You Always Get What You Want - Alan Watts

Summary

In this thought-provoking discourse, the speaker explores the interconnectedness of the self and the world, emphasizing that our actions and experiences are reflections of our own karma. The speaker critiques the ego, highlighting how our sense of control and resistance to life's flow leads to suffering. Drawing on spiritual and philosophical insights, the speaker suggests that true liberation comes from understanding the harmony between the subjective and objective, and realizing that our desires and actions are more deeply interwoven with the universe than we often perceive.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of karma suggests that everything that happens to you is a return of what you have put out into the world, even if you don't consciously realize it.
• 😀 The definition of 'self' must go beyond just voluntary conscious behavior; it encompasses the behavior of the environment and the non-self as well.
• 😀 If you see the inside and outside as inseparably moving together, you may mistakenly believe that you are in total control, which can lead to egotistical inflation and megalomania.
• 😀 True spiritual growth doesn't involve trying to consciously control behavior; rather, it is recognizing that we are always living the 'uncalculated life' without realizing it.
• 😀 The ego often creates a sense of strain and resistance, but when this tension ceases, we realize the ego dissolves, and 'I' refers to the total experience, not a separate entity.
• 😀 Spiritual sages avoid blaming or praising others because they understand the interwoven nature of reality, and they see all actions as part of the larger whole.
• 😀 Praising and blaming are interdependent; they lose their meaning if everyone is praised, as there's no contrast to create value in it.
• 😀 The idea of spiritual enlightenment involves recognizing the harmonious relationship between the individual and the environment, a relationship that is always in place, not something to be artificially created.
• 😀 True love and genuine spiritual practice emerge naturally from understanding, not from forced efforts to control the mind or actions.
• 😀 The concept of power and control is illusory; by investigating what you truly want and who you are, you realize that desires are not separate from the self, and that self is inseparable from others.

Q & A

What does the script suggest about the nature of karma and its role in our lives?

The script suggests that everything that happens to us is a result of our own karma. It emphasizes that what comes to us is a return of what we put out into the world, and this interconnectedness means that we are constantly influenced by both our own actions and the environment around us.

How does the script differentiate between conscious behavior and unconscious aspects of the self?

The script argues that the definition of oneself should not be limited to conscious, voluntary behavior. It suggests that the self is much broader and involves unconscious and involuntary aspects, including our interactions with the environment and others. It proposes that both the 'self' and the 'not-self' (environment) move together in harmony.

What warning does the script offer regarding spiritual experiences and ego inflation?

The script warns that when individuals experience mystical or psychedelic states, they may feel an inflated sense of self-importance, leading to megalomania or a belief that they are 'above' conventional behavior. This can happen if they mistakenly think they are in control of the interconnected flow of the world, rather than recognizing the natural, harmonious relationship between self and environment.

What is the script's view on the idea of 'doing as you will'?

The script suggests that 'doing as you will' is not a new behavior that one can adopt consciously. Instead, it points out that people always act according to their desires and motivations, even when they believe they are acting out of duty. The key is to realize that these actions are part of the natural flow of life, not separate from it.

How does the script describe the sensation of mystical consciousness?

The script describes mystical consciousness as a state where individuals experience a sense of effortless movement through life. For example, walking up a hill may feel as if the ground itself is lifting them up, and there is a sense of lightness and harmony. This state contrasts with the usual tension and resistance that most people experience in their everyday lives.

What role does 'strain' play in the concept of the ego according to the script?

According to the script, the ego is a result of the constant strain or tension that individuals feel, particularly between their eyes (in the forehead area) and other physical centers in the body, like the solar plexus. This tension is a manifestation of resistance against the natural flow of life, and when it ceases, the individual experiences the dissolution of the separate ego.

What does the script mean by 'the uncalculated life'?

The 'uncalculated life' refers to living in harmony with the natural flow of life without trying to plan or control every aspect. The script highlights the importance of not overthinking or calculating every decision, and instead living in a way that acknowledges the inherent interconnectedness of all things. This way of life transcends the ego's need for control and allows for spontaneous living.

Why does the script mention that 'thinking is causing the trouble'?

The script argues that thinking, especially when it involves trying to separate and categorize the world into distinct events or entities, creates problems. This division leads to the creation of an artificial ego and a false sense of self. The suggestion is to move beyond thought and embrace the natural, uncalculated flow of life.

What is the relationship between praise and blame in the script?

The script explains that praise and blame are two sides of the same coin. If we praise someone for good actions, we also need to assign blame for bad actions, as both are part of the same psychological mechanism. The script suggests that great sages avoid both praise and blame, recognizing that they simply create each other and are ultimately unnecessary.

How does the script view the role of healers and doctors in society?

The script portrays healers and doctors as accepting the imperfections of human behavior and health. They do not blame patients for their failings, but instead focus on managing and alleviating the consequences. This acceptance reflects a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, where the role of a healer is not to impose perfection, but to care for the messes that naturally arise.