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The Essence of Meditation #1
The Nature of Consciousness: Essays on the Unity of Mind and Matter
Our world culture is founded on the belief that consciousness is derived from matter, giving rise to the materialistic assumption that informs almost every aspect of our lives and is the root cause of the suffering within individuals, the conflicts between communities and nations, and the degradation of our environment. The Nature of Consciousness exposes the fallacy of this belief and suggests that the recognition of the presence, the primacy and the nature of consciousness is the prerequisite for any new paradigm that is to address these issues at their core.
205 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
2347 people are currently reading
12699 people want to read
About the author
Rupert Spira
51 books540 followersFrom an early age Rupert Spira was deeply interested in the nature of reality. At the age of seventeen he learnt to meditate, and began a twenty-year period of study and practice in the classical Advaita Vedanta tradition under the guidance of Dr. Francis Roles and Shantananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of the north of India. During this time he immersed himself in the teachings of P. D. Ouspensky, Krishnamurti, Rumi, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta and Robert Adams, until he met his teacher, Francis Lucille, in 1997. Francis introduced Rupert to the Direct Path teachings of Atmananda Krishna Menon, the Tantric tradition of Kashmir Shaivism (which he had received from his teacher, Jean Klein), and, more importantly, directly indicated to him the true nature of experience. Rupert lives in the UK and holds regular meetings and retreats in Europe and the USA.
www.rupertspira.com
www.rupertspira.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
January 26, 2024
A short, profound, deep and yet ethereal poem that inevitably moves one's soul to introspectively meditate on the subjective experience and essential meaning of the "self" tinted by the lens of non-duality.
"'That which is never ceases to be; that which is not never comes into existence'"
A highly recommended exposé for those times when one desires to look deep within...
2023 Read
"'That which is never ceases to be; that which is not never comes into existence'"
A highly recommended exposé for those times when one desires to look deep within...
2023 Read
December 24, 2018
This was a great collection of teachings on non-duality. Rather than reiterate the same old metaphors about the emptiness of experience (mirrors, anyone?), Spira points out the selfless, intrinsically aware nature of consciousness with clarity, insight, and novel metaphors.
That said, I have some minor qualms. First, Spira often essentializes awareness, claiming that it is ever-present and pervades all existence. Perhaps when I'm more enlightened I'll notice that awareness suffuses even deep sleep, but until then I can't help but view awareness as an intermittent, emergent property of the universe (and not a base layer of reality). And second, I prefer to listen to Spira's teachings on Youtube. Sitting down, closing one's eyes and letting his wonderful voice direct awareness to its own nature is just a better experience than reading from a book.
And now, time for some quotes:
"The mind that seeks awareness is like a current in the ocean in search of water. Such a mind is destined for endless dissatisfaction."
"...we have forgotten who or what we essentially are and have mistaken ourself instead for a collection of thoughts, images, memories, feelings, sensations and perceptions."
"...mind is awareness in motion; awareness is mind at rest."
"When we come out of bright sunlight into a dark room, we cannot do anything with the mind to make the objects appear in the darkness. We just stay there and relax, and slowly the objects emerge. Meditation is similar."
"There is no difference between our own being and the knowing of our own being, just as there is no difference between the sun and its shining."
"Meditation is not something we do; it is something we cease to do."
"...meditation is what we are, not what we do, and ... the separate self or finite mind is what we do, not what we are."
"There is no separate self to be eliminated. To attempt to dissolve or annihilate a separate self simply perpetuates its illusory existence. To discipline the separate self is to maintain the separate self."
"Just as all there is to the waves and currents is the movement or activity of the ocean, so all there is to the mind is the motion or activity of awareness."
"All illusions have a reality to them, and if we are experiencing an illusion we are, by definition, experiencing its reality."
That said, I have some minor qualms. First, Spira often essentializes awareness, claiming that it is ever-present and pervades all existence. Perhaps when I'm more enlightened I'll notice that awareness suffuses even deep sleep, but until then I can't help but view awareness as an intermittent, emergent property of the universe (and not a base layer of reality). And second, I prefer to listen to Spira's teachings on Youtube. Sitting down, closing one's eyes and letting his wonderful voice direct awareness to its own nature is just a better experience than reading from a book.
And now, time for some quotes:
"The mind that seeks awareness is like a current in the ocean in search of water. Such a mind is destined for endless dissatisfaction."
"...we have forgotten who or what we essentially are and have mistaken ourself instead for a collection of thoughts, images, memories, feelings, sensations and perceptions."
"...mind is awareness in motion; awareness is mind at rest."
"When we come out of bright sunlight into a dark room, we cannot do anything with the mind to make the objects appear in the darkness. We just stay there and relax, and slowly the objects emerge. Meditation is similar."
"There is no difference between our own being and the knowing of our own being, just as there is no difference between the sun and its shining."
"Meditation is not something we do; it is something we cease to do."
"...meditation is what we are, not what we do, and ... the separate self or finite mind is what we do, not what we are."
"There is no separate self to be eliminated. To attempt to dissolve or annihilate a separate self simply perpetuates its illusory existence. To discipline the separate self is to maintain the separate self."
"Just as all there is to the waves and currents is the movement or activity of the ocean, so all there is to the mind is the motion or activity of awareness."
"All illusions have a reality to them, and if we are experiencing an illusion we are, by definition, experiencing its reality."
September 22, 2017
** NB - this is a long review, but this is the important piece: if you are interested in self-growth, spirituality, and understanding the nature of the world and your self, please, please read this book.**
What would happen if someone came along and proved the existence of God?
Not much, probably.
At first.
Now, I’m not talking about a booming voice from the sky. That’s a demonstration of God, not proof. And we’ve tried that kind of thing before. Resurrecting the dead and materializing objects out of thin air mostly just gets you in trouble.
No, I’m talking about proof in the mathematical sense, in the system of logic that science is supposed to be based on: philosophical proof.
