "is." And how can that be "serious?" The "mind(thoughts)" make it serious.

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

Imagine everybody, with no "thoughts, ideas, opinions, beliefs, preconcieved thoughts or beliefs" living completely in the present moment, or in other words, when they open their eyes, they only see what is on front of them, when they close their eyes, there is only darkness, no fantasy(thought.) That is "existence" itself. It just "is." There is nothing "serious" about it, you need "thought" for anything to be "serious." And thought is created by the mind.

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

Hence, the buddha said, enlightenment is the end of suffering, and you could say enlightenment, is the end of "thought(karma,)" being lost in "thought." Being "awareness" itself. Just "being" a human "being."

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

And you don't have to be "goofy" to not be "serious." Those are both

"states of mind(thought.)" "I am that I am," or "I am, therefore I am" is the state of pure awareness with no thought. You could call that the state of existence or GOD. The state of everything. Everything without the illusion of who you "THINK" you are.

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

You could also say, once you dissolve the illusory self, you know God. Why? Because you experience it. God is everything. Thought separates you from everything. It says, I am this and that is that. But in reality, everything "just is." Why throw labels on things?

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

Only when you "Think you are your mind(thoughts)" and you don't transcend it/them. Life/existence is "serious." But you have no control over "existence." You have control over your "body" and "your mind." And you could say your "body and mind" are serious, but existence(what you are as well,) is not serious.

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

When you stop "thinking," you dont disappear. You become more aware. You awareness expands. And when you choose to "think," you thoughts will be much more clear.

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

"As you THINK so shall you BE," "I THINK, therefore I AM." If you "think" you need to be "serious" you will be a serious person. Is it "truth?" No, it is the truth for you because you "THINK" you have to be serious.

[33Barker]

@BoStevoD

There is "the thinker," and the "thoughts." What is it that is aware of the "thoughts?" There are two people there. One you can dissolve(get rid of) and the other you cannot. Once you get rid of the illusory one that you "THINK" you are, you can see things as they truly are. Hence you see truth.

[blizteria]

Alan talking about the seriousness of religion makes me want to go into a church and party. haha.....laugh, rejoice! forget the seriousness nonsense

[jabuhrer1]

Love Alan Watts...not so crazy about all of the mystical music and visuals on all of his Youtube vids though. His words are enough for me. Ah well, to each her own.

[Fadedpoetry123]

WHY SO SERIOUS?

[AI2flesh]

I wish i was the indian at the time that had changed the scripture hehehe could have been fun for eaons... to change that comming no what?

[LendMeYourHand]

Alan Watts will drop kick the shit out of your brain. Dawkin's eat your brain out.

[rel124c1]

@LendMeYourHand This made me smile! :D

[Icemario87]

Alan Watts invades my brain and makes me feel special. I love him.

Great Upload.

[planetdarwin]

i'm not sure it's all that serious.

haha

[snagillim]

Alan Watts wins.

[scooterbager]

You snippy wicket nibble tasters! just flick the antellum dentadenium destinguishable dishes of antidisestablishmentarianism dildozers! Take a second to wish the winking gold berries a bye bye kiss good hello! now you gaby mistaken flappy distracted titty wanker! Flimsy disks wobbling upon your nipple jumping hoops and frisking with bullies like taco stand tuesday's on a mahogany plane! Free at last! now I can take a huge shit on top of the statue of liberty and fart out chem trails bitch!

[windwatcher89]

because as watts said before.... people are only happy now when something good is promised later.

[fallspeed]

This is a wonderful video. Thanks for posting.

[Bogusonetree]

Ha ha ha, it seems that most people watching this video would think that life is very serious, especially when it comes to correct grammar.

[fs07]

jesus christ........just enjoy this fucking awesome video and calm down everybody

[nimasadr]

thank you

[BushidoLore]

Actually, Kyle Lambert, the semicolon was used correctly. While I'm not entirely comfortable with the clause that's been paired with that coordinating conjunction ("and one thing only"), the punctuation is correct. A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses (read: complete sentences). Both sides are independent, and the ideas contained in each clause are related. I know this because I teach English. I think if you're trying to correct a correction, you should just not try. :P

[thekylelambert]

I think he was trying to use a colon...

