Huge respect to Mr. Spira for saying that. The enlightened/unenlightened dynamic that he has so unambiguously and unequivocally dismissed is the basis of ALL cults!
Indeed! The understanding that Mr. Spira promotes is so fundamental to walking a healthy path. I've just recently come to this understanding and am so grateful, because it's way too easy to join a cult without even realizing it. Happy New Year!
I started my journey almost 10 years ago, as a 21 year-old girl. If only someone told me this back then a lot of things could have been different 😅I did realize this myself but on behalf of all now-20-year-olds who start their spiritual path - thank you 🙏
That is great because your realization came from your experiences. and the talks of non-duality just acts as confirmation to your experiences. These satsangs helps you to widen your perception, but at the end of the day, they won't make sense, if you don't have a relevant experience to compare it with. Trust your experience, open to experiences.
Thank you Rupert! Thank you Christina for asking the question. This could have saved me from the abuse i went through in a non dual spiritual group some years ago. It harmed me very deeply. Deeply understanding what is trauma bonding, gaslighting, and a deep dive into developmental trauma model, is finally helping me come out of the dark space i was pushed into by my ex spiritual teacher and the cultish group formed around him.
Totally agree! And I have a spiritual teacher😲😲😲Just cause someones 'awake', doesn't mean they're trustable. And our own intelligent discrimination is paramount!
Oneness is like a mountain: the peak and the base are part of the same mountain, but the peak is closer to the sky. Recognizing ranks is not denying unity-it’s acknowledging the natural distinctions within the same reality. ❤
Gees I could literally feel the adoration and love beaming out of the screen! I don't think I've ever seen anyone so in love with Rupert 😍 It's actually very very sweet...
@@TorchOfTruth1But the message passes through countless messengers and is not originating "from" of the messenger, it's coming through them the same way it can come through you or anyone else. It doesn't come "from" them, they are reflecting what you already know deep inside you, so never ever admire their form as "above" you.
@@TorchOfTruth1 By that logic, everyone saying they are the "ONE True Child" of God should be worshipped as such, because their message is what THEY are. This implies formbound, personal ownership of a message that is meant to point you to and help you go beyond the level of form. You can appreciate the message the messenger brings through them without worshipping the particular form of the messenger. Take the message - appreciate it - and HANG UP the phone (don't worship the phone that gave you the message!) to paraphrase Alan Watts.
Anytime idiots scold me, my formula is 'thank you.' Anytime mind conscious or unconscious begins to scold others or myself, my formula is 'mind deceives.' I don't trust any word, I only trust space in or out.
In my humble opinion, the only thing we can positively know as the Truth is what we have experienced. We can relate to what others claim as the Truth, but if we don’t have the experience of it, how actually can we be certain it is the Truth? It’s just a believe😊
Excellent point. Good teaching. I would add the same should apply to religious doctrines. Such as promoted by Christianity for instance. It's OK to respect the ideas presented. But one shouldn't accept them without question. And there's no need to believe blindly. It's acceptable to debate basic beliefs and yet remain courteous and respectful.
Rupert statement, “Don’t give your autonomy to a spiritual teacher,” seems to mark a shift toward the radical non-duality of figures like Jim Newman, which emphasizes a stark self-sufficiency. But in doing so, it feels like a departure from the very lineage of Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, whose teachings Spira himself has often referenced. Mystical traditions don’t see the role of the teacher as a threat to autonomy, but as a mirror that reflects the Truth beyond the ego. The teacher isn’t there to take over one’s life, but to guide the seeker through the veils of selfhood into the Reality that transcends both teacher and student. Ramana and Nisargadatta understood this dynamic deeply-they didn’t erase the need for a teacher but embodied the role of a living presence pointing the way beyond duality. The recent push toward “no teacher, no path, no seeker, no world, no illusions, nothing ever happened” risks skipping the relational process entirely, reducing non-duality to an abstract concept rather than a lived reality. Ironically, this insistence on negating everything can reinforce the very illusion of separation that non-duality seeks to dissolve. Mystical traditions have always understood this paradox: the teacher and the path are part of the illusion, but they are necessary bridges to transcend it. Rupert pivot toward negation seems like a reminder of where radical non-dual teachings can lead-an outright dismissal of the sacred dynamic between guide and seeker. But for most, this relationship isn’t a limitation-it’s a gift, a doorway. Ramana and Nisargadatta knew that the teacher’s role isn’t to bind the seeker, but to help dissolve the illusion of “self” and “other” altogether. True autonomy isn’t in rejecting the teacher-it’s in realizing there was never anyone to surrender autonomy to in the first place. Rupert Spira’s