Become What You Are

What's "Become What You Are" about?

• Collection of Writings: "Become What You Are" is a collection of essays by Alan Watts that explore Eastern philosophy and its application to Western life.
• Themes and Topics: The book covers themes such as the nature of self, the concept of Tao, the limits of language in spiritual understanding, and the psychological symbolism in Christianity.
• Philosophical Exploration: Watts delves into the paradox of self-denial, the idea of living in the present moment, and the challenge of seeing life "just as it is."
• Eastern Thought for Westerners: The book serves as an interpretation of Eastern thought, making complex ideas accessible to a Western audience.

Why should I read "Become What You Are"?

• Insightful Perspectives: The book offers profound insights into the nature of self and reality, encouraging readers to explore their own existence.
• Accessible Language: Watts uses simple and playful language to explain complex philosophical concepts, making it an engaging read.
• Cultural Bridge: It acts as a bridge between Eastern and Western philosophies, providing a unique perspective on life and spirituality.
• Timeless Wisdom: The essays contain timeless wisdom that can help readers find harmony and peace in their daily lives.

What are the key takeaways of "Become What You Are"?

• Present Moment Awareness: Life exists only in the present moment, which is infinite and eternal, and understanding this can lead to a more harmonious existence.
• Non-Duality: The book emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, where opposites like life and death, pleasure and pain, are interconnected.
• Self-Realization: True self-realization involves letting go of the ego and embracing the flow of life without resistance.
• Integration of Traditions: Watts integrates various religious and philosophical traditions to offer a holistic view of spirituality.

What is the "Paradox of Self-Denial" in "Become What You Are"?

• Concept Explanation: The paradox of self-denial is the idea that one must lose oneself to truly find oneself, a common theme in many spiritual traditions.
• Inevitability of the Present: Despite attempts to escape it, one cannot be out of harmony with the present moment, as it is the only reality.
• Self-Transcendence: True self-transcendence is not achieved through effort but through the realization of one's own incapacity to change oneself.
• Skillful Means: The concept is a form of "upaya" or skillful means, used to awaken individuals to truths that cannot be reached directly.

How does Alan Watts interpret the concept of Tao in "Become What You Are"?

• Tao as Natural Flow: Watts describes Tao as the natural flow of life, which is both infinitely moving and eternally resting.
• Wu-Wei Principle: The principle of "wu-wei" or non-doing is central, suggesting that harmony with the Tao is achieved by not forcing outcomes.
• Beyond Definition: Tao cannot be defined or understood through conventional means, as it is the substance of knowing and existing.
• Living in Accord: To live in accord with the Tao is to move with life without resistance, accepting change as a natural process.

What does "Become What You Are" say about the limits of language in spiritual understanding?

• Language Limitations: Watts argues that language is limited in expressing spiritual truths, as it often points to concepts rather than the reality itself.
• Finger and the Moon: He uses the metaphor of the finger pointing at the moon to illustrate how words are merely indicators, not the essence.
• Direct Experience: True understanding comes from direct experience and awareness, not from intellectual analysis or verbal descriptions.
• Transcending Words: The book encourages readers to transcend words and concepts to experience the ineffable nature of reality.

What role does the concept of non-duality play in "Become What You Are"?

• Central Theme: Non-duality is a central theme, emphasizing that reality is not divided into separate entities but is a unified whole.
• Beyond Opposites: Watts explains that opposites like good and evil, life and death, are interdependent and part of the same reality.
• Spiritual Realization: Realizing non-duality involves seeing beyond the illusion of separateness and understanding the interconnectedness of all things.
• Practical Implications: This understanding can lead to a more harmonious and less conflicted way of living, as one embraces the totality of existence.

How does Alan Watts address the concept of self-realization in "Become What You Are"?

• Letting Go of Ego: Self-realization involves letting go of the ego and the illusion of control, allowing life to unfold naturally.
• Embracing Change: Watts encourages embracing change and the impermanence of life as a path to self-discovery and fulfillment.
• Unity with Life: True self-realization is recognizing one's unity with the flow of life and the present moment.
• Beyond Self-Improvement: The book suggests that self-improvement efforts are often ego-driven and that true growth comes from acceptance and awareness.

What are the best quotes from "Become What You Are" and what do they mean?

• "Life exists only at this very moment...": This quote emphasizes the importance of living in the present, as it is the only reality.
• "You may believe yourself out of harmony with life...": It suggests that one cannot truly be out of harmony with life, as existence itself is life.
• "The perfect man employs his mind as a mirror...": This highlights the Taoist ideal of reflecting life without attachment or resistance.
• "Become what you are": A call to embrace one's true nature and live authentically, without the constraints of ego or societal expectations.

How does "Become What You Are" integrate various religious and philosophical traditions?

• Eastern and Western Thought: Watts draws from Eastern philosophies like Taoism and Buddhism, as well as Western religious symbolism.
• Universal Truths: He identifies universal truths that transcend cultural and religious boundaries, offering a holistic view of spirituality.
• Psychological Symbolism: The book explores the psychological symbolism in Christian thought, relating it to Eastern concepts.
• Interconnected Wisdom: By integrating these traditions, Watts provides a comprehensive understanding of the human experience and spiritual growth.

What is the significance of the "Second Immortal" story in "Become What You Are"?

• Allegorical Tale: The story of the Second Immortal is an allegory about the search for enlightenment and the realization of one's true nature.
• Ordinary Life as Enlightenment: It suggests that enlightenment is found in the ordinary aspects of life, not in extraordinary experiences or achievements.
• Inner Journey: The tale emphasizes the importance of looking within oneself for wisdom and understanding, rather than seeking external validation.
• Simplicity and Acceptance: The story highlights the value of simplicity and acceptance in the spiritual journey, encouraging readers to find peace in everyday life.

How does "Become What You Are" address the problem of faith and works in Buddhism?

• Self-Reliance vs. Faith: The book explores the tension between self-reliance and faith in Buddhist practice, particularly in the Mahayana tradition.
• Non-Duality of Nirvana and Samsara: Watts discusses the non-duality of Nirvana and Samsara, suggesting that enlightenment is not separate from ordinary life.
• Role of the Bodhisattva: The Bodhisattva ideal is presented as a way to reconcile self-effort with compassion and service to others.
• Faith as Acceptance: Faith is seen as an acceptance of one's inherent Buddha-nature, rather than a reliance on external deities or forces.