Alan Watts (and those influenced by him) explain why spiritually awake people “disappear” — meaning they withdraw, become quiet, or recede from the usual roles and expectations. 

No need for recognition or display

One thread in Watts’s thought is that when one truly awakens, there’s no longer a craving for external approval, status, or display. The “self” that needs to be noticed or validated falls away (or is seen through). In that sense, the awakened one can vanish from the spotlight, not out of despair, but because the compulsion to show up has dissolved.

Returning “home” / Disengagement from lesser things

Watts sometimes speaks of spiritual awakening as a “coming home” — a return to what is already the case, rather than acquiring something new. Thus, much of what previously felt essential (activities, roles, ambitions) may lose pull. So “disappearing” can mean stepping back from the conventional world, concentrating on what matters, or simply living more quietly.

A shift in priorities & energy

After awakening, life is perceived differently; one’s energy and attention gravitate toward depth, being, presence, and less toward noise, drama, or conventional success. That shift naturally leads to less time spent in public performance, superficial socializing, or competition.

Avoiding being “used” for ego agendas

In spiritual circles, awakened individuals may get co-opted into being symbols, gurus, spokespersons, or authorities. From Watts’s point of view, to preserve authenticity they might withdraw rather than allow their presence to be commodified, mythologized, or misused by others.

Paradox of “non-doing”

Watts often emphasizes the paradox that true action is grounded in non-doing, that to be rather than constantly do. As a result, what looks like disappearance or inactivity is simply a deeper form of engagement with life (one less visible to worldly eyes).

The illusory boundary between “self” and “others”

At a deep level, the boundary between observer and observed blurs. In that state, there's no one to disappear, strictly speaking — it's just life happening. To conventional eyes, the person appears withdrawn; to the awakened eyes, they are still present everywhere.

#CompassionateLiving

Spotify AlbumsMantras to Quiet the Soul

(This is a link to one of my albums on spotify A Place Called Peace)

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mettastateofmind/

Coloring Books: 

Angels are Among Us Coloring Book

#CompassionateLiving #Mindfulness #LovingKindness #MindfulnessMusic 

Thank you for listening!

#CompassionateLiving

Spotify AlbumsMantras to Quiet the Soul

(This is a link to one of my albums on spotify A Place Called Peace)

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mettastateofmind/

Coloring Books: 

Angels are Among Us Coloring Book

#CompassionateLiving #Mindfulness #LovingKindness #MindfulnessMusic 

Thank you for listening!