Cory Allen, host of the 'And Then It Hit Me' podcast, joins Rupert Spira to discuss happiness and self-realization. They explore non-duality, the misconception of enlightenment, and the importance of recognizing ourselves as part of a larger awareness. The speakers also highlight the risks of uncommon ideas and emphasize the need to engage in life and express inherent qualities.
Non-duality is being rebranded as a pursuit of happiness that resonates with a broader audience.
Enlightenment is the recognition of our true self, accessible to all individuals.
Deep dives
The Rise of Non-Duality Understanding
The world is witnessing an increase in interest and awareness in non-duality concepts. This understanding, which goes beyond traditional spiritual contexts, is gaining popularity as it offers a path to happiness that resonates with a broader audience. Non-duality, often associated with enlightenment, is being rebranded and presented as a pursuit of happiness that appeals to all individuals, rather than a niche group interested in esoteric spirituality. By reframing the language and focus to center around happiness rather than enlightenment, non-duality becomes more accessible to the general public and provides an answer to everyone's search for peace and fulfillment.
The Simplicity of Enlightenment
Enlightenment, often perceived as something exotic and unattainable, is a concept that has become shrouded in mystery and complexity. However, the essence of enlightenment is simplicity itself. It is not about subscribing to a particular religion, teacher, or belief system. Rather, enlightenment is the recognition of the nature of our being - a transparent, formless, contentless experience that is available to everyone. By demystifying enlightenment and presenting it as the recognition of our true self, we can move away from the exotic associations and embrace the simple, recognizable truth that is accessible to all individuals.
The Recognition of Non-Duality
Non-duality can be understood as the recognition that reality is a single, infinite, and indivisible whole. It is the understanding that everything derives from consciousness or spirit, and that there is no separate existence. The conventional view is based on duality, where reality is seen as a combination of separate entities made of matter. In contrast, non-duality suggests that reality is whole and perfect, with its nature being happiness and peace. This understanding challenges the usual assumptions of separation and leads to a shift in perception, allowing individuals to experience the oneness and interconnectedness of all things.
Awareness as the Key
Awareness is at the core of non-duality. It is the all-encompassing knowing presence that underlies every experience. Recognizing oneself as this presence of awareness is the first step towards enlightenment. By turning our attention inward and questioning the nature of our experience, we can come to the realization that we are not the content of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, but the awareness that is aware of them. This recognition leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves as pure consciousness, detached from the changing phenomena of the mind and world. With this awareness, we can navigate life with clarity, peace, and a sense of our true nature.
The latest ‘Rupert Spira Podcast’ episode is with Cory Allen from the ‘And Then It Hit Me’ podcast. The discussion covers topics such as why Rupert prefers the term ‘happiness’ over ‘enlightenment’, how someone who is interested in these matters can begin the process of self-realisation and how personality and identity fit within the non-dual framework.
Rupert and Cory also discuss how friendship with those who share the non-dual understanding is a safeguard against falling into detachment and de-personalisation, and how this understanding gives us the best possible chance of leading a full, active, harmonious and enjoyable life.
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