Alan Watts - Don't Take Life too Seriously

Summary

The transcript explores the concept of the Joker's perspective, viewing both social institutions and natural formations as games. It delves into the Joker's amusement at individuals taking life too seriously, and contrasts 'far out' unconventional people with 'far in' individuals who understand the true nature of existence. The Joker represents the player who ultimately plays a trick on themselves, embodying the idea that we are all responsible for our experiences. The discussion also touches on the relationship between anxiety and laughter, suggesting they are two sides of the same coin, and that the interpretation of life's challenges can shift from fear to amusement, transforming pain into ecstasy.

Takeaways

• 🃏 The Joker's perspective views both social institutions and natural formations as games, emphasizing the playful aspect of existence without trivializing it.
• 🎭 Society often takes itself too seriously, and the 'far out' individuals are seen as unconventional, while the 'far in' individuals maintain a connection to the true nature of reality behind the scenes.
• 🎩 The 'far in' people act as a counterbalance to the anxiety and seriousness of the 'far out' people, keeping them grounded and preventing them from going insane.
• 🤡 The Joker represents the ultimate 'far in' individual, playing the great trick on himself by seeing through the illusions of the game and embracing the eternal nature of existence.
• 🌀 The concept of the 'green room' symbolizes the still point in the center of the turning world, where God or the ultimate reality is found, uninvolved in the games of the world.
• 🚀 Becoming a Buddha or achieving enlightenment is likened to a sudden, cunning departure from the 'town' of worldly attachments, without warning or preparation.
• 🔄 The double bind of seeking spontaneity is highlighted, where the very act of trying to be spontaneous makes it impossible to achieve true spontaneity.
• 🤔 The realization that all actions, including breathing and thinking, are spontaneous and present activities, leads to the understanding that living in the present is both impossible and inevitable.
• 😂 The transformation of anxiety into laughter is discussed, showing that the same emotional response can be interpreted in different ways based on one's perspective.
• 💀 The concept of death as a jest is introduced, suggesting that the fear of death is a fundamental misunderstanding of the eternal nature of existence.
• 🌌 The idea that existence is cyclical and eternal is explored, challenging the notion of a final, irreversible end to life and the universe.

Q & A

What is the central theme discussed in the transcript?

The central theme discussed in the transcript is the concept of viewing life and social institutions as games from the perspective of the 'joker', and how this viewpoint can lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of existence and the transformation of anxiety into laughter.

How does the speaker describe the term 'game' in the context of the joker's point of view?

The speaker describes the term 'game' not as something trivial, but as an important activity that is done sincerely and for its own sake, without an ulterior motive. The joker sees both natural forms and human social institutions as games.

What is the significance of the 'far out' and 'far in' people according to the transcript?

The 'far out' people are those who are deeply involved and lost in the seriousness of the societal games they play, whereas the 'far in' people are those who maintain contact with the original intentions and the 'green room' behind the scenes, acting as a prompter in a theater, keeping the societal wheel turning on its axle.

How does the speaker relate the concept of anxiety and laughter?

The speaker suggests that anxiety and laughter are essentially the same phenomenon viewed from different perspectives. The transformation from anxiety to laughter occurs when one realizes the eternal nature of existence and sees through the game of life.

What does the speaker mean by 'the sudden school' and 'satori' in the context of Zen Buddhism?

The speaker refers to 'the sudden school' and 'satori' as terms related to Zen Buddhism, which emphasize the idea of sudden enlightenment or awakening. This is the concept of becoming a buddha instantly, without any preparation or warning, as a way to overcome the immense opposition stirred up by the individual's challenge to their karma.

How does the speaker discuss the concept of eternity and existence?

The speaker discusses the concept of eternity and existence by arguing that existence is eternal and that the ending of existence implies the beginning of something new. He uses the metaphor of the universe running down like a jar of mixed black pepper and salt, suggesting that what happened once (the big bang) can happen again.

What is the speaker's perspective on the interpretation of pain?

The speaker suggests that the interpretation of pain can shift from viewing it as a destructive force to experiencing it as an extraordinary sensation without negative connotations. This shift can transform pain into a form of ecstasy, changing the experience from one of terror to one of fascination.