I’m talking about solving the ontological problem that Western philosophers have been wrestling with for a few thousand years. You’d have to admit that would be pretty significant. At the crux of the attempt at such a thing is the primary dilemma: the question of how consciousness arises from matter. This is historically known as the “hard question of consciousness”. Many people agree that if you can conclusively solve this, you either prove or disprove the existence of spirit, and therefore, God.
You’re going to hear me get pretty excited in this review, and I’m going to make some seemingly outlandish comparisons. But the reason is this: I think Rupert Spira has just written such a proof.
I realize that I am going to come across as over-the-top. I have thought a little about how I can write about the importance of this book without you thinking that I’m just in an irrational fever. But in the end, I see that this is unavoidable, so I’m just going to go ahead and say what I think. But know that I do not write this lightly or out of impulsivity. This book may be – could be (should be?) – one of the most important books of this era.
You know that excitement you feel when you first come across a truly great idea? When you first started to understand Eckhart or Katie? Rupert is not only certainly in this league, but he performs something almost miraculous here: he explains himself using the language and parameters of logic, philosophy, and science. He has used the language of the world to undo itself in the most impressive feat of pure intelligence that I’ve ever witnessed. I have this sense that if people could possibly read and follow what he is saying in this book, it will tip us over the edge of the paradigm that needs to shift: the paradigm of materialism. This might be what we are waiting for, and who.
I mean, I’m not a betting man, but I will gladly wager a few thousand dollars that in 20 years this book will be considered a culturally significant artefact on a global scale. But I will also concede that historically, it often takes us more than a few decades to collectively recognize genius. And let’s be clear that without using that word lightly, I believe this is a work of true genius. It took us a while to catch on to Buddha, to Gallileo, but less time for Einstein – you just never know how open we are, or how sensitive is the 99th monkey. Wouldn’t it be nice if more of us could hear the voices of pure sanity, even when they fly in the face of what we know?
There are different types of genius. Some genius is insightful and creative in a particular domain, such as in music, math or sport. And then there is the genius that somehow makes essential connections across domains, creating new directions of thought that transcend and synthesize often disparate realms. Da Vinci and Shakespeare come to mind. Now, see? You’re thinking that I’ve gone way overboard. I know it. You’re thinking that Rob is just fallen in love with something and these comparisons are ludicrous. And all I can say is: let’s wait and see. Katie may be the enlightened “World Teacher” but she never wrote with pure logic – her voice is one of experience and poetry (not to downplay that!). And Eckhart is a Buddha for our age, but precisely because his teaching is so accessible to so many (which is his brilliance) does it mean that he avoids the meatier challenge of picking the whole system apart with our trickiest and most essential tool: words. Most enlightened beings avoid the philosophical argument. Buddha and Jesus sure did. But that means we are left with metaphor and interpretation. But Rupert goes right into the heart of it. People have often said, “If Eckhart is the what, then Katie is the how.” And I would like to offer this addendum: “Then Rupert is the why”.
Why is it an actual, scientific fact that matter’s essence is a consciousness that unifies all things?
Wouldn’t it be just fucking the coolest thing if someone could finally do what Socrates, Kant, Descartes, St.Anselm, and all the existential and ontological philosophers of the past could never quite get right? In just a few short dozen pages or so, Rupert presents the most airtight, rigidly logical and fiercely factual ontological argument that - to my knowledge – has ever been presented in the Western world. I’m sorry, I want to not sound overly dramatic here, but holy shit folks! Imagine how it felt to be the few physicists who appreciated Einstein’s newly published paper on the general theory of relativity? That’s how I feel.
I’ll admit: maybe this is just me. I’m a strange person. But I’m not stupid. At least not in this realm of thought! But I’m also far from a world authority, I admit. However, this man not only expresses but embodies the truths we have been talking circles around in a way that has shifted my life. Obviously, I don’t expect anyone else to have this reaction to his work. But I see that some people have.
I don’t know what else I can say here but I see that my singular motivation is this: to essentially beg you to read this book and try to understand it. It is important.
This is not just about those of us in “spiritual” pursuits. This is a book that scientists and academic philosophers need to read. And because it is intellectual in its language and logical in its presentation it might just be that the thinkers that inform the rest of the world might grasp some of these ideas and shift the platform upon which the rest of the planet rests.
I realized at the beginning of this book that this is not a “spiritual” book as I was expecting. It is a philosophical treatise. It is (at least the earlier parts of it) an academic work that I feel is akin to nailing pages to the door of the establishment. He is explaining the very old philosophy of nonduality – of advaita Vedanta, but in a way that starts from pure experience, not from belief or mysticism. If ever there was the case of a writer “blowing my mind” it’s this. It is so logical, so left brained, so elegant. It’s just incredible.
Clearly I have drank the Kool-Aid of Rupert Spira. And I will do anything I can do in my own power to meet and speak with this remarkable individual. I mean, if the Buddha or Jesus were alive, wouldn’t you want to hang with them? I’ve met Eckhart, I’ve met Katie. I even went to Ramana’s ashram, but he was long gone. But currently anyway, this feels more personal. Not that he would, but if Rupert tells me to cast away my nets, I’m pretty sure I’d follow him. All the ideas that I stand for, that I have tried to express in my own writings and research (and failed pathetically at!) he nimbly and easily speaks.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m cancelling the rest of my plans for the next while so I can re-read his work.
What would happen if someone came along and proved the existence of God?
Not much, probably.
At first.
Now, I’m not talking about a booming voice from the sky. That’s a demonstration of God, not proof. And we’ve tried that kind of thing before. Resurrecting the dead and materializing objects out of thin air mostly just gets you in trouble.
No, I’m talking about proof in the mathematical sense, in the system of logic that science is supposed to be based on: philosophical proof.
