The Power of Space and Reincarnation

by Alan W. Watts

Space is considered to be nothingness by many. But after all it is the background in which we see everything. It is against space and within the dimension of time that we experience everything we experience. Space and time are the two basic dimensions of our world but are uncommonly illusive. We can say they are our way of thinking of the universe as being a system of patterns. And our awe at the vastness of space may be man's astonishment at himself. We reconsider our position as an "insignificant" speck in the vastness of the universe.

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Meditation

Audio CD

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. Famous for his research on comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies for a Western audience. 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. In his books he relates his experience to scientific knowledge and to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watts glamoured me yet again on a long plane trip! Very fitting subject matter as well- "Power of Space" - as we were all hurdling so quickly through space and time zones.

Similar to the layout of Four Ways to the Center - this is a collection of 4 lectures, the first three focusing on space, no-thing, and Watt's philosophy, and the fourth on "reincarnation" and rebirth, moving away from conventional definitions of such.

Some quotes to share (transcribed from oratory, excuse run-ons, non-punctuation, etc.)

[On the structure of space] "Is it a structure of the human nervous system/human brain/ human thought which is projected on the external world as a tool for measuring it?"

"Your mind, of course, is not something inside of your head. This is a great mistake. Your head is inside of your mind... We can define a person's mind in many ways, beginning with something rather simple: mind is occupied with thinking. Most people think in words, and you didn't get words out of your head, you got them out of the community in which you live and were brought up. So when you think in a language that your community gave you, you are not really thinking your own thoughts."

"In order to handle the world [you see], you have to touch it rather gently. You mustn't try to pin things down. In Zen, they say 'You do not try to drive a nail into the sky'. That's the beauty of space: there is nothing to hang on, nowhere to hang your hat."

"The result of thinking too much: getting accustomed to the warm ruts of thought. You can never see 'the new'. This is the real meaning of an open mind - not merely that you are liberal, but that you can turn off thoughts [and prejudice], and thus be turned on to reality."

[Ravi Raman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started listening to this audiobook this morning while walking my dog, then finished it up in the evening while mopping floors and doing laundry. It's 3 hrs long, and easy to listen to, though I'm sure I'll listen to it again in a few weeks to let more of the stories sink in. This book that fits with the theme of books I am reading lately about space and oneness. From Michael Neill's " The Space Within" and "Inside Out Revolution" to J Krishnamurti's "The Book of Life," Alan Watts goes right to the source by sharing parables and stories that clearly communicate the Eastern (Hindu/Buddhist) view of the inherent expansiveness of human beings. We are more than our bodies and thoughts, we are the universe, and understanding the power and role of space can help anyone to get their mind around the fact that we are each, the universe (and the universe is us). If we knew we were made of stars...how would that change how live?

[Ellie Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable to listen. Great narrative, audio experience!

AudioBook format:
The Power of Space and Reincarnation – Alan Watts

Another great title from Alan Watts, he always succeeds in taking your mind to another level! Love this guy, he sees through the dream state we are unconsciously dwelling in! Great seller, fast shipping...worth every penny! I am in love with Alan Watts work and in this book he does an exceptional of once again illuminate the minds in the understanding of life. For more than twenty years Alan Watts earned a reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Eastern philosophies to the West. Beginning at the age of 20, when he wrote The Spirit of Zen, he developed an audience of millions who were enriched by his book, tape recordings, radio, television, and public lectures.

[Firas Abdulhasain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scattered collection of Alan Watts' wisdom. Food for thought, without specifying the food nor the thought.
A few of the highlights:

"Whatever it is that is dancing in space, is increasingly difficult to define. The more you think about energy, ...., the more we pursue it, the more it all seems to disappear. Like space, the more you try to think what it is, the more difficult it is."

"If you keep on asking questions, everything falls apart."

"Because in order to handle the world, you see, you have to touch it rather gently. You mustn't try to pin things down. As they say in Zen, you do not try to drive a nail into the space."

"That old myth of man is the head of nature."

[Laureena Mardini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind-opening trip as always.

[Indraneel Dabhade · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous experience. A glorious mixture of metaphysics and spirituality.

[The_J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rainbow is the same as the Mountain. Reality is more ephemeral than you want to believe.

[Teo · Rating 3 out of 5]

2017.02.10–2017.02.10

Watts A (2015) (03:18) Power of Space and Reincarnation, The