How does the speaker use the example of the zebra with black and yellow stripes to illustrate his point?

The speaker uses the example of the zebra to illustrate that the same phenomenon can be viewed from different perspectives. Whether the zebra is seen as a yellow horse with black stripes or a black horse with yellow stripes, both viewpoints are valid and demonstrate the subjectivity of perception.

What is the significance of the skull in the transcript's discussion on death and jest?

The skull is used to challenge the conventional view of death as a grim end. The speaker cites a poem by Chesterton where the skull is seen as a symbol of everlasting laughter, suggesting that death can be viewed as a jest, a playful aspect of the cyclical nature of existence.

How does the speaker connect the idea of the 'green room' to the concept of God and the still point of the turning world?

The speaker connects the 'green room' to the concept of God and the still point by describing it as the central, unchanging point in the dynamic world. It is where God is 'at home', not involved in the games of the world, and it represents the underlying stability and peace behind the constant change and activity of life.

What is the importance of the 'prompter' in the analogy of the universe and societal games?

The 'prompter' in the analogy is important as they represent the individuals who keep the actors (people) in touch with the 'green room' (the still point or God). They serve as a reminder of the original intentions and the true nature of the 'game', helping to maintain balance and connection in the midst of societal activities.

Outlines

00:00

🃏 The Joker's Perspective on Life and Games

This paragraph introduces the concept of viewing life and its institutions from the Joker's perspective, where everything is seen as a game. It emphasizes the importance of not trivializing the concept of 'games', as they can be significant and sincere, akin to playing a musical instrument. The Joker's viewpoint allows for the observation of natural forms and human institutions as games played for their own sake, without ulterior motives. This perspective suggests that taking life too seriously can be amusing, as it highlights the absurdity of human importance in the grand scheme of things.

05:01

🎭 The Stage and the Green Room: A Metaphor for Existence

The paragraph delves into the metaphor of theater, where actors on stage represent humans fully immersed in the 'game' of life, while the prompter in the green room symbolizes a connection to the original intentions and the true nature of existence. It contrasts 'far out' individuals, who are unconventional, with 'far in' individuals, who maintain a connection to the essence of life behind the scenes. The 'green room' is likened to the state of God or the ultimate truth, where one is not involved in the games of the world. The paragraph suggests that certain people, like a priesthood or those 'in the know', act as prompts, keeping society connected to its foundational truths.

10:02

🤔 The Paradox of Sudden Enlightenment

This section discusses the paradox of seeking spontaneous spiritual awakening, which by its nature cannot be sought or planned. It describes the 'sly man' who achieves enlightenment without any prior announcement, highlighting the concept of 'sudden' schools of thought like Zen Buddhism and the idea of satori, or sudden awakening. The text explores the double bind of wanting to be spontaneous while also planning for spontaneity, leading to a state of paralysis where the only resolution is to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

15:05

😂 The Transformation of Anxiety into Laughter

The paragraph examines the relationship between anxiety and laughter, suggesting they are two sides of the same coin. It uses the example of tears, which can represent both grief and joy, to illustrate how life's vibrations can be interpreted differently. The Joker's role is to transform the anxiety-induced trembling into laughter, embracing the absurdity of existence and finding humor in the human condition.

20:06

💀 The Skull as a Symbol of Mortality and Laughter

This paragraph discusses the use of skulls as reminders of mortality, typically seen as grim, but also as a symbol of laughter and eternity. It references Chesterton's poem to illustrate how death can be viewed as a jest. The text explores the idea of life as a series of oscillations and vibrations, which can be interpreted as either fearful or joyful experiences. It suggests that the ultimate realization that existence is eternal can transform the perception of death and anxiety into laughter and acceptance.

25:10

🌌 The Eternal Nature of Existence and the Cosmos

The paragraph contemplates the concept of the universe running down towards a stable state, like mixing black pepper and salt, and the idea that what happened once can happen again. It argues against the notion of existence happening only once, asserting that nothingness and somethingness are intertwined. The text suggests that the eternal nature of existence implies continuous cycles of creation and destruction, transforming the fear of death into a realization of the everlasting nature of being.