response here seems to challenge the traditional mystical view of the master-disciple relationship, particularly the notion that a master serves as an “enlightened mirror” reflecting the disciple’s ego back to them. By dismissing this as “nonsense” or even “dangerous,” Spira shifts the focus away from the transformational dynamic of such relationships, as understood in mystical traditions, and toward a more radical rejection of hierarchical structures in spiritual growth. In the deepest mystical traditions, such as Irfan or the teachings of Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, the role of the teacher is not to manipulate or dominate but to embody a presence so luminous and grounded in Truth that it exposes the ego’s illusions effortlessly. Yes, triggers can arise in any relationship, but what sets the relationship with a true master apart is that their “mirroring” isn’t personal or emotional-it is a reflection of Divine Reality. The experience of being “triggered” is not merely an emotional reaction; it is an unveiling of hidden attachments, veils, and identifications within the seeker. Rupert argument-that anyone, including a teacher, can evoke emotional responses-is valid at a surface level, but it seems to miss the essence of the master-disciple relationship. A true master does not trigger out of their own ego or flaws, but by their very being, which acts as a catalyst for the seeker’s transformation. What arises in such moments isn’t simply “emotion” but an opportunity for the seeker to witness their own veils and, through guidance, move beyond them. To call this dangerous assumes that the master-disciple relationship is inherently coercive or manipulative, but this reduces the role of the master to a flawed human being like any other. In authentic traditions, a master is not merely “another person”; they are a station (maqam) through which Divine Attributes manifest, enabling the seeker to confront and transcend the illusion of selfhood. While it’s true that unhealthy dynamics can occur in spiritual settings, dismissing the deeper transformative purpose of the master-disciple relationship risks discarding a profound vehicle for unveiling Reality. The danger isn’t in trusting a true master-it’s in misplacing trust in those who falsely claim the station of guidance. But to equate all such relationships with emotional manipulation is to flatten the depth and sacredness of a dynamic that, for millennia, has helped seekers transcend ego and realize the Divine. This statement holds truth when applied to false teachers-those who manipulate or project their own flaws onto others under the guise of spiritual guidance. However, it does not apply to a truly realized and enlightened teacher. The role of such a teacher in mystical traditions is not to trigger for the sake of triggering, but to reflect the seeker’s veils back to them, exposing what hinders their journey toward Truth. Rupert dismissal of the idea of an enlightened spiritual teacher-mocking the term itself-reflects his broader perspective that enlightenment is not tied to individuals. While one can respect his sincerity and the years he spent studying philosophy and various schools of mysticism, this perspective overlooks an essential truth upheld by mystical traditions: there are indeed enlightened beings whose very presence transforms those who come into contact with them. These teachers are not self-proclaimed “enlightened” figures seeking recognition but are those who have dissolved their ego into Divine Reality. Their existence is not theoretical or a matter of belief; it is a lived truth testified by countless seekers across traditions. Such beings, whether they are known as murshids, gurus, or awliya’, embody Divine Attributes and act as mirrors of Reality, guiding others toward the unveiling of their own essence. Rupert’s reluctance to acknowledge this reality may stem from a valid critique of ego-driven spiritual authority. However, dismissing the very existence of realized beings undermines the profound role they play in mystical traditions. The presence of such teachers does not negate one’s autonomy but rather helps dissolve the illusion of selfhood, unveiling the greater Reality that transcends both teacher and student. True enlightenment, as understood in these traditions, is not about claiming a title but about embodying a state of being where the “self” has disappeared, leaving only Divine Reality to shine through. To deny the existence of such beings is to overlook a cornerstone of mystical experience-the transformative power of encountering one who reflects not their ego but the infinite Divine Light.
Wow , that was a lot ! But beautifully written and I agree wholeheartedly, I love master disciple/ discipline , disciple sounds alot like discipline . You are on point though I agree entirely based on my experience thus far . And to receive truly a masters grace would provoking me infinite gratitude and therefore I would dedicate to serving others , kind of like the story of Jesus healing the sick and broken , so very beautiful . I love guru / master disciple relationships creates a bond between holy friends .
According to one of Ramana Maharshi student's, Ramana said there is no 100% clear cut way to tell if someone is enlightened and I believe expresses the idea that only enlightened people can really tell if someone is enlightened. I'm not sure if I agree that Rupert is enlightened in the same way as Ramana was (he doesn't seem to be), but I find his teachings are moving and helpful.