Like: "one thing: you are a cunt."

Maybe I'm wrong. And I was just highlighting the fact that he was being a dick anyway. Like he was totally trying to use sesquipedalian language to seem all high and mighty. It's really not that big of a deal.

[thekylelambert]

Hey flyhead2, check your own "sentance" before you try to correct someone else's.

And you misused that semicolon.

Well done! Now you look like a total jack ass!

[Jpec07]

You typed "jack ass," when it should be, "jackass."

:)

[tomsawyersucks]

put this together, smart ass

[yllwducky]

at the end yes, but not in this sequence.

[yllwducky]

you do know that this footage is from "koyaanisqatsi" right? and that there was no sound put to it originally, for a reason. While I appreciate the philosophy and all that, I don't think that you should change someones work, especially when it is a masterpiece without your changes. And if your message doesn't coincide with the original message.

[thengel24235]

Actually there was sound put to koyaanisqatsi- composed especially by Philip Glass.

[SlimD11]

Wow great video, really puts things into perspective. I guess that's why I love playing guitar so much. You don't play to get to the finish line. You play to enjoy the music, you play just to play. I suppose that's why Alan views the Universe in such a manner.

[spiropro]

this dude's awesome...but what I don't understand it's what he says 'bout existentialists...Didn't Sartre said that existence is absurd? that it has no meaning of its own and so we should give to life the meaning we want? then why does Allan says that existentialists are too obsessed by existence? (excuse my english)

[baleno808]

Because, it's not about what we want. Desire itself is absurd because it denotes lack and we don't lack anything. Existentialist as people often try very hard to be themselves - be authentic again. By trying we can never be ourselves. It's about let things be. As playing is not for pleasure; it's for itself though pleasure which of itself may join in play.

[phobosx12]

playing and pleasure are synonymous in this sense though...pleasure is play and play is pleasure making them one, in so much as you wont find pleasure where there is not play and you will not find play where there is no pleasure(genuine play anyways).

[jasmine23pvz]

but its sad too..

most when some ppl didnt even realize what he says here....

this music thing...;(

why dont teach us since little children what the life is real...??

[coldblade666]

Because human nature at a young age is still rather primordial. We grow up knowing materialism, selfishness, and ignorance. It is through experiencing life that we learn to replace these things with love, selflessness, wisdom, and intelligence. Few people learn to subvert these basic human emotions early on. Though, I feel the earlier you learn them, the better.

[jaicket]

'why dont teach us since little children what the life is real.'

It appears you haven't been taught very much at all

[jasmine23pvz]

look dude you´re far to realize what i know and what i dont...but i can tell by the way you write tha t you´re an asshole, nerd and frustrad man tha couldnt be quiet...go ªªªªªª yourself, and do you talk portuguese?cause I can talk it and english and french..so in fact youre the nerd here... :i.

put the pencil on your ass!!

[crowwithacookie]

maybe english is not his or her first language?

[jaicket]

so what?

no excuses here. You wont see me talking in broken portugese anywhere, making out like I know it all.

[crowwithacookie]

are you trying to prove something? trying to thwart your insecurities?

[jaicket]

Absolutely not. Why do you think that?

Just trying to have an intelligent debate, but as I expected, most of the people who support this guy appear to be incapable of it.

[dichotomyofone]

Huh? Are you not being taken as seriously as you believe you ought to be taken?

[dudlemann]

I wish I could hate you to death

[flyhead2]

'no excuses here.'

This is an incomplete sentance which is incoherent, relying on the intelligence of the reader in order to be understood.

'wont'

In the English language 'wont' means customary practice or habit. Again you convey a nonsensical message.

All this goes to prove one thing, and one thing only; you are a cunt.