30:10

🎶 The Perception of Pain and the Experience of Ecstasy

This section explores the interpretation of pain, suggesting that its perception can shift from viewing it as destructive to experiencing it as ecstasy when freed from negative associations. It discusses the transformation of the victim's mindset during torture, where pain eventually becomes a cooperative experience. The paragraph emphasizes the power of changing one's approach to experiences, using the example of John Cage's silent music to illustrate how shifting expectations can lead to new, unprejudiced perceptions of reality.

Keywords

💡Joker

In the context of the video, the Joker represents a perspective that views both social institutions and natural formations as games. This viewpoint suggests that these 'games' are not trivial but are played for their own sake, without ulterior motives. The Joker sees the intensity of seriousness in people as amusing, as they are deeply involved in the 'game' of life, often losing sight of the bigger picture. This concept is central to the video's exploration of how different people interpret and engage with the world around them.

💡Games

The term 'games' in the video is used metaphorically to describe various aspects of life, including social structures and natural phenomena. It implies that these aspects are not to be taken as trivial or unimportant, but rather as complex and meaningful activities that are engaged with for their own sake, rather than for some external reward or outcome. The concept challenges the听众 to view life and its many facets as opportunities for play and enjoyment, rather than solely as serious, burdensome obligations.

💡Seriousness

In the video, 'seriousness' refers to the intense, often rigid, approach that individuals take towards life and its various 'games'. It is contrasted with the playful perspective of the Joker, who sees the overly serious attitude as both unnecessary and amusing. The video suggests that an overly serious approach can lead to a loss of perspective and a failure to appreciate the true nature of life's experiences.

💡Anxiety

Anxiety in the video is portrayed as a common human experience that arises from the fear and uncertainty associated with life's 'games'. However, the speaker suggests that anxiety and laughter are two sides of the same coin, and that the perception of life's challenges can be shifted from one of fear to one of amusement. This shift in perspective can lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable approach to life.

💡Laughter

Laughter is presented in the video as a powerful counterpoint to anxiety. It represents the release of tension and the ability to see the humor in life's situations. The speaker argues that laughter is not just a response to comedy but can also be a way of interpreting and coping with anxiety-inducing situations. It is a means of transforming fear and tension into lightness and joy.

💡Sudden Awakening

The concept of 'Sudden Awakening' refers to the unexpected and instantaneous realization or understanding that one can achieve in the pursuit of spiritual growth or enlightenment. In the video, this idea is linked to the 'sly man' and the Zen Buddhist concept of 'satori', which is a sudden enlightenment that comes without warning or preparation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not actively seeking this state, as the very act of seeking can prevent it from occurring spontaneously.

💡Karma

Karma, as discussed in the video, refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect, where an individual's actions and behaviors in their current life can affect their future lives. The speaker mentions how individuals, such as monks, fakirs, and yogis, undertake disciplines to release themselves from the cycle of karma. The Joker's perspective on karma is one of detachment and playfulness, suggesting that a light-hearted approach can help overcome the limitations and attachments associated with karma.

💡Prompter

In the context of the video, a 'prompter' is used as a metaphor for a person who maintains a connection to the original intentions and the 'green room' behind the scenes of life's 'games'. This person serves as a reminder of the true nature of existence and helps to keep others grounded in the present moment. The prompter represents a source of wisdom and guidance that helps individuals navigate through the complexities of life without losing sight of what is truly important.

💡Green Room

The 'Green Room' in the video is a metaphorical concept representing a place of stillness and the true essence of existence, away from the stage of life's 'games'. It is where one can find a sense of peace and detachment from the roles and expectations of society. The speaker likens the 'Green Room' to the state of God or the ultimate truth, suggesting that it is the source from which all life's activities emanate and to which they return.

💡Double Bind

A 'Double Bind' is a psychological term referring to a situation in which an individual is trapped between two conflicting demands or expectations, making it impossible to satisfy one without violating the other. In the video, the speaker uses the concept to describe the paradoxical nature of seeking spontaneous spiritual awakening. The individual is caught in a bind when they try to be spontaneous on command, which inherently contradicts the very nature of spontaneity.

💡Ecstasy

In the video, 'Ecstasy' is used to describe a state of intense absorption or a profound experience that transcends the usual boundaries of consciousness. It is contrasted with the perception of pain as a negative, destructive force. The speaker suggests that pain, when viewed without the interpretation of threat or harm, can lead to a state of ecstasy, where one fully embraces the sensations without resistance or fear.

