Symbolic Living » buddhism

Alan Watts – A conversation with Myself

Symbolic Living — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:06:55 +0000

Alan Watts was a thinker, academic, philosopher, writer and teacher who saw the beauty in the mundane world and was pleased to share his wisdom on life.

Learning from Allan Watts comes naturally when listening to his articulate thoughts and philosophical discussions. He gently, yet profoundly, teaches us to see and think in new ways, immediately expanding perspectives in interesting and holistic directions. The wisdom he shared is eastern philosophy with a zen approach; universal, understandable and accessible by all.

In this talk, Alan Watts considers our place in the natural world, how we relate to it and how we consider ourselves separated and connected to the whole of our reality. He explores our ideas about ourselves and human consciousness. This recording was made in 1971, 40 years ago and is as relevant and applicable today as it was then.

We’ll be featuring work by Alan Watts again; he has much to teach us, and revisiting his lessons is always a pleasure for those important reminders in life at just the right time.

No work or love will flourish out of guilt, fear, or hollowness of heart, just as no valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now. ~ Alan Watts

So then, the relationship of self to other is the complete realization that loving yourself is impossible without loving everything defined as other than yourself. ~ Alan Watts

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The Power of Myth Joseph Campbell

Symbolic Living — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:48:55 +0000

Joseph Campbell, a scholar of mythology, shares an immense love of myth and it’s meaningful symbolism reflected in all our lives.

This documentary is a pleasure to watch as Joseph Campbell explores a wide variety of ancient and modern mythologies from around the world in a discussion with Bill Moyers.

Campbell explores the many cultural layers and connections myth reveals about the universal, deeper truths of the human experience. What is life? What is the mystery of life?

Beginning with the hero’s journey, Joseph Campbell digs deeper into the symbolism of historical stories of myth and their roots as told through world religions.

These meaningful stories continue to be told through variations of core myths through art and film. Star Wars, for example, is discussed as an example of myth communicated in a language that resonates with modern times.

Campbell shares stories that reveal the many journey’s we all encounter in life while seeking to balance our higher and lower natures. Dragons, serpents, consciousness, what does it all represent?

What’s blocking you from your personal journey, living your own myth? What compels you? What is your way? What is consciousness? What is raising consciousness?

This documentary has many visual accompaniments to illustrate the Power of Myth.

Inspiring and empowering self-discovery.

We hope you enjoy the adventure into mythological significance in this really fantastic discussion. There are 6 parts, and nearly an hour each, so come back to enjoy them all and learn a lot.

“Follow your Bliss” ~ Joseph Campbell.

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Dalai Lama: Purpose, Peace, and Happiness

Symbolic Living — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:50:21 +0000

The Dalai Lama reminds us to have as much compassion for ourselves as we consider compassion for others.

In a world where money is so often on people’s minds for happiness, where can we find more meaning?

“When you become a compassionate person, your life becomes meaningful”

Daily Prayer by the Dalai Lama ~

I would be a protector for those without protection, a leader for those who journey, and a boat, a bridge, a passage for those desiring the further shore.

For all creatures, I would be a lantern for those desiring a lantern, I would be a bed for those desiring a bed, I would be a slave for those desiring a slave.

I would be for creatures a magic jewel, an inexhaustible jar, a powerful spell, a universal remedy, a wishing tree, and a cow of plenty.

As the earth and the other elements are, in various ways, for the enjoyment of innumerable beings dwelling in all of space;

So may I be, in various ways, the means of sustenance for the living beings occupying space, for as long a time as all are not satisfied.

Balancing your purpose and happiness with the larger world systems we live within.

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Living in Peaceful Consciousness

Symbolic Living — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:00:08 +0000

Adyashanti shares wisdom from the heart that is peaceful and awakens self realization in who you are, and teaches with subtleness the purpose of your life.

In a world where we often seem to be overfilled and consumed by external activity and information, Adyashanti clarifies what emptiness really means.

Here are a number of clips that inspire wisdom within about inner truth, being present, releasing ego, self awareness and much more.

We hope this series is found to be useful and inspiring, bringing more peacefulness into your life.

What do you Really Want?

Turn Around of the Heart

Association with Truth

Falling Away

Welcome to Reality

Wisdom of “Do Nothing”.

Energy of a Free Being

Surrender or Suffer

Gaze of Eternity

These video’s have been on the Symbolic Living forum for years. This wisdom is worth reviewing.

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Quantum Oneness

Symbolic Living — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:58:23 +0000

This video details interesting aspects of ancient beliefs and eastern philosophies with modern science.

A pleasure to watch and to meditate on the mysteries of existence.

We hope you enjoyed this video and others we will be sharing.

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Courtney Love spiritual life path

Symbolic Living — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:05:57 +0000

Courtney Love discusses her life in the following video’s and shares a bit about her spiritual path of buddhism, chanting, yoga, her beliefs, her demons and descent and climb towards balance in life.

Further videos in this series available on youtube.