[jasmine23pvz]

so, basically life is a game?

very cool vision..i liked it!!=)

peace`*

[br1055]

Thank you for putting this up. It is by far my favorite of his speeches. I am currently reading 2 of his books and Watts is the man.

[indigochile]

what books are you reading? "the book:on the taboo against knowing who you are"? or the collection of conversations?

[br1055]

Im reading his autobiography and his book "the meaning of happiness".

[Kinglouisofthejungle]

Chim Chim Old man!

[roeKY]

so where the fck is part 2?

[lekunberriko]

Master Watts!

[DjPat6]

thanks for re uploading

maybe i really wanted this re uploaded because i wanted to stop studying and believe that it was unnecessary and was not to be taken seriously but there is that kid inside me thats comforted by hearing this

[jaicket]

I don't think anybody should take from this that studying and making something of yourself isn't important.

Yes, treat life like a piece of beautiful music, but that doesn't mean you can't educate yourself, have a family etc.

I think there's more than one way to read these words, and I would fear that some may read into it that there's no point in striving to achieve, and to progress.

Normally people with that attitude are losers or junkies.

[Septimius]

Normal people with that attitude are not losers nor junkies. Junkies seek a higher experience. It's just the same as all CEOs doing crack. They've made it to the top, and they go "now what?" and they get depressed. Then they seek something higher, like Madonna did Judaism and why many CEOs are doing drugs.

The point is that you aren't supposed to achieve anything for the achievement itself. It leads only to a bad circle of self-frustration as Alan so interestingly describes many times.

[br1055]

This is especially true since Alan watts himself was extremely learned and accomplished so I definitely agree.

[sgtpeperr]

you missed the entire message. unless this is a joke?

[br1055]

Look at what I have said and tell me what I have said to indicate that I have " missed the entire message".

[BitterGabe]

or the 'modern hippie'

[johnnyabr132]

that was awesome.

[identityz3ro]

Wow.. Apparently these guys don't get the picture's that Alan Watts conveys. Is your need to be on a stage so great you can't go without barking about the littlest things, please do yourself a favor and don't be less, be more.

[GalacticMocha]

Jesus Christ, are you guys ADD? How can you not focus on his voice and appreciate the music at the same time? I'm surprised the images don't fucking distract you.

[audiohi]

LMAO im surprised you get that angry at text.

[GalacticMocha]

So is he against existentialism, then? I consider myself very existentialistic, but I love Alan Watts' talks.

[carbin16]

Wow... I totally get it. Its not the end thats important its the journey thats important. Instead of just looking for the end we should enjoy every moment. Instead dreading every day of our lifes we should look for satisfaction in everything we do. We should enjoy every note of the music that we hear.

[bwhalen2000]

its sort of funny that watts cheated on several wives and died of alcohol poisoning. still the man though

[phobosx12]

he did more or less say that the siginificance behind existence was have a good time

[jameshcopeland]

that was one of the more tasteful choices of backing music...on alot of them you can barely hear what hes saying or the music just seems out of context...nice vid.

[superdiza]

Good job making this video, but please take the time and put some info and tags...

:)

[brujaderio]

Actually, to me, the music helps one focus. But that is just my opinion.

[shadyjae]

A question I have always wonder, if intelligent life(aliens) turn out to exist...are all of Alan's theories completely destroyed?

[omedefirouz]

no.

[phvalue323]

christianity's would be... unless they too believed in jesus, and preached the bible, but I highly doubt that. Watts' ideas are not subjective, and not dependant on a structure of belief, but rather simply are.

[treysparker]

Adding music to alan watts is like repainting a Monet in more color here and there and claiming it to be better in your point of view. Adding music colors the words of alan watts in a way that he never intended. The music adds an emotional undertone that was appropriate from the perception of the uploader, and only the uploader.

I would love to hear Alan Watts speak as Alan Watts. Not Alan Watts as "redliterocket4" hears him.

[zealousstatic]

Alan Watts wouldn't care.