Rupert sincerity, humility, and dedication over decades of study deserve deep respect. His teachings have touched many, and his willingness to share his insights is admirable. From an Islamic Irfan perspective, however, there is something worth reflecting upon regarding the evolution of the seeker’s journey. Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, figures who stand among the highest level of enlightened beings, emphasized self-knowing in a way that deeply aligns with Islamic Irfan. Their teachings point to the same essential truths about unveiling Reality, though couched in the cultural and traditional frameworks of their time. Yet, as Sayyed al-Qadi, one of the greatest enlightened masters in the Islamic tradition, reminded us, the path of mysticism unfolds through many stages. He spoke of seven distinct maqams (stations or levels), where at each stage, the seeker may feel as if they have reached the ultimate realization, only to later discover deeper layers of unveiling beyond what they had perceived as final. In light of this, there is a concern that Rupert Spira, despite his sincerity and achievements, may have become “intoxicated” (to borrow a Sufi term) at an early stage of realization. In mysticism, it is not uncommon for seekers to experience profound insights that feel absolute but are, in reality, glimpses of greater depths yet to be uncovered. The process of peeling away the layers of ego is infinite, as Reality is boundless. Any sense of finality in understanding often reflects the limits of the current stage, not the end of the journey itself. The lineage of Islamic Irfan, uninterrupted for over 1400 years, continuously emphasizes that the path is one of constant unveiling, where each stage reveals how much remains unknown. True masters, such as Sayyed al-Qadi, embody this humility, reminding us that there is no ultimate “arrival”-only endless discovery. While Spira’s teachings are undoubtedly impactful, there is a subtle difference between intellectual mastery and the lived, embodied presence of one who has traversed beyond egoic limitations into the infinite layers of Divine unveiling. The journey never ends, and each step invites the seeker to move beyond the temptation of believing they have reached the summit. The greatest masters always point to this infinite horizon, humbling even the most advanced seekers and encouraging continuous surrender to the mystery of Divine Reality.
@@TorchOfTruth1 Thank you for sharing. In comparison to my own journey, he is at the top of the mountain and perhaps that is common to many seekers. For me, someone like Ramana is seems to embody truth much deeper but Rupert does seem to suggest he is at the top which is one of the few places I don't agree with his teaching.
Seems rare to find an enlightened teacher that one can just bond to and experience a "master-disciple" relationship in the true mystical tradition however. So perhaps that model is not quite as relevant as it was when men (mostly) could live and experience their teacher for years on end. I sensed from this video that we need to practice discernment and discrimination and not give up that "gut" feeling that something isn't right. There are folks who are vulnerable to false prophets. The guru I had direct experience with opened the door for me in the most loving, compassionate way. I stayed at an ashram for brief time but had few contacts with him, but enough to clear away boulders and electrifying spiritual shifts during my short stays there whether I was with him or not. Perhaps Rupert is not "mystical purist" and that is OK. FWIW my ego gets tossed at me on the regular and I am so much better at seeing it for what it is. Am I enlightened? Heck if I know. Probably not. He presents a fair point that what a teacher prescribes with one student does not apply to all. I have also stayed in "spiritual" relationships that were treacherous and I kept thinking "This must how it is! I must be needing to learn more about myself! They are showing me my veils or whatever!" Nah, it was manipulation and chaos. Takes some skill to sift through
Realizing that my gurus were human beings like everybody else, it took a long time I had to drop the filters of all their supposed "miracles" and "powers"
I only know one thing, I don't need to know anything other than that one thing to know what is truth. I don't rely on the knowledge of men, nor do I blindly follow teachers or Gurus. I don't follow anyone but the true source, and its centre is the heart. Its divine name reaches far beyond words, and its words are simply love.
I always feel that majority of the people like my parents who just live their lives as it is and seemingly never spend a minute or so of their lives digging into spirituality are actually enlightened already.
I know what she is experiencing. She submits to presence/Love because it is Truth, she recognizes this very well. But this happens when crown chakra, as Rupert say (autonomy) is blocked by judgements. Let go of all judgements and it will be fixed. How Rupert said, do not judge enlightened/unenlightened. Also good/bad. Right/wrong.
While I really like Mooji's way of providing step by step instructions to simply and clearly tap into Your True Self, it seems like a fair few of the followers create fluff around this message by worshipping Mooji himself in obvious and more subtle ways, demonstrating they believe he is somehow "above" them, in precisely the same way dualistic religions operate, hypocritically, which I do not resonate with, and Mooji doesn't openly speak out against his followers doing this, which I find odd.