💡Existence

The concept of 'Existence' in the video is discussed in the context of the eternal nature of being. The speaker challenges the fear of non-existence and the desire for survival by suggesting that existence is an ongoing, eternal phenomenon. This perspective encourages the listener to see beyond the limitations of the physical world and the fear of death, embracing the idea that the essence of existence continues beyond the end of physical life.

Highlights

The Joker's perspective sees social institutions and natural formations as games, not trivial but played with sincerity.

Games have importance and can be played well when taken as such, without ulterior motives.

The intensity of seriousness in individuals is seen as humorous by the Joker, leading to laughter.

The concept of 'far out' and 'far in' people, where 'far out' are unconventional and 'far in' are those who understand the game's true nature.

The 'far in' people act as a prompter in a theater, keeping the actors connected to the original intent behind the scenes.

The Joker is the ultimate player, playing the great trick on himself, embodying the masks of God.

The idea of the 'sly man' who becomes a Buddha instantaneously without preparation or warning.

The double bind of trying to be spontaneous on purpose, which leads to a state of total paralysis.

The realization that you can't help but be spontaneous, as all actions are present activities.

The oscillation of life, interpreted as either anxiety or laughter, depending on perspective.

The transformation of anxiety into laughter upon realizing the eternal nature of existence.

The philosophical discussion on whether the zebra is a yellow horse with black stripes or a black horse with yellow stripes.

The idea that existence happening only once is a contradiction, as it essentially means it doesn't happen at all.

The interpretation of pain changing from a negative experience to one of ecstasy when meaning is removed.

The importance of approach and mindset in interpreting experiences, such as listening to sounds with an open mind.

The concept of the 'green room' as the central point, the still point of the turning world, akin to God's perspective.

The role of the 'far in' people as a priesthood, maintaining the axle of society and existence.

The notion that survival is an ideal only as long as the fear of death (the 'bug bear') is present.

Transcripts

we'll begin by

refreshing memories

as to what went before

[Music]

in discussing the theme of the joker

i have been talking about

a point of view

the joker's point of view

from which

not only our social institutions

but also all the formations of the

natural world

are seen as games

be careful of the word game

it doesn't mean as trivialities

because when we say it's just a game

this often means it is just trivial

there can be

important games

as when we play

the piano or musical instruments

we are not necessarily doing something

frivolous

but we are playing

and there is something in the nature of

all play

that is not serious

but at the same time may be sincere

and i tried to

give you the picture

of the multiplicity of natural forms on

the one hand

and of human social institutions

and all the things that we do and

consider important and busy ourselves

with as human beings i tried to give you

the point of view from which these can

be seen as games

as things being done as it were simply

for themselves

and not for some

ulterior motive

[Music]

and therefore

these games are in a way best played

when they are played as games

although it's really all right for

people to take them seriously except

that

they are a little bit deprived

they're missing something

and so when the joker sees a person

taking his life seriously and regarding

himself as extremely important

there is something a little bit funny

about it and he is inclined to get the

giggles

and

[Music]

