Rupert Spira gives a fascinating lecture on non-duality and the nature of consciousness, challenging conventional materialist thinking. He explores consciousness, awareness, and the illusion of the external world. The podcast also discusses personal freedom, choice, and the mind-addiction connection.
Consciousness is the ultimate reality of the universe, enabling all experience and remaining consistently present throughout all experiences.
The recognition of consciousness brings forth peace, joy, love, and beauty, and leads to the realization of the unity of all things in infinite consciousness.
Deep dives
The Nature of Consciousness
Consciousness is the ultimate reality of the universe and cannot be defined in terms of anything else. It is that which knows or is aware of our experience. Consciousness is not an experience itself but the presence that enables all experience. Many people overlook the presence of consciousness and focus solely on the content of their experience. However, without consciousness, there would be no experience. Consciousness remains consistently present throughout all experiences and is the changeless factor in the ever-changing world. It is the innermost aspect of our self, the knowing element, and is independent of the known.
The Relationship Between Consciousness and Reality
Consciousness is posited as the ultimate nature of reality, the self-aware reality whose activity appears to us as the universe. This perspective suggests that individual freedom or choice is a quality of consciousness. The universe, as we perceive it, could be seen as an interaction between infinite consciousness and the finite mind. The mind, as a set of thoughts, plays a role in shaping our perceptions, opinions, and behavior. Addictions arise from a sense of lack, the feeling of being incomplete or limited. Seeking external objects or substances temporarily alleviates this sense of lack, leading to addiction. The remedy for addiction lies in recognizing the true nature of our being, which is infinite consciousness and peace.
The Unity of Inner and Outer Reality
The distinction between the inner mind and the outer world is not absolute. The mind and the world are two perspectives on a single, indivisible reality. Our perception, mediated by limited senses, imposes subjective limitations on reality. However, perception also provides glimpses into the true nature of reality. Love and beauty are experienced when we recognize our shared being in relation to people, animals, and objects in nature. The perceived world is the pre-existing reality of infinite consciousness, modulated by our finite minds. Artists often aim to show this reality, to reveal the world as it truly is, offering us the opportunity to see the world through a different lens.
Evoking the Recognition of Consciousness
Consciousness, being the ultimate reality, cannot be accurately spoken of or defined. However, there is nothing more important to speak about. Language and expressions are used not to describe or define consciousness, but to evoke its recognition within us. The recognition of consciousness is akin to an experiential awakening. It is an innate feeling that arises when the mind's seeking comes to an end, allowing consciousness to shine through. This recognition brings forth peace, joy, love, and beauty, which are intrinsic qualities of consciousness. The goal is to return to our natural condition, divested of the illusion of being temporary, finite selves, and to realize the unity of all things in the infinite consciousness.
In this latest Rupert Spira Podcast episode, Rupert presents a fascinating lecture on 'Non-duality and the Nature of Consciousness' for The Weekend University as part of their 'A Day On Consciousness' event in January, 2022.
During the talk, Rupert delves into all facets of consciousness and the nature of reality, giving the listener a truly felt sense of their experience being different from that taught to us in conventional, materialist thinking.
His presentation clearly dispels any myths about the existence of matter, and makes a concise and compelling case for consciousness being the ultimate reality of the universe – the non-dual philosophy that underlies all the great religious and spiritual traditions.
"The most profound problems that humanity faces – the despair felt by many people, the conflict experienced between individuals, communities and nations, and the exploitation and degradation of the earth – all stem ultimately from our mistaken notion of the nature of reality."
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