Alan Watts: On Being God – Being in the Way Podcast Ep. 6 – Hosted by Mark Watts

This paragraph introduces the speaker, Mark Watts, and the topic of the talk, 'Being God,' which was recorded in 1971 at a conference on Western therapy and Eastern religions. The talk explores the relationship between Western therapy, Western religions, and mystical experiences or altered states that form the basis of Eastern religions. It highlights the inadequacy of Western therapy and religions in dealing with individuals who have had such experiences and invites the audience to participate in a clinical experiment.

In this paragraph, the speaker discusses the common ground between Western psychology, psychiatry, and the religions of Asia, noting that both are interested in changing states of human consciousness. However, institutional Western religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are less concerned with transformation of consciousness and more with behavior, doctrine, and belief. The speaker criticizes the treatment of non-normal states of consciousness in Western psychology as sick and argues that official psychiatry guards socially approved experiences of reality, which are often narrow and limited.

This paragraph delves into the limitations of human consciousness, particularly our conscious attention, which is inadequate for dealing with the complex, multi-dimensional processes of the natural universe. The speaker discusses the concept of evolution and the human race's attempt to direct it, despite our limited cognitive abilities. He also touches on the historical context of scientific naturalism and its influence on psychological thinking, likening psychoanalysis to an outdated Newtonian mechanics model.

The speaker compares the practices and structures of psychiatry and psychotherapy to those of institutional religion, highlighting their similarities in terms of rituals, hierarchy, and dogma. He discusses the potential dangers of this 'new religion,' where psychiatrists wield significant power and control over individuals, sometimes leading to persecution and mistreatment of those with unorthodox states of consciousness. The speaker warns against the officialization of psychiatric doctrines and the potential for abuse of power.

In this paragraph, the speaker emphasizes the vast unknowns surrounding the human mind and the potential dangers of concentrating too much power in the hands of psychiatrists. He criticizes the idea of officially qualifying individuals to perform psychotherapy, likening it to the unpredictability of artistic genius. The speaker advocates for a more open and unofficial approach to therapy and spiritual exploration.

The speaker discusses the concept of heresy in Western religion, particularly focusing on Jesus Christ's claim of divinity, which was considered heretical. He explores the historical context of this claim and its implications for religious authority and individual spiritual experience. The speaker suggests that the true message of Christ was about recognizing and realizing one's own divine nature, but this message was obscured and made irrelevant over time.

This paragraph delves into the concept of Cosmic Consciousness, a state of awareness that is spontaneous and transcends cultural boundaries. The speaker discusses the transformative power of this experience and its potential to alleviate feelings of alienation and hostility. He argues that recognizing one's unity with the universe can lead to a more harmonious existence and a reduced tendency to try to control or dominate the world around us.

The speaker invites the audience to engage in a therapeutic exploration of the idea 'I am God.' He presents himself as a patient who believes he is God and encourages the audience to interact with him as they would with a patient. This interactive segment aims to challenge and question conventional understandings of divinity, selfhood, and the nature of reality.

In this paragraph, the speaker discusses the concept of boredom and its relationship with creativity. He suggests that boredom is an inevitable part of life and can be a catalyst for seeking new experiences and meaning. The speaker also touches on the idea of responsibility for one's own life and experiences, emphasizing the importance of accepting and embracing the present moment.

The speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of the universe and the role of chance within it. He likens life to a dance where the goal is not to reach a destination but to engage in the movement itself. The speaker encourages embracing the present and finding joy in everyday activities, transforming them into a form of dance or ritual.

This paragraph explores the paradox of self and the concept of awareness. The speaker discusses the idea of a 'witness self' that observes experiences without being involved in them. He warns against the misuse of this concept, as it can become a hideout for the ego. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of all things and the power of 'nothing' as a foundational aspect of 'something.'

In the final paragraph, the speaker contemplates the simplicity and power of nothingness as the source of all creation. He challenges the Western philosophical notion that 'nothing comes from nothing' and suggests that the very fabric of reality arises from the void. The speaker concludes the talk by reinforcing the idea that understanding the interplay of yin and yang, or nothingness and something, provides profound insights into the nature of existence.