I’m talking about solving the ontological problem that Western philosophers have been wrestling with for a few thousand years. You’d have to admit that would be pretty significant. At the crux of the attempt at such a thing is the primary dilemma: the question of how consciousness arises from matter. This is historically known as the “hard question of consciousness”. Many people agree that if you can conclusively solve this, you either prove or disprove the existence of spirit, and therefore, God.
You’re going to hear me get pretty excited in this review, and I’m going to make some seemingly outlandish comparisons. But the reason is this: I think Rupert Spira has just written such a proof.
I realize that I am going to come across as over-the-top. I have thought a little about how I can write about the importance of this book without you thinking that I’m just in an irrational fever. But in the end, I see that this is unavoidable, so I’m just going to go ahead and say what I think. But know that I do not write this lightly or out of impulsivity. This book may be – could be (should be?) – one of the most important books of this era.
You know that excitement you feel when you first come across a truly great idea? When you first started to understand Eckhart or Katie? Rupert is not only certainly in this league, but he performs something almost miraculous here: he explains himself using the language and parameters of logic, philosophy, and science. He has used the language of the world to undo itself in the most impressive feat of pure intelligence that I’ve ever witnessed. I have this sense that if people could possibly read and follow what he is saying in this book, it will tip us over the edge of the paradigm that needs to shift: the paradigm of materialism. This might be what we are waiting for, and who.
I mean, I’m not a betting man, but I will gladly wager a few thousand dollars that in 20 years this book will be considered a culturally significant artefact on a global scale. But I will also concede that historically, it often takes us more than a few decades to collectively recognize genius. And let’s be clear that without using that word lightly, I believe this is a work of true genius. It took us a while to catch on to Buddha, to Gallileo, but less time for Einstein – you just never know how open we are, or how sensitive is the 99th monkey. Wouldn’t it be nice if more of us could hear the voices of pure sanity, even when they fly in the face of what we know?
There are different types of genius. Some genius is insightful and creative in a particular domain, such as in music, math or sport. And then there is the genius that somehow makes essential connections across domains, creating new directions of thought that transcend and synthesize often disparate realms. Da Vinci and Shakespeare come to mind. Now, see? You’re thinking that I’ve gone way overboard. I know it. You’re thinking that Rob is just fallen in love with something and these comparisons are ludicrous. And all I can say is: let’s wait and see. Katie may be the enlightened “World Teacher” but she never wrote with pure logic – her voice is one of experience and poetry (not to downplay that!). And Eckhart is a Buddha for our age, but precisely because his teaching is so accessible to so many (which is his brilliance) does it mean that he avoids the meatier challenge of picking the whole system apart with our trickiest and most essential tool: words. Most enlightened beings avoid the philosophical argument. Buddha and Jesus sure did. But that means we are left with metaphor and interpretation. But Rupert goes right into the heart of it. People have often said, “If Eckhart is the what, then Katie is the how.” And I would like to offer this addendum: “Then Rupert is the why”.
Why is it an actual, scientific fact that matter’s essence is a consciousness that unifies all things?
Wouldn’t it be just fucking the coolest thing if someone could finally do what Socrates, Kant, Descartes, St.Anselm, and all the existential and ontological philosophers of the past could never quite get right? In just a few short dozen pages or so, Rupert presents the most airtight, rigidly logical and fiercely factual ontological argument that - to my knowledge – has ever been presented in the Western world. I’m sorry, I want to not sound overly dramatic here, but holy shit folks! Imagine how it felt to be the few physicists who appreciated Einstein’s newly published paper on the general theory of relativity? That’s how I feel.
I’ll admit: maybe this is just me. I’m a strange person. But I’m not stupid. At least not in this realm of thought! But I’m also far from a world authority, I admit. However, this man not only expresses but embodies the truths we have been talking circles around in a way that has shifted my life. Obviously, I don’t expect anyone else to have this reaction to his work. But I see that some people have.
I don’t know what else I can say here but I see that my singular motivation is this: to essentially beg you to read this book and try to understand it. It is important.
This is not just about those of us in “spiritual” pursuits. This is a book that scientists and academic philosophers need to read. And because it is intellectual in its language and logical in its presentation it might just be that the thinkers that inform the rest of the world might grasp some of these ideas and shift the platform upon which the rest of the planet rests.
I realized at the beginning of this book that this is not a “spiritual” book as I was expecting. It is a philosophical treatise. It is (at least the earlier parts of it) an academic work that I feel is akin to nailing pages to the door of the establishment. He is explaining the very old philosophy of nonduality – of advaita Vedanta, but in a way that starts from pure experience, not from belief or mysticism. If ever there was the case of a writer “blowing my mind” it’s this. It is so logical, so left brained, so elegant. It’s just incredible.
Clearly I have drank the Kool-Aid of Rupert Spira. And I will do anything I can do in my own power to meet and speak with this remarkable individual. I mean, if the Buddha or Jesus were alive, wouldn’t you want to hang with them? I’ve met Eckhart, I’ve met Katie. I even went to Ramana’s ashram, but he was long gone. But currently anyway, this feels more personal. Not that he would, but if Rupert tells me to cast away my nets, I’m pretty sure I’d follow him. All the ideas that I stand for, that I have tried to express in my own writings and research (and failed pathetically at!) he nimbly and easily speaks.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m cancelling the rest of my plans for the next while so I can re-read his work.
March 10, 2018
"Awareness is aware of awareness."
Some books arrive in one's life through very special paths. This book was one of those.
One day my hand waved on its own at a stranger in the library. The stranger turned out to be a familiar face from years back, and some days later he gave me this book to read, because "he had a feeling I should read it."
The visual appearance of the book is beautiful. Amazing simplicity of appearance; simple, pleasant feeling material of the cover with harmonious color. A small book with beautiful fonts, very lightweight, oozing momentous atmosphere. The looks of the book send a message that these words are going to count. And they did.
