Rupert Spira | Bernardo Kastrup: On the heights of awakening and the depths of sorrow

"… one of the most captivating conversations I've witnessed. I felt fully present, hanging onto every word, as well as the meaning, as if I was participating in that conversation myself. It was an experience I can't recall having had before…

…showed me a new avenue towards something more meaningful, it felt like he opened a door for me that showed me a new way of being "In the World". I am looking forward to how that perspective unfolds and deepens within me over the next few days." - David Rautenbach

Part of the online event series With Reality in Mind, join us for a landmark dialogue between two profound contemporary thinkers delving ever deeper into the relationship between consciousness and reality. 

We're excited to host two of today's most influential philosophers of consciousness as they explore the nature of reality and awareness. Author of "Being Aware of Being Aware" Rupert Spira and "The Idea of the World" philosopher Bernardo Kastrup return for their third online dialogue with us, deepening their profound exploration of non-dual awareness and idealist metaphysics.

I believe you'll truly enjoy the friendship between Bernardo and Rupert that grounds this probing dialogue, from the heights of awakening to the claustrophobic nihilism that can show up on this path.

They both share their experiences and understandings of sorrow and emptiness, starting with Bernardo's poem, Shattered Innocence, which he wrote in 2016:

"I grieve the loss of my innocence.
The mystery and possibilities that once were my world abandoned me,
Frivolousness and claustrophobia left in their stead."

But for Bernardo, there is something valuable in this experience of nihilism, a legitimate room in the palace of mind he can now conjure without fear.

Equally for Rupert, true awakening can extinguish the fear of human experience. Rather than a shield against emotion, grounding in being can give the confidence to confront deep sorrow and the sorry state of the world.

What it is like to be god

But what is the true nature of reality? Does universal consciousness learn? Why does manifestation even happen?

Whilst we compared perspectives from Advaita, Kashmir Shaivism & Jung, Rupert always points to the immanent possibility of direct experience.

Moreover, he contends that ego dissolution is actually common but overlooked. It can happen in fleeting moments of satisfaction, the gap between thoughts, a moment of deep grief.

Spirituality is simply the deliberate cultivation of such moments, and we ended with a thought experiment from Rupert Spira to taste this insight.

For more, he offers free daily meditations on the Luminous App and many talks on his YouTube channel.

We also discussed:

• How perception is illusion but the world is real
• Understanding 'sudden onset nihilism'
• Awakening to bliss & the depths of sorrow
• Is the world a product of freedom or ignorance?
• Growing an ego and outgrowing the ego

This event is part of the membership programme With Reality in Mind and is free to members. You can find out more and join here:  https://www.withrealityinmind.com/

About Rupert Spira

From an early age, Rupert Spira was deeply interested in the nature of reality and the source of lasting peace and happiness. After spending twenty years immersed in the teachings of classical Advaita Vedanta, he met his teacher, Francis Lucille, who introduced him to the Direct Path approach whereby one may recognise the source of peace and happiness in oneself. Rupert has written several books and holds regular meetings and retreats online, as well as in Europe and the United States. He is also a noted potter, trained in the British Studio Pottery school, with work in public and private collections. www.rupertspira.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rupertspira/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/RupertSpira_
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rupertspira_/ 
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxXWjjtATq3OM545gMh9PUg

About Bernardo Kastrup

Photo by Pedro Henrique Casarin

Bernardo Kastrup's work has been leading the modern renaissance of the philosophical position, ‘metaphysical idealism’ that reality is essentially mental, an appearance in ‘mind.’  Bernardo has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the 'Casimir Effect' of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo's most recent book is The Idea of the World: A multi-disciplinary argument for the mental nature of reality. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit www.bernardokastrup.com.

Amir runs Adventures in Awareness to foster connections between meditators, scientists and philosophers to generate new insights that can benefit ordinary people. Through discussion, events and courses he hosts explorations in what it means to be a ‘modern mystic’ - balancing the challenges and gifts of modern life whilst alive to timeless mystery.

He worked for 20 years as a choreographer, performer and dancer on everything from MARVEL movies to Royal Opera House productions, specialising in contemporary dance, contact improvisation and Argentine tango. 

He remains interested into how insight can transform how we move, relate and live. 

ENQUIRIES: amir@adventuresinawareness.com
 

REFUNDS: Please note that we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. We welcome swapping or reselling your tickets with people you know.