When you 'look' at these words, 'listen' to the thought or voice at the same time in You right now. Otherwise, you won't truly hear what is being said. Begin from there. The rest will take care of itself.
Achieving *enlightenment* is considered the ultimate goal in Buddhist practice = allowing one to escape the cycle of suffering and rebirth (samsara) and to reach nirvana. IT IS NOT A HOLIER-THAN-THOU attitude - you have conflated the primary issue. i.e. The Buddha described his *enlightenment* as; "ignorance was destroyed; knowledge arose; darkness was destroyed; light arose". In reference to the experience of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) - when he attained deep understanding, he awoke to the true nature of reality. *Enlightenment is to have an understanding of the nature of reality* - Nothing complicated here, Rupert. So, what do _you_ mean by, no one is ENLIGHTENED and no one is UNENLIGHTENED?
You don't have any autonomy to give, unless you spent your whole life alone in a forest. Btw, beware of teachers who say "have no teachers". They are withholding the second part of the sentence - "except me."
I don’t agree with Rupert. In diagnostic tests there is the concept of the gold standard. Her friend is simply suggesting that enlightened people can give another a clearer feedback just as Rupert is doing right now. Rupert in his contradiction is however justifying his point as I am standing by my conviction that her fried is correct. And spiritual people can trigger people and culture which is why they have been persecuted many times over in history. There is always a hierarchy in knowledge and understanding. How otherwise could the teachings of Buddha, and Hindu wisdom been passed down? The exact teachings that Rupert has received.
More videos on non-duality just perpetuate the activity of being lost in thought. Dwell in your true nature which is the simple activity of being aware. Nothing more is required. I like you Rupert, but... just saying.
What do you mean, ''there are no enlightened and unenlightened people''?. So you mean a beggar on the street who is suffering is the same as a buddha who is free of suffering? What a load of nonsense, Rupert.
What he means is, there is no "person" that is enlightened, since enlightenment is freedom from the illusion of being a "person". All is Consciousness equally, the beggar and the Buddha. Buddha = Consciousness. Is the beggar not a manifestation of Consciousness as much as Rupert or whoever else? Rupert is just a body-mind, the 'enlightened' is the Beingness that is equally in everything. A "person" cannot be enlightened.
@@jimmcd5660 The difference is one is suffering and the other is not. The entire point of enlightenment, according to buddhism, is to be free from suffering. Rupert is just talking rubbish here.
Huge respect to Mr. Spira for saying that. The enlightened/unenlightened dynamic that he has so unambiguously and unequivocally dismissed is the basis of ALL cults!
Indeed! The understanding that Mr. Spira promotes is so fundamental to walking a healthy path. I've just recently come to this understanding and am so grateful, because it's way too easy to join a cult without even realizing it. Happy New Year!
2:40 “This is dangerous.” THANK YOU!!! This is SO needed. This is so important to understand. Such a gift to have this explained so clearly. 💜
I started my journey almost 10 years ago, as a 21 year-old girl. If only someone told me this back then a lot of things could have been different 😅I did realize this myself but on behalf of all now-20-year-olds who start their spiritual path - thank you 🙏
That is great because your realization came from your experiences.
and the talks of non-duality just acts as confirmation to your experiences.
These satsangs helps you to widen your perception, but at the end of the day, they won't make sense, if you don't have a relevant experience to compare it with. Trust your experience, open to experiences.
Hope in 10 years you won’t look back at what you understood from Spira today and feel the same way all over again!
@@TorchOfTruth1 don't project your own fear so quickly
Thanks Rupert and team for making these available
This is so important, and needs to be applied equally to political figures or leaders of any kind.
I needed to hear this. Thank you.
Thank you Rupert! Thank you Christina for asking the question.
This could have saved me from the abuse i went through in a non dual spiritual group some years ago. It harmed me very deeply.
Deeply understanding what is trauma bonding, gaslighting, and a deep dive into developmental trauma model, is finally helping me come out of the dark space i was pushed into by my ex spiritual teacher and the cultish group formed around him.
Totally agree! And I have a spiritual teacher😲😲😲Just cause someones 'awake', doesn't mean they're trustable. And our own intelligent discrimination is paramount!
No one above, no one below. That is Unity❤
Oneness is like a mountain: the peak and the base are part of the same mountain, but the peak is closer to the sky. Recognizing ranks is not denying unity-it’s acknowledging the natural distinctions within the same reality. ❤
Very important message here that many overlook, including myself when i was early on in the journey.
Humility and wisdom from you both, great dialogue
Gees I could literally feel the adoration and love beaming out of the screen! I don't think I've ever seen anyone so in love with Rupert 😍 It's actually very very sweet...
