Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Wellspring Media
• VHS Release Date: November 11, 1998
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304077106
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #255,599 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

"Meditation has no purpose, no objective, except to be entirely here and now." Not an easy concept for the competitive, goal-oriented Western mind, which is precisely one of the things that makes Alan Watts's guide to meditation a fascinating piece of work. Watts, an Englishman who died in 1973 (this piece was shot by filmmaker Elda Hartley in 1971), was an authority on Eastern thought and spiritual practice. Here he guides the viewer through a 25-minute program that's part documentary, part useful guide to meditation. While Watts explains such practical techniques as breathing, posture, and the chanted "aum" mantra, one can just as easily find oneself lost in the kaleidoscope of extraordinarily beautiful, natural images that accompany his words. All in all, those seeking "the naked experience of reality itself" and a connection to "the still, small voice within" will be enchanted by The Art of Meditation. (The video also includes Meditation: The Journey Within, a documentary look at spiritual practices among Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians.) --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pleasurable and Enlightening Video to Watch, March 21, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alan Watts - The Art of Meditation [VHS] (VHS Tape)

A well put together collage by Elda Hartley. Watts explains and demonstrates the techniques and meaning of Meditation. His voice is soothing and images of nature are added appropriately. I've watched/experienced this video a few times so far and it has become a treasured part of my collection of favorites.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Beware this tape is the same as Zen: The Best of Alan Watts, February 17, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Alan Watts - The Art of Meditation [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This tape is 90% the same material as in the "Zen: The Best of Alan Watts (1994)" video. Save your money and buy only one.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "stopping the chatter in the skull", April 29, 2004

By 

Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Alan Watts - The Art of Meditation [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Two films by Elda Hartley are on this tape; the first, "The Art of Meditation", consists of Alan Watts speaking on meditation techniques:
# 1, using sound, first by focusing on the sounds around you, and then by using your own voice with chanting.
# 2, breathing, (they use visuals to help with this), and posture (for those with healthy knees).
Watts' expressive use of language is wonderful, making this short (25 minute) film interesting and informative.

The second film is "Meditation: The Journey Within", narrated by Ms. Hartley.
It spends approximately 5 minutes each with four disciplines: Islam, the Sufi sect of Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity.
The camera work and music are excellent in both films, making this tape pleasant to look at as well as listen to. It is time well spent, and worthwhile renting, if nothing else.