it's it's all he knows that the very

intensity

of seriousness

with which the individuals concerned are

taking these games

will be a kind of foil

for the subsequent

uh

bursting into laughter

when he sees that it wasn't serious

after all

you see that uh you might say

there are these classes of people there

are the very far out people and the very

far in people

now ordinarily we say someone's very far

out when they are oddballs

when they are exceedingly unconventional

but i want you to turn the picture

around and look as a conventional person

look at a square as a person who's very

far out

that is to say he is so involved

in the seriousness of the game he is

playing that he is lost

he doesn't know where he started from

and he thinks he's there

but he's completely lost

because he is actually uh

under the cover of his assurance

of his status of his position in society

he's really a very anxious person

i said a lot yesterday about the way in

which our society shows anxiety because

it cannot permit

the existence of people who don't belong

and it cannot really permit

the criticism of laughter

it cannot permit the presence of the

old-fashioned court jester

because these people are so far out

they are so involved and one from a

certain standpoint you see from the

joker standpoint

he doesn't condemn such people he rather

congratulates them on their heroism

for getting so lost and involved

but to keep the far out people

from going quite insane

there have to be far in people

and the far in people are those

who who

keep contact with the original

goings on behind the scenes

they are like the prompter in the

theater where there are the actors out

on the stage relying on their memories

etc and they are supposed to get

completely involved in the play

but there's a concealed prompter with

the script in front of him

and he is the connection of the actor on

the stage with the green room behind the

stage

and you see in in this dramatic analogy

of the universe

the

green room

is the central point the still point of

the turning world

the green room is how

god is

when he's back home

not involved in all these games

and takes off the mask

see uh on the hindu theory that

everybody is a mask of god

like uh

wonderful line in one of chesterton's

poems

and now a great thing in the street

seems any human nod where move in

strange democracy the million masks of

god

the million masks of the joker

because the joker is the player

the trick player who plays ultimately

the great trick on himself

so really

there can be no resentment about this

nobody to blame nobody to turn around

during the end and say you you bastard

you did this to me

because it's always you who are

ultimately responsible

so

this

prompter you see keeps the actor on the

stage in touch with the green room and

so there are certain people in the world

who

might be a kind of a priesthood

sometimes although priesthoods are apt

to become corrupt and

square

but a kind of people in the know

there always has to be somebody around

in the know

so that uh

as it were the wheel

of society and of existence the wheel of

the squirrel cage the wheel of the rat

race

can have an axle firmly

and at the center then there have to be

the far in people

so this is the domain of jokers

now

having developed that side of the joker

the person who sees

uh through the social institutions as

games i went on in the second session

to discuss another aspect of the joker

as the sly man

in comparison with the monk the fakia

and the yogi

who undertake all those three

undertake in certain different ways

disciplines

which

have the intent of releasing them from

their karma

the individual in other words challenges

his involvement his attachments his

limitations his finitude and endeavors

to overcome it

but in each of these three cases the

individual involved stirs up an immense

opposition

[Music]

because he serves notice upon the devil

or shall we say upon his karmic

creditors that he is about to leave town

and so all the creditors come rushing to

the door

all his past sins catch up with him

and the devil lays his temptations in

the way all the more thoroughly

so that the sly man is the one who when

he is going to leave town does so

instantaneously without any prior

announcement

and so in this way there is

shall we say

a cunning

manner

of becoming a buddha

and that is to become one instantly

without any preparation or warning

whatsoever

this is why zen is called the sudden

school

and why satori is a sudden awakening

because it has to be done

without the slightest warning

now

but then i pointed out that the moment

you

have any idea about doing this

you've already ceased to be sudden

that is to say the moment you

seek for

some spiritual attainment

which is becoming a buddha becoming

awakened becoming released

[Music]

getting in there you've already served

notice upon your creditors

so that somehow or other you find that

you have to do it without intending to

do it

and that is a double bind

[Music]

where which you impose upon yourself

when you say

i must find a way

of doing this spontaneously

that's the old old basic double bind

you must be spontaneous

you are commanded or you command

yourself to do something which is

acceptable only if it happens

spontaneously

then you think about that and say well

well well

what a fix that is

here am i

saying

i must be surprised and i'm going to lay

plans to surprise myself

[Laughter]

so uh by going through this

you discover naturally that that can't

be done

you can't surprise yourself on purpose

yet that's what you have to do

so what about it you you come to a state

of total paralysis

you're stuck

the one thing that is terribly important

to be done

can't be done

it has to happen it really does if

you're earnest about this you want to

get out of the trap

but you can't do anything about it

either actively

or passively

[Music]

but then as you begin to

see what you are doing all the time

you notice a very odd fact

which is

[Music]

that you can't help being spontaneous

if i say to you good morning

and you say good morning

what is that

did you

plan this answer

did you make preparations to grow your

hair

do you make uh

decisions about having blue eyes

you see about breathing

is this all planned about beating your

heart

and what about your thinking even if

it's very blocked thinking

even if you feel from a certain point of

view that you're all mixed up

what is going on anyway

you see you can't stop it

it's like trying to we were discussing

uh

the good jeff thing yesterday the

self-remembering exercise

the attempt to live completely in the

present

well that's not only a good jeff idea

that's a very ancient yoga

and buddhist

discipline

to be completely here and now

but of course as you pursue this you

discover you can't do it

because you couldn't even uh

you know know when to go shopping unless

you made plans and started thinking

about the future

because you couldn't move

but then you discover you see

that in the long run there's nothing to

think about except the here and now

there really isn't anything else

because even when you make plans for the

future and you remember the past you're

doing it all in the present your memory

is a present activity there's no way of

not being self-remembering and present

having presence of mind

so when you discover that

there's nothing left to you but to have

a good laugh

[Music]