This book is a powerful technology. Spira's advice is to carry on meditating to let the words chosen for the book to properly sink it. The essence is simple: becoming aware of being aware. Unraveling a space within where a certain state of meta-awareness is present, allowing pure illuminating awareness come into being. The words and conclusions are circular and complex, yet in the most simple format. For this book is trying to do one thing, to promote this state of awareness as the fundamental resting state of the mind.
Whilst reading and meditating on the book I noticed a particular effect, which was my mind's natural ability to bring itself to this state of pure awareness. It is the simultaneous state of complete non-attachment, and pure presence. Relaxed focus, and unlimited attention.
"A mind that is accustomed to repeatedly dissolving in its source or essence becomes progressively saturated with its inherent peace. When such a mind rises again from the ocean of awareness, its activity makes that peace available to humanity."
Also, one of the most interesting ideas that came from this book was the idea of the original sin being the ignorance of the essential element of experience - the awareness of consciousness itself, this in religious terminology would mean that turning away from God was an act of the mind.
"In other words, we have forgotten who we are and what we essentially are and have mistaken ourselves instead for a collection of thoughts, images, memories, feelings, sensations, and perceptions."
This perspective, which derives from Advaita Vedanta tradition, opens an outlook that can be vital for the peaceful being of many humans on this earth. An amazing little book! Would like to purchase a number of copies and leave them on bus stops for people to find.
And the ultimate favorite from the romantic Rumi, who captured something wonderful about a profound human connection here...
"In the existence of your live, I become non-existent. The non-existence linked to you is better than anything I ever found in existence."
Some books arrive in one's life through very special paths. This book was one of those.
One day my hand waved on its own at a stranger in the library. The stranger turned out to be a familiar face from years back, and some days later he gave me this book to read, because "he had a feeling I should read it."
The visual appearance of the book is beautiful. Amazing simplicity of appearance; simple, pleasant feeling material of the cover with harmonious color. A small book with beautiful fonts, very lightweight, oozing momentous atmosphere. The looks of the book send a message that these words are going to count. And they did.
This book is a powerful technology. Spira's advice is to carry on meditating to let the words chosen for the book to properly sink it. The essence is simple: becoming aware of being aware. Unraveling a space within where a certain state of meta-awareness is present, allowing pure illuminating awareness come into being. The words and conclusions are circular and complex, yet in the most simple format. For this book is trying to do one thing, to promote this state of awareness as the fundamental resting state of the mind.
Whilst reading and meditating on the book I noticed a particular effect, which was my mind's natural ability to bring itself to this state of pure awareness. It is the simultaneous state of complete non-attachment, and pure presence. Relaxed focus, and unlimited attention.
"A mind that is accustomed to repeatedly dissolving in its source or essence becomes progressively saturated with its inherent peace. When such a mind rises again from the ocean of awareness, its activity makes that peace available to humanity."
Also, one of the most interesting ideas that came from this book was the idea of the original sin being the ignorance of the essential element of experience - the awareness of consciousness itself, this in religious terminology would mean that turning away from God was an act of the mind.
"In other words, we have forgotten who we are and what we essentially are and have mistaken ourselves instead for a collection of thoughts, images, memories, feelings, sensations, and perceptions."
This perspective, which derives from Advaita Vedanta tradition, opens an outlook that can be vital for the peaceful being of many humans on this earth. An amazing little book! Would like to purchase a number of copies and leave them on bus stops for people to find.
And the ultimate favorite from the romantic Rumi, who captured something wonderful about a profound human connection here...
"In the existence of your live, I become non-existent. The non-existence linked to you is better than anything I ever found in existence."
March 14, 2021
Rupert Spira excels once again in providing an exceptionally clear and accessible guide in plain English to awakening the knowledge of the essence of our own minds—the simple experience of being aware of awareness itself. Like his previous books, this book is basically an extended contemplation to be taken slowly, leading to meditation, which is not, as he says, something we do, but what we are. I highly recommend it for anyone who has a serious interest in knowing the nature of their own being.
April 20, 2021
Spira's best book yet. Very simply, if you have a burning need to really understand the nondual nature of reality, this book is a must. And by "understand" I don't mean just intellectual knowledge. It's not possible to have intellectual knowledge of nondual reality, since it transcends the intellect. The book is one long guided introspection that uses words very skilfully to point to that which can only be known directly, non-conceptually. And it's all in very clear, plain English that almost anyone could understand. You feel yourself slipping into a very clear, obvious awareness of being awareness quite effortlessly while reading it. Like Spira's previous books, it's one to take slowly and contemplatively.
Spira also addresses here some common misconceptions and seemingly gnarly issues that crop up for many on this path. He's rendered a great service to all genuine seekers of nondual truth by demystifying it and making it as simple, clear and accessible as it could be without sacrificing depth.
Spira also addresses here some common misconceptions and seemingly gnarly issues that crop up for many on this path. He's rendered a great service to all genuine seekers of nondual truth by demystifying it and making it as simple, clear and accessible as it could be without sacrificing depth.
March 12, 2022
4.5 it’s very challenging to rate this as I wouldn’t want to be seen as rating his philosophy. This is my fifth book by Spira and the teaching is direct and easy to understand, though I admit to some confusion in the beginning of starting my reading journey with his books, especially with the teaching about God in you, connecting the “I” of God with the “I” of self being one and the same. I still struggle with the ‘knowing’ of this teaching. But this ground covers the same ground as in previous books and of his books I think Being Aware of Being Aware was the very best for me and a good starting point for Spira’s teachings. This one would be a good starter as well, I suppose, and it’s likely that had I read this first I may have been blown away. Still, very good stuff, and very accessible, so I highly recommend to someone first approaching his teachings.
February 6, 2018
Excellent read by a very clear author who has the direct experience of what he is talking about. Mainly deals with the idea of awareness or pure consciousness as per the meaning of nondual Vendanta and Eastern mysticism.
This is a small and compact book, but lends itself to being read again and again for deeper insight. I recommend this to anyone interested in the nondual teachings minus any historical background in Eastern teachings, or prerequisite understanding.