[GalacticMocha]

Shut up, dude, it doesn't make that much of a difference. In fact, the music is great. It's just ambiance. It in no ways alters the meaning of Watts' lecture. If anything, it entertains my floodlight consciousness while my spotlight consciousness listens to Watts. So, shove it.

[treysparker]

hahaha. You get way too angry at someone elses opinion man. Please, get out more :)

Listen to more alan watts, it'll make ya feel better.

[adamberk07]

you really believe that? (not being sarcastic)

[evertonfc176]

For all you people who are saying music isnt needed and you cant focus on watts then I think (could be wrong) you dont know what he is really saying. Remember when he related perception to a spotlight and a floodlight. Spotlight being the focus on only one thing. But when you do this you lose sight of everything else.

[iYoga]

Alan Watts doesn't need some audio behind him to take away from his words. its hard to keep focus on him. please remove music.

[nowayasway89]

yeaaaa watts is the freakin man. respec a nigga

[Freshadeneu]

Alan Watts doesn't need some shitty audio behind him to take away from his words. Shits so loud its hard to keep focus on him.

[Earthpuppy]

I like the visual and background it does relate and draws people in

[prhughes0]

i bow to the master who made these videos.

p

[herehavesomepie]

The elimination of distance Watts was talking about seems to be more pertinent than ever. High speed Internet,sometimes I feel like my cheating myself. I need to make more trips to the library.

[ThoseDirtyFeckers]

beautiful job man, tha's some good jazz! a swirling burling swinging boobity-booby-booby-boo-yooooo­oo!

[pugcasso]

"Your sampling and editing audio and video clips together only goes against what Alan Watts"

---

Perhaps the maker of the video was just 'playing' and not thinking "I should take this Alan Watts audio about 'seriousness' seriously.

I don't mind. It is all a new experieince. I like the background ancient chant and the dry dessert formations. Wind and water throughout time flowing over rock altering it without caring what someone on youtube will think thousands of years later.

[zealousstatic]

Thank you. Well said.

[BinaryReaper]

Alan Watts is like shakespeare, and his messages is just as timeless. Thank you for posting this.

[DjPat6]

hey. i wanted to let you know that you've helped me. thank you. peace.

[1987t]

why did you mix up Alan watt's lectures with your subjective taste of music and art.

Your sampling and editing audio and video clips together only goes against what Alan Watts claimed not to do, that is cutting things up into bits. Nothing can beat the uncut versions of Alan Watts lectures without all the distracting music and video. let people use their own memories and imagination to construct a concept of what Alan is saying.

[LatinoParaSiempre]

I agree Mr. Watts words are to important to mix up with bunch of pictures. Checkout some mine.

[Rael39]

You cant be serious!!!!!

[EchosideProductions]

I think you are taking it too seriously 1987t. In fact this vid is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Watts. Someone e-stumbling in here, will be like WTF? and then they will search out more info about Watts. But an hour long lecture intimidates those who want a quick and easy answer. This video, may blow open a closed mind and create a NEW Alan Watts! With a new sense of hope for a new century! Remember, its not about getting to the end, it's about singing and dancing along the way.

[Septimius]

You shouldn't ruin such a good quote by having it so far out of context.

[tyrbolo]

Pretty pictures of home. Since I'm a downwinder

I do like the Atomics better on a computer crt.

If you like Watts you'll find D. T. Suzuki good

as well.

[phuq1deology]

fuck, Alan Watts is cool. Nice images too.

[HeidiSaid]

You do such a great a job putting this out there and with your visual interpretations. Thank you. ~peace

[EvoLIEtion]

KOYAAAAANISQATTSI!

[mikdip0192]

i thought thats where this came from

[o00o0o0o0o0o]

I love this.

Thank you for introducing me to Alan Watts, I have something to do now with my boredom.

[davidbradstreet]

I agree with the 'too many o's god'. Try being out of work with no chance of ever getting any & teach me more.

[zzz33333]

love these

[megamandapop]

MAN... I was JUST watching the Alan Watts videos (that Trey Parker & Matt Stone animated)... I'm flabbergasted!