well now

i want to develop

to a greater extent something i only

touched on yesterday afternoon

when we were discussing anxiety and

laughter

and the relationship between the two

[Music]

i uh suggested that anxiety and laughter

are really the same phenomenon

but seen from different points of view

as we all know we can have shadows of

horror and shadows of delight tears of

grief and tears of joy

and as it's the same shadows and the

same tears in either case but they have

a completely different meaning

now life set life is a matter of

oscillation

life is vibration

it's i

the whole time and all the way through

question is how are you going to

interpret that

is it tremble tremble tremble

or is it laugh laugh laugh

that's the that's the great thing

and sometimes it's one

and sometimes it's the other

so that the the whole thing of the joker

is the book the he comes into being as

it were at the point

when the anxiety interpretation of the

trembling becomes the laughing

interpretation

[Music]

we were talking about

monks

who had skulls

on in their cells to remind them of

mortality

and we think a grim thing

the skull is a grim thing

but

chesterton had the poem

about the

skull

chattering finch and waterfly are not

merrier than i

hear among the flowers i lie

laughing everlastingly

no i may not tell the best

surely friends i might have guessed

death was but the good king's jest it

was hid so carefully

so you can see the skull

not as a grim thing but as a laughing

thing

it's all that's left of a human being

and all the

the surface is peeled off and nothing

but this beautiful bone remains

it laughs

now why

what is it about

death

being a jest

we discussed

the problem of the zebra

you remember

whether a zebra is a yellow horse with

black stripes or a black horse with

yellow stripes

and of course

you can see it either way

and you can argue till all is blue about

which side is right

[Music]