This is a small and compact book, but lends itself to being read again and again for deeper insight. I recommend this to anyone interested in the nondual teachings minus any historical background in Eastern teachings, or prerequisite understanding.
January 30, 2018
This book is outstanding. I can’t even for a moment begin to convey how incredible it is, words fall short.
If you are a seeker of truth read it. If you are not a seeker of truth, read it and find the truth anyway.
If you are a seeker of truth read it. If you are not a seeker of truth, read it and find the truth anyway.
November 27, 2021
An Exceptional Insight
After reading this and thinking on the depth of its contents, I struggle to speak or think. Indeed I don't wish to do either, but rather rest in love and joy.
After reading this and thinking on the depth of its contents, I struggle to speak or think. Indeed I don't wish to do either, but rather rest in love and joy.
September 2, 2021
If you’ve been seeking the answers to reality or existence in any way during your life you've probably found yourself contemplating many philosophies or spiritual belief systems, looking for answers, or at the least, a guiding path.
The problem with many philosophical tenants and spiritual information is that it can be confusing, wrapped in too much metaphor, or downright dogmatic. The true essence of a belief system or philosophy can then become almost too complex to digest and you find yourself seeking more information so that you can unwind the information you’ve already started to process. Furthermore, many of today’s spiritual teachers do nothing but outline how you need to “work” or “change” or “level up” or buy a new product to “get” to the truth. Twisting and spinning in so many directions the seeker finds themself further lost than when they initially arrived. This is why there are thousands of spiritual teachers these days. Throw a dart at the internet and you'll land on 3. Just enough confusion to keep you coming back for more understanding.
Thankfully the world has Rupert Spira.
Rupert Spira, a teacher of the non-dual path (Advaita Vedanta) to self-inquiry, is one of the most eloquent and adept teachers of spiritual ideas for the modern mind. While much of his teaching is in the form of retreats and lectures, he has also written a handful of books to accompany his in-person work. His most recent book, Being Myself, Volume II of a series on Meditation, is about the most concise and simple “explanations” of what it means to connect to spirit.
Spira deftly explains all of the things that you precisely DO NOT have to do to become spiritual. It is awareness itself. We are that awareness and we just have to turn to see it clearly.
“Our self lies at the source of attention; it can never be its object. It is by resting or relaxing our attention that the recognition of our self is accomplished, never by directing or disciplining it.”
Seeing your awareness does not require you to be special and it doesn't require a lifetime of work or magical hijinx. It is just, simply, who we are. Once you see this and gently remind yourself to never stop seeing this, you will by default, rest in the clear and simple happiness of being. There is nothing more to it than that.
From these adept pointings, Spira also wisely points out some of the misunderstandings that many people have regarding the idea of Enlightenment. This is a great thing! So many teachings on religion and spirituality would have us all believe that the ultimate goal of enlightenment is always out of reach or that we aren't yet worthy of achieving it. Not so, says Spira, be and you are. That simple.
This book is mostly presented in gentle terms with an agnostic appeal. However, there is some mention and naming of God and that may dissuade some readers. If you can replace the mention of God with your preferred term for the mystery of reality, you will be fine and the larger meaning of the text will still be abundantly clear.
Honestly, if you had to place only ONE spiritual book on your shelf, to encapsulate the most over-reaching of all spiritual philosophies, this book could be it. One and done.
The problem with many philosophical tenants and spiritual information is that it can be confusing, wrapped in too much metaphor, or downright dogmatic. The true essence of a belief system or philosophy can then become almost too complex to digest and you find yourself seeking more information so that you can unwind the information you’ve already started to process. Furthermore, many of today’s spiritual teachers do nothing but outline how you need to “work” or “change” or “level up” or buy a new product to “get” to the truth. Twisting and spinning in so many directions the seeker finds themself further lost than when they initially arrived. This is why there are thousands of spiritual teachers these days. Throw a dart at the internet and you'll land on 3. Just enough confusion to keep you coming back for more understanding.
Thankfully the world has Rupert Spira.
Rupert Spira, a teacher of the non-dual path (Advaita Vedanta) to self-inquiry, is one of the most eloquent and adept teachers of spiritual ideas for the modern mind. While much of his teaching is in the form of retreats and lectures, he has also written a handful of books to accompany his in-person work. His most recent book, Being Myself, Volume II of a series on Meditation, is about the most concise and simple “explanations” of what it means to connect to spirit.
Spira deftly explains all of the things that you precisely DO NOT have to do to become spiritual. It is awareness itself. We are that awareness and we just have to turn to see it clearly.
“Our self lies at the source of attention; it can never be its object. It is by resting or relaxing our attention that the recognition of our self is accomplished, never by directing or disciplining it.”
Seeing your awareness does not require you to be special and it doesn't require a lifetime of work or magical hijinx. It is just, simply, who we are. Once you see this and gently remind yourself to never stop seeing this, you will by default, rest in the clear and simple happiness of being. There is nothing more to it than that.
From these adept pointings, Spira also wisely points out some of the misunderstandings that many people have regarding the idea of Enlightenment. This is a great thing! So many teachings on religion and spirituality would have us all believe that the ultimate goal of enlightenment is always out of reach or that we aren't yet worthy of achieving it. Not so, says Spira, be and you are. That simple.
This book is mostly presented in gentle terms with an agnostic appeal. However, there is some mention and naming of God and that may dissuade some readers. If you can replace the mention of God with your preferred term for the mystery of reality, you will be fine and the larger meaning of the text will still be abundantly clear.
Honestly, if you had to place only ONE spiritual book on your shelf, to encapsulate the most over-reaching of all spiritual philosophies, this book could be it. One and done.
December 5, 2019
Rupert Spira is a teacher of non-duality (advaita vedanta as it is called in the East).
This is a summary of Spiras talks on youtube. When reading his words they somehow become more flat than when listening to him answering a question. Spira lays out a clear explanation of why there is just Awareness and why the perception that there exist a subject-object relation is illusory.
