Rupert Spira Podcast

Swami Sarvapriyananda, head of the Vedanta Society of New York, shares insights on Advaita Vedanta and modern spirituality. He discusses the Progressive Path versus the Direct Path in spiritual awakening. The conversation touches on the nature of awareness, free will, and the journey from ignorance to realization. They explore coping with global uncertainty through a lens of unity and interconnectedness, and the importance of cultivating universal love, even for those we oppose. A thought-provoking dialogue that invites deeper contemplation on consciousness.

The first in a series of curated conversations from gatherings with Rupert at Colet House in London, this episode begins with a meditation and includes dialogues on coping with depression, dealing with challenging people and circumstances, and understanding feelings of existential dread. Other subjects include what it means to embody being, how to effortlessly remain with being, and how the thought ‘I am’ is different from all other thoughts.  

André Duqum, host of the Know Thyself podcast, dives into a compelling dialogue with Rupert Spira, a leading voice in non-duality. They unpack the essence of self-enquiry, exploring its role in understanding our true nature. The conversation covers how recognizing our interconnectedness can shape deeper relationships and authentic love. Rupert offers insights into the nature of happiness, emphasizing fulfillment from within rather than external pursuits. Together, they explore the significance of awareness and the transformative journey toward enlightenment.

Tami Simon, the founder and CEO of Sounds True, shares her insights on lasting happiness and the true essence of being. She explores the concept of awareness deficit disorder and how realizing our true nature can lead to enduring peace. The discussion dives into Zen koans, particularly the idea of the 'original face,' challenging listeners to reflect on existence beyond transient experiences. Tami emphasizes the connection between personal peace and global harmony, urging us to seek fulfillment within ourselves amid life's turmoil.

Niall McKeever, the founder of The Weekend University, explores non-duality and its therapeutic benefits. He explains how understanding our true self can alleviate psychological suffering and emphasizes the paradox of seeking happiness externally. The discussion highlights the significance of the therapeutic relationship and how genuine fulfillment stems from inner peace. McKeever also delves into consciousness and interconnectedness, advocating for self-discovery and compassion as pathways to a more profound understanding of existence.

This conversation features Deepak Chopra, a renowned author specializing in spirituality and consciousness. They dive into Chopra's latest work, 'The Heart of Prayer,' discussing how prayer reflects non-dual understanding. Topics include the essence of the eternal 'I am,' exploring the concept of consciousness beyond identity. They also examine love as a connector to others and delve into the relationship between consciousness and reality, weaving insights from science and philosophy to emphasize our shared existence.

In this episode, Rupert speaks with Sanskritist and scholar-practitioner of Classical Tantra, Dr Christopher Wallis. They discuss the understanding that is at the heart of some of the greatest spiritual traditions, such as Christianity, Sufism, Advaita Vedanta, and Kashmir Shaivism, and how Advaita and Tantra, even though they emphasise different aspects of the understanding, are complementary and contained within each other.  They also talk about the importance of translation, how the truth needs to be reformulated by each generation, and how the self that is said to be void, or empty, from the point of view of the finite mind is, in fact, plenitude itself.

Author and non-duality teacher Francis Lucille joins Rupert Spira in a fascinating conversation exploring non-duality, enlightenment, and the projection of perfection onto spiritual teachers. They discuss their differing approaches, the journey to realization, embracing imperfection in spiritual guides, and navigating paths of spiritual realization. The podcast emphasizes friendship over the teacher-student dynamic in sharing truth with others.

Rupert Spira chats with Nikki Walton about the purpose of being, the essence of prayer, and the difference between 'I am' as a thought and experience. They delve into returning to our essence, overcoming overwhelm, and the perpetual pull towards sadness despite the presence of freedom.

Rupert Spira and Keith Kristich discuss various spiritual traditions, the nature of prayer, and the practical implications of experiencing God's being. They explore non-duality, the essence of existence, and the concept of quiet joy. The conversation touches on the screen analogy, quiet joy, and the journey of transformation and love.