and let's suppose that a black horse is

a horse of ill omen

even though striped with yellow

and a yellow horse a horse of joy and

good omen even though striped with black

this is our eternal problem

we are in the state of egocentric

consciousness firmly convinced

that death

is a threat

we are so convinced of this even though

individuals may say well i'm not really

afraid of death what i'm afraid of is

dying in an unpleasant way

nevertheless

since

almost all

uh

moralists and people concerned with

ethics

seem to agree whatever their differences

of opinion that survival is a good thing

in some sense if not survival in this

body

the even the most uh i mean the people

who would rather be dead than red

firmly believe

that that is true because they believe

there is a hereafter

where they can go and where they can be

rewarded for the courageous stand

against evil which they have taken

you see so that's still some kind of

insistence on the

the value of survival

and

we all cling to this

idea of survival

with tremendous passion

but

we have been fooled

because

survival is an important ideal only so

long as you have

bothering you the bug bear

of death

that

the world might stop all together and

that your death so far as you are

concerned is curtains forever

and that is really the bogey

you see that's all very well

to rationalize and say no it's not death

i'm afraid of it's the pains of death

but if you think about it deeply there

are several stages in thinking about it

deeply the first stage is the real

horrors

of endless night

of the futility

of the whole conception that one's own

life

or indeed the whole life of the cosmos

might be nothing but

a flash

and beyond that nothing

nothing nothing in all directions

when for example we think of

the physicist's idea that the universe

is running down

that all

energy

uh is seeking a stable state

supposing for example to give an

illustration of what they mean

i have a jar of black pepper and a jar

of salt

and i pour them together

into another jar

and i can see the white salt and the

black pepper fairly well delineated then

i start shaking the jar

and slowly slowly slowly the black and

the white disappear into a gray

that can never be sorted out again into

black and white

in this sort of way as things go on

the universe they say it tends to attain

a stable state

to run down run down run down until

that's the end

and nobody knows how it could possibly

start all over again

but i always say and i feel it in a sort

of funny intuitive way that what

happened once can happen again

if this world started at some time

supposing there was a colossal explosion

which set all these galaxies flying out

then what existed before that explosion

must surely have been something like the

stable state to which we shall run down

in the end

and if it went bang once there's

absolutely no reason why it shouldn't go

bang again

uh i suppose

there are temperaments in logic

i have a temperament whereby

i just cannot it mean it seems to me

absolutely basic that what happened once

can happen again

but there are other

people who so cherish the unique

that they can conceive the idea of

something like existence happening only

once

but you see something that happens only

once

doesn't happen at all

what happens if you

a given sound consists of only one

vibration

what is the up crest of a wave apart

from the down crest can you conceive

that

that's the same koan as what is the

sound of one hand

[Music]

you see

it always takes two

[Music]

you can't have

a purely left-sided person

imagine

so uh

in in this way just as you can't have

just one vibration i mean it's like

you're saying the greatest strength of

mind is to eat one peanut

[Laughter]

and and so it can hardly be done

so there isn't just one vibration

and uh

a dip but no da

sort of thing uh

you you have to have it do more

so in in just the same way when you

magnify this principle there isn't just

one cosmos or one big explosion that

starts and stops

[Music]

all stopping implies starting

someone just wrote to me we haven't

parted because we never met

[Laughter]

so

the whole point of saying this is the

realization

that existence is eternal

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the going out of existence implies the

coming in

and some thomas had some points here

when he said

there could never have been a time when

there was not being

because if there had been a time when

there was nothing

there was nothing in nothing to produce

something

but he didn't quite have the point

because what he didn't see

was that nothing is productive

in the sense that you can't have nothing

without something

they go together

and all this thing is an argument

again about whether the zebra

is yellow striped black or black stripe

yellow

and what we see is

that

the black and the yellow the darkness

and the light

are simply two phases of the same

and that realization

is exactly what transforms anxiety into

laughter

suddenly to see

that

you just after all this anxiety

that you don't have anything to worry

about

now that doesn't mean

that there will not in our future

lie

uh some extremely painful experiences or

experiences that we would ordinarily

interpret as horribly painful

[Music]

we may all die of ghastly diseases

or of radiation burns

or of our unimaginable things

but look here

i very briefly touched on pain yesterday

and the way

pain is interpreted

uh if

if you interpret pain

as

something that is destroying you

and is going in the direction of total

death

then it's very serious indeed

and it's perfectly terrifying

but i've been investigating experiences

of people who've undergone torture

uh

i don't know if anybody in this room has

it's always possible

but uh and then if so you can correct me

but uh the the worst part of torture is

the beginning

when of course you're full of all your

illusions

and all your

um

fears about black and white and the

terror that black may win

but it said that as torture proceeds

it slowly changes uh the state of mind

of the victim

to a kind of drunken

masochistic

giving in

to the torture

so that it becomes

something that he cooperates with

and that if the

the torturer notices this he knows he's

through and has to kill him

so uh

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in other words

there is a point

at which pain

becomes an experience

without having a negative interpretation

put upon it

becomes in other words converted into

ecstasy

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it simply becomes you see a way of

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going through extraordinarily far out

sensations

which have no meaning

if they have meaning the meaning of

threat the meaning of

uh death looming at the end

and you know this is the tearing apart

and the destruction of you

then you see

uh it is absolutely horrendous

but if it has no meaning at all

just transpose yourself into another

dimension to illustrate it

because what the dimension i'm talking

about is very tough one

but let's go back to a simpler one let's

take psalms

now

if you lie down and uh listen

to all the goings on in this area and

you will hear planes moving in cars and

fog horns and all kinds of crazy sounds

you see people

this way and that so on and you can

listen to that and find it very

interesting

very beautiful

but if someone were to

do what john cage does

and puts you in a concert hall with the

expectation of hearing music

and by having a purely silent playing of

the piano

compel you instead to listen to all the

sounds going on around you

you would be shocked and feel that some

kind of

avant-garde hoax had been perpetrated

you see it depends on the set

on the way you approach

the experience

now you can listen to sounds that are

ordinarily considered unpleasant

in a totally unprejudiced way

you can listen to

discordant

musical noises

uh and find them extremely interesting

if you listen carefully enough

[Music]

[Music]

you