Awareness is simply there; we just fail to notice it most of the time which is why the book is called being aware of being aware. Thoughts, sensations, and perceptions are a part of our awareness but we these things manage to trick us into believing that the person writing this review is real. In fact writing is just happening. There is really no one doing it.
I have to admit that I have yet to fully grasp the implications of non-duality and especially the consequences it will have on my life (if it is true). I would recommend viewing Spiras talks on youtube first and foremost if one is interested in learning more about non-duality.
This is a summary of Spiras talks on youtube. When reading his words they somehow become more flat than when listening to him answering a question. Spira lays out a clear explanation of why there is just Awareness and why the perception that there exist a subject-object relation is illusory.
Awareness is simply there; we just fail to notice it most of the time which is why the book is called being aware of being aware. Thoughts, sensations, and perceptions are a part of our awareness but we these things manage to trick us into believing that the person writing this review is real. In fact writing is just happening. There is really no one doing it.
I have to admit that I have yet to fully grasp the implications of non-duality and especially the consequences it will have on my life (if it is true). I would recommend viewing Spiras talks on youtube first and foremost if one is interested in learning more about non-duality.
June 6, 2022
ugh. this could have easily been compressed into one page. the seperate self is an illusion. only awareness can be aware of itself. awareness does not get lost, it only gets clouded through the mind. essentially there's no actual 'way' to enlightenment because enlightenment is not an experience but rather a kind of remembrance. i don't know if spira's youtube talks are any better but this was not it. the repetitive structure made it really hard to get through although i appreciated some of the metaphors the author provided for a clearer understanding.
February 15, 2022
Grateful
To try to capture what Rupert Spira‘s books do for me would be to try to capture the definition of God in words. It just simply can’t be done. The closest I can get to a description is that I have a sense of having found my true home, the ultimate place of my serenity, Heaven. It is amazing how something so profound is really so simple. Something seemingly so far out of our grasp is actually right here with us, in us. I am thankful to Rupert Spira for sharing such simple and beautiful wisdom and truth.
To try to capture what Rupert Spira‘s books do for me would be to try to capture the definition of God in words. It just simply can’t be done. The closest I can get to a description is that I have a sense of having found my true home, the ultimate place of my serenity, Heaven. It is amazing how something so profound is really so simple. Something seemingly so far out of our grasp is actually right here with us, in us. I am thankful to Rupert Spira for sharing such simple and beautiful wisdom and truth.
November 7, 2018
หนังสือเล่มนี้นำเสนอมุมมองอันเรียบง่ายเกี่ยวกับการภาวนาที่ไปพ้นจากคำสอนศาสนาและพิธีกรรม ในความเรียบง่ายนี้เอง เราจะได้เห็นความเชื่อมโยงของแก่นคำสอนของศาสนาต่างๆ เกี่ยวกับการภาวนา ซึ่งทำให้ผมรู้สึกว่าสิ่งที่เป็นความจริงย่อมเป็นความจริง ไม่ว่าเราจะเรียกมันว่าอะไร ในหนังสือเล่มนี้ การภาวนาไม่ใช่สิ่งที่เราทำ แต่คือสิ่งที่เราเป็น การตระหนักรู้ไม่ใช่สภาวะพิเศษที่ต้องอาศัยความพยายามในการบรรลุถึง แต่การตระหนักรู้มีอยู่แล้วในตัวเราทุกคน เพียงหวนกลับไปตระหนักถึงมัน
January 29, 2025
If I think you're an asshole, does that make me an asshole for thinking you're an asshole?
This could've been shorter.
I grasp his teaching right away from the first chapter.
I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would.
Free on KU.
This could've been shorter.
I grasp his teaching right away from the first chapter.
I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would.
Free on KU.
April 9, 2021
Rupert Spira sure has a way with words, and he hits home with the very core of the non-dual understanding in this very short text.
September 17, 2021
An excellent meditation on the non-dual nature of consciousness. Reading this is not totally unlike doing a good acid trip. It has the same mind and consciousness expanding properties that I’ve previously only found at the bottom of a hallucinogenic well.
The book is short and easy to read. You could easily read it in a couple of hours although I wouldn’t recommend that. Instead, I recommend reading one passage per day, and spend the rest of the day ruminating on that passage.
For me, I’m fascinated to know more about non-duality: this idea that the self is an illusion; and to apply this knowledge to leading a better, considered life.
I’ve skirted around the concept of non-duality a while. It took me a couple years to even figure out there was a name for this concept. Having discovered the name, I discovered this book, and it did exactly what I wanted: which was to unpack the concept intuitively using lots of easy metaphors.
I’ve given it five stars as I expect this book has had a deep impact on how the rest of my life plays out. I expect to return to its passages regularly.
I almost deducted a star for the various religious references. It’s starts out very secular but then with an increasing number of references to the sayings of religious sages, texts, and God.
This is all fine and easy enough to ignore. However in some of his references, I detected a hint of “the hammer that sees every problem as a nail”.
What I mean is that he’s a person who has spent all his time thinking about the nature of awareness (hammer). Thus, when he reviews religious texts and quotes, he sees all of them as alluding to or confirming some part of his teachings (nails).
In some of the cases, yes I do very much see how that sage was alluding to that same concept he was describing. In other cases though, I think it’s a bit of a stretch. The fact that he stretched in those cases hurt his credibility a little bit for me. And all these “stretchy” religious references were totally unnecessary for me. They added nothing to an otherwise excellent meditation, they only detracted.
The book is short and easy to read. You could easily read it in a couple of hours although I wouldn’t recommend that. Instead, I recommend reading one passage per day, and spend the rest of the day ruminating on that passage.
For me, I’m fascinated to know more about non-duality: this idea that the self is an illusion; and to apply this knowledge to leading a better, considered life.
