About this Event
"Perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West, Alan Watts had the rare gift of ‘writing beautifully the un-writable’. Watts begins with scholarship and intellect and proceeds with art and eloquence to the frontiers of the spirit. A fascinating entry into the deepest ways of knowing.” — LA Times
“The rippling waves lull the viewer into a state of blissful calm. Like a wave itself, (Elda Hartley’s) film just flows on by, cleansing as it goes.” — Booklist, on Buddhism, Man and Nature (1968)
One of the first to bring Eastern spiritual philosophy to a Western audience, Alan Watts stands as one of the most charismatic and influential philosophical minds of the 20th Century. With his signature wit, humor, and knack for communicating vast, complex concepts in accessible and understandable ways, Watts left behind a legacy that only continues to grow in its reach and popularity today. Coming to prominence just as the Western landscape began to blossom with beatniks, flower children, and hippies, Watts’ magnetic writing and lectures turned on a generation to Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Hindu philosophy. It was in the mid-1960s, while the spirit of consciousness expansion and exuberant creativity was at its peak, that Watts met and befriended filmmaker Elda Hartley.
After a career as an actress of the stage and screen in the 1930s, Hartley was embarking (alongside her producer husband Irving) on what would be a lengthy career as a renowned filmmaker specifically dedicated to promoting a broader understanding of world spiritualities and religions. Together, Watts and Hartley conceived of a series of experimental art films – ostensibly “head films” that could play both the arthouse and college circuits and expose audiences (who might not otherwise hear Watts’ lectures) to the paradigm shifting philosophies of Buddhism. Filmed between the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, what resulted were five meditative and striking short films that, accompanied by Watts’ transfixing narration, evoke the tranquility of nature and the very spirit of Zen.
Not screened theatrically in decades (except at The Philosophical Research Society in 2024!), this special evening offers an incredibly rare chance to immerse yourself in these beautiful, meditative short films and soak in the wisdom of Watts on the big screen.
And, as a bonus to Hartley’s films, we’ll be screening a rare 16mm print of Meditation: Yoga, Tai chi, and Other Spiritual Trips (1973) – a survey of burgeoning spiritual practices in the counterculture, featuring an interview with Alan Watts on his Sausalito houseboat as well as excerpts from Henry Jacobs' legendary Bay Area experimental TV program The Fine Art of Goofing Off (1971-1972), featuring far-out animated musings by Watts!
Evening’s program includes:
The Mood of Zen (1967)
Buddhism, Man and Nature (1968)
Flow of Zen (1969)
Zen and Now (1969)
Art of Meditation (1971)
Meditation: Yoga, Tai chi, and Other Spiritual Trips (1973)
PLEASE NOTE: This program contains hard to find films that have never been released on DVD or Blu-Ray. As a result, image quality of the shorts may vary. We have made every effort to secure the highest resolution versions available.
Special thanks to Mark Watts of The Alan Watts Organization and Sarah Masters of Auburn Seminary
Tickets: $10 (In-Person Event Only)
Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.
ACCESSIBILITY
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REFUND POLICIES
All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events , except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. Ticket exchanges may be granted on a case by case basis, pending circumstances.
In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.
PARKING
Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.
PRS EVENT POLICIES
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- Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Philosophical Research Society, 3910 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States
USD 12.51
