Joyous Cosmology – Adventures in the Chemistry of Consciusness by Alan W. Watts explores the profound insights and transformative experiences that can arise from altered states of consciousness, particularly through the use of psychedelics. Watts, a well-known philosopher and interpreter of Eastern philosophy for the Western world, describes his own journeys with substances like LSD and mescaline, reflecting on how these experiences deepen one’s understanding of reality, self, and interconnectedness with the universe.
The book goes beyond being a mere recount of experiences, delving into philosophical themes like perception, reality, and the nature of existence. Watts uses vivid language to articulate moments of expanded consciousness, aiming to convey the joy, awe, and clarity that such states can bring. Ultimately, he presents these experiences as a way to access deeper layers of awareness and self-discovery, inviting readers to consider how different ways of seeing might reshape their understanding of life itself.
From the intro:
“You are holding in your hand a great human document. But unless you are one of the few Westerners who have (accidentally or through chemical good fortune) experienced a mystical minute of expanded awareness, you will probably not understand what the author is saying. Too bad, but still not a cause for surprise. The history of ideas reminds us that new concepts and new visions have always been non-understood. We cannot understand that for which we have no words. But Alan Watts is playing the book game, the word game,and the reader is his contracted partner. But listen. Be prepared. There are scores of great lines in this book. Dozens of great ideas. Too many. Too compressed. They glide by too quickly. Watch for them.”
Download the free PDF e-book Joyous Cosmology here:
Joyous Cosmology by Alan Watts
I would like to get book on religion and books on how to attain spiritual purity to stand before God.
For those who know no explanation is necessary; for those who don’t, none is possible.
great book