I’ve skirted around the concept of non-duality a while. It took me a couple years to even figure out there was a name for this concept. Having discovered the name, I discovered this book, and it did exactly what I wanted: which was to unpack the concept intuitively using lots of easy metaphors.
I’ve given it five stars as I expect this book has had a deep impact on how the rest of my life plays out. I expect to return to its passages regularly.
I almost deducted a star for the various religious references. It’s starts out very secular but then with an increasing number of references to the sayings of religious sages, texts, and God.
This is all fine and easy enough to ignore. However in some of his references, I detected a hint of “the hammer that sees every problem as a nail”.
What I mean is that he’s a person who has spent all his time thinking about the nature of awareness (hammer). Thus, when he reviews religious texts and quotes, he sees all of them as alluding to or confirming some part of his teachings (nails).
In some of the cases, yes I do very much see how that sage was alluding to that same concept he was describing. In other cases though, I think it’s a bit of a stretch. The fact that he stretched in those cases hurt his credibility a little bit for me. And all these “stretchy” religious references were totally unnecessary for me. They added nothing to an otherwise excellent meditation, they only detracted.
January 4, 2024
I had been searching for a spiritual book to read for the new year and stumbled upon this one on my Kindle Unlimited. I'm grateful to the universe for guiding me to this book.
The book revolves around the simple yet profound question: What is aware of our experience?
Spira argues that most people get caught up in the stream of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, overlooking the fundamental awareness that underlies them all. He guides readers towards uncovering this inherent awareness, the source of true peace and happiness.
Spira translates an old truth into modern terms that everybody can grasp. He shows that recognizing our true nature -- pure awareness -- does not require a spiritual journey because it is already there in the here and now. He illustrates this using the analogy of a movie shown on a screen. The ever-changing image and the ever-present screen are inseparable. Other excellent analogies are employed in the poem, such as a modest wave on an infinite ocean.
"Deep sleep is not the absence of awareness; it is the awareness of absence."
In Rupert Spira's world, awareness is omnipresent, an ever-present blue sky obscured by the grey clouds of our thoughts and worries. He reminds us that we're not merely these clouds, but the vast sky itself, forever unmarred beneath the transient weather of our minds. Unlike a mountain peak, we struggle to climb, awareness isn't a state to be attained; it's simply a matter of realizing it's already our true essence.
The only criticism that I felt was Spira approaches the same central issue from various perspectives. The book is largely concerned with non-dual teachings, primarily from Advaita Vedanta and Zen Buddhism. It might not appeal to people looking for a larger spiritual perspective.
This short book can be read in just over an hour, but I recommend taking your time with it to get the most out of it.
You might want to reread it.
I highly recommend it, while I read the second and later parts.
Happy Reading and Have a great year ahead!!
The book revolves around the simple yet profound question: What is aware of our experience?
Spira argues that most people get caught up in the stream of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, overlooking the fundamental awareness that underlies them all. He guides readers towards uncovering this inherent awareness, the source of true peace and happiness.
Spira translates an old truth into modern terms that everybody can grasp. He shows that recognizing our true nature -- pure awareness -- does not require a spiritual journey because it is already there in the here and now. He illustrates this using the analogy of a movie shown on a screen. The ever-changing image and the ever-present screen are inseparable. Other excellent analogies are employed in the poem, such as a modest wave on an infinite ocean.
"Deep sleep is not the absence of awareness; it is the awareness of absence."
In Rupert Spira's world, awareness is omnipresent, an ever-present blue sky obscured by the grey clouds of our thoughts and worries. He reminds us that we're not merely these clouds, but the vast sky itself, forever unmarred beneath the transient weather of our minds. Unlike a mountain peak, we struggle to climb, awareness isn't a state to be attained; it's simply a matter of realizing it's already our true essence.
The only criticism that I felt was Spira approaches the same central issue from various perspectives. The book is largely concerned with non-dual teachings, primarily from Advaita Vedanta and Zen Buddhism. It might not appeal to people looking for a larger spiritual perspective.
This short book can be read in just over an hour, but I recommend taking your time with it to get the most out of it.
You might want to reread it.
I highly recommend it, while I read the second and later parts.
Happy Reading and Have a great year ahead!!
May 18, 2021
A fantastic but flawed piece of philosophy, from the very start Spira lays out an interesting but misguided interpretation of consciousness; playing the sceptic game but not taking his scepticism far enough.
Spira addresses the “mind/matter first” problem by pointing out that everything happens within consciousness (mind), and therefore matter is an unjustified assertion. On page 17, Spira says;
"Any intellectually rigorous and honest model of experience must start with awareness, and indeed never stray from it. To start anywhere else is to start with an assumption"
I would amend "To start is to assume", that is, ANY investigation has to unjustifiably assume that something exists, we (colloquially) exist and that 'we' can make investigations of that 'something'
To pretend otherwise is to be guilty of the very thing Spira is blaming the materialist of doing.
Continuing on, Spira also just assumes consciousness (or awareness) exists. His justification: "We all experience it". Consider someone pointing out assumptions in the mind first hypothesis (like Spira does with the material first hypothesis) as follow;
"There is no such thing as consciousness, there is only chemicals performing reactions and those reactions we identify as consciousness." Any attempt to say "that only happens within a mind" can be retorted (just as Spira does with materialists) by saying "I don't believe in minds or consciousness, I only believe in chemical reactions"
And so on...
Lastly, my biggest contention within this philosophy is that it's unfalsifiable, that is, how would a non-materialistic universe be differentiated from a materialistic one?
With all that said, as a modern theological/spiritual work, this book shines bright. If you are looking for an easily digestible but applicable exploration into Advaita Vedenta Philosophy, look no further, just don't expect its ontology to be respected outside of faith-based communities.
Spira addresses the “mind/matter first” problem by pointing out that everything happens within consciousness (mind), and therefore matter is an unjustified assertion. On page 17, Spira says;
"Any intellectually rigorous and honest model of experience must start with awareness, and indeed never stray from it. To start anywhere else is to start with an assumption"
I would amend "To start is to assume", that is, ANY investigation has to unjustifiably assume that something exists, we (colloquially) exist and that 'we' can make investigations of that 'something'
To pretend otherwise is to be guilty of the very thing Spira is blaming the materialist of doing.
Continuing on, Spira also just assumes consciousness (or awareness) exists. His justification: "We all experience it". Consider someone pointing out assumptions in the mind first hypothesis (like Spira does with the material first hypothesis) as follow;
"There is no such thing as consciousness, there is only chemicals performing reactions and those reactions we identify as consciousness." Any attempt to say "that only happens within a mind" can be retorted (just as Spira does with materialists) by saying "I don't believe in minds or consciousness, I only believe in chemical reactions"
And so on...
Lastly, my biggest contention within this philosophy is that it's unfalsifiable, that is, how would a non-materialistic universe be differentiated from a materialistic one?
With all that said, as a modern theological/spiritual work, this book shines bright. If you are looking for an easily digestible but applicable exploration into Advaita Vedenta Philosophy, look no further, just don't expect its ontology to be respected outside of faith-based communities.
November 21, 2022
an adorable poem that reads like a series of excerpts from a pocket bible. i really took my time with this one, savoring each line as the “invocation,” the “prayer” of something both out-of-this-world and yet exceedingly ordinary, to which the non-dual understanding points. as always, rupert spira proves yet again to be a diamond in the rough of contemporary spiritual “teachers,” approaching the divine with words that focus on each of us’ most intimate, most familiar, and yet most forgotten experience — that of being. if you’re intellectually (and hopefully experientially !) familiar with the non-dual understanding, or with that of ‘god,’ i’d give this one a few reads; if you read this book and felt as if rupert was just stating the obvious and nothing else, first — good. second — spend some time asking yourself who you are.
i gave it 4 starts instead of 5 because i think the price is a bit much lol
i gave it 4 starts instead of 5 because i think the price is a bit much lol
January 30, 2022
Rupert in his book - The Nature of Consciousness dives into fundamental questions about the universe, the nature of experience and like in all his other books, offers a very clear and direct description of the subject. He does an amazing job describing the indescribable through simple analogies that everyone can relate to. The Nature of Consciousness will challenge the mindset of many readers but for some, it will offer a clear confirmation of everyday experience. For materialists, if read with an open mind, it will surely shake your entire belief system and make you question your interpretation of reality.
Read for the second time now. One of my favorite books on nonduality and consciousness.
Read for the second time now. One of my favorite books on nonduality and consciousness.
February 5, 2018
The only thing I am sorry about is this was not my book and I couldn't underline passages that caught my breath. I will need a copy of my own. This is an excellent book on the subject of awareness. Yes, there is repetition in it and some mind twisters but but I personally enjoy that. Often times a book comes along that you need at the precise moment and this was timely. I always seem to be attracted to books on "non-duality". They make me dive deep into the nature of reality which is a mind boggling subject as you can't use your mind to experience it. I don't mean to sound disrespectful but I love this kind of shit! It makes me feel so alive! Again excellent book!
December 23, 2018
Advaita at its best.
This is the best Ramana or Nisgradatta could be explained in english language. The 'Direct Approach ' simply means directly residing in the' I Am' . The' I Am' is revealed in between the minds activites. Reside there as often as possible , exploring it. And Don't bother about the results, because as Ramanamaharshi said... everything falls in place automatically from there on. Thanks Mr. Spira....This book is going to last forever , as the world reqiures this approach more than ever.
This is the best Ramana or Nisgradatta could be explained in english language. The 'Direct Approach ' simply means directly residing in the' I Am' . The' I Am' is revealed in between the minds activites. Reside there as often as possible , exploring it. And Don't bother about the results, because as Ramanamaharshi said... everything falls in place automatically from there on. Thanks Mr. Spira....This book is going to last forever , as the world reqiures this approach more than ever.
December 21, 2022
It might seem contradictory to even care to write and publish a book about this subject: awareness, as experienced and understood by Rupert Spira. After all, doing so brings this thought into our 'objective reality', while behind it lies a much more profound one. Nevertheless, I am glad he did. In many ways all other books become irrelevant after reading this one -though I'll certainly keep on reading, but I will keep the knowledge contained in this one very alive throughout the remaining of my life.
April 1, 2021
You'll want to keep this poetic, crystal-clear gem of a book in your pocket. Take it with you wherever you go. There is always something new to see, understand, and feel. Something new, yet forever familiar. Maybe the cover will become bent, pages well-thumbed from use, returning again and again, like your own personal velveteen rabbit. Catch the rhythm of these words, and find solace here, in Rupert Spira's refined and elegant poesy.
April 23, 2021
The directness with which Rupert Spira has discussed all of this text is nothing short of a remarkable achievement.
I can definitely see that this book is easily a candidate for being the source for some of the most misinterpreted quotes ever. And that's ironical considering the fact that a significant purpose of this book is the correction of the more prevalent misinterpretations of our time.
But how it works out is how it works out.
I can definitely see that this book is easily a candidate for being the source for some of the most misinterpreted quotes ever. And that's ironical considering the fact that a significant purpose of this book is the correction of the more prevalent misinterpretations of our time.
But how it works out is how it works out.
June 16, 2018
Very repetitive ... it seems that the author wants to harp on the same point ad infinitum - awareness. He also makes analogies and quotes scripture in ways that are simply not accurate, again, only to harp and/or find confirmation for his point of view.
August 29, 2021
A wonderful revelation for the ever curious.
This book will bring a lot of clarity in your understanding of oneself, whilst constructively framing the objective experience that we’re so blinded by.
An essential truth that cannot be told, only discovered.
This book will bring a lot of clarity in your understanding of oneself, whilst constructively framing the objective experience that we’re so blinded by.
An essential truth that cannot be told, only discovered.
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