Thank you beloved Rupert ❤❤❤
It is better to admire the message than adore the messenger.
True, but without the messenger, there wouldn’t be a message.
@@TorchOfTruth1But the message passes through countless messengers and is not originating "from" of the messenger, it's coming through them the same way it can come through you or anyone else. It doesn't come "from" them, they are reflecting what you already know deep inside you, so never ever admire their form as "above" you.
@@TorchOfTruth1but what is more important?
The message and messenger are one-inseparable.
Without the messenger, there’s no message; without the message, the messenger has no role.
@@TorchOfTruth1 By that logic, everyone saying they are the "ONE True Child" of God should be worshipped as such, because their message is what THEY are.
This implies formbound, personal ownership of a message that is meant to point you to and help you go beyond the level of form. You can appreciate the message the messenger brings through them without worshipping the particular form of the messenger. Take the message - appreciate it - and HANG UP the phone (don't worship the phone that gave you the message!) to paraphrase Alan Watts.
So beautifully explained, Dear Rupert!!
☮❤🙏 Thanks for sharing and explaining what we are already
Anytime idiots scold me, my formula is 'thank you.' Anytime mind conscious or unconscious begins to scold others or myself, my formula is 'mind deceives.' I don't trust any word, I only trust space in or out.
Thanks, that's inspiring for me .
Me too I respond with thank you. For showing me where I am still needing to do work on myself.
In my humble opinion, the only thing we can positively know as the Truth is what we have experienced. We can relate to what others claim as the Truth, but if we don’t have the experience of it, how actually can we be certain it is the Truth? It’s just a believe😊
Excellent point. Good teaching. I would add the same should apply to religious doctrines. Such as promoted by Christianity for instance. It's OK to respect the ideas presented. But one shouldn't accept them without question. And there's no need to believe blindly. It's acceptable to debate basic beliefs and yet remain courteous and respectful.
Thank you, Rupert!❤
This is wonderful. Thank you Rupert. 🙏💜
Beautiful souls
thank you so Much Dear Rupert 👌🙏❤
Rupert statement, “Don’t give your autonomy to a spiritual teacher,” seems to mark a shift toward the radical non-duality of figures like Jim Newman, which emphasizes a stark self-sufficiency. But in doing so, it feels like a departure from the very lineage of Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, whose teachings Spira himself has often referenced.
Mystical traditions don’t see the role of the teacher as a threat to autonomy, but as a mirror that reflects the Truth beyond the ego. The teacher isn’t there to take over one’s life, but to guide the seeker through the veils of selfhood into the Reality that transcends both teacher and student. Ramana and Nisargadatta understood this dynamic deeply-they didn’t erase the need for a teacher but embodied the role of a living presence pointing the way beyond duality.
The recent push toward “no teacher, no path, no seeker, no world, no illusions, nothing ever happened” risks skipping the relational process entirely, reducing non-duality to an abstract concept rather than a lived reality. Ironically, this insistence on negating everything can reinforce the very illusion of separation that non-duality seeks to dissolve. Mystical traditions have always understood this paradox: the teacher and the path are part of the illusion, but they are necessary bridges to transcend it.
Rupert pivot toward negation seems like a reminder of where radical non-dual teachings can lead-an outright dismissal of the sacred dynamic between guide and seeker. But for most, this relationship isn’t a limitation-it’s a gift, a doorway. Ramana and Nisargadatta knew that the teacher’s role isn’t to bind the seeker, but to help dissolve the illusion of “self” and “other” altogether. True autonomy isn’t in rejecting the teacher-it’s in realizing there was never anyone to surrender autonomy to in the first place.
Rupert Spira’s response here seems to challenge the traditional mystical view of the master-disciple relationship, particularly the notion that a master serves as an “enlightened mirror” reflecting the disciple’s ego back to them. By dismissing this as “nonsense” or even “dangerous,” Spira shifts the focus away from the transformational dynamic of such relationships, as understood in mystical traditions, and toward a more radical rejection of hierarchical structures in spiritual growth.
In the deepest mystical traditions, such as Irfan or the teachings of Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, the role of the teacher is not to manipulate or dominate but to embody a presence so luminous and grounded in Truth that it exposes the ego’s illusions effortlessly. Yes, triggers can arise in any relationship, but what sets the relationship with a true master apart is that their “mirroring” isn’t personal or emotional-it is a reflection of Divine Reality. The experience of being “triggered” is not merely an emotional reaction; it is an unveiling of hidden attachments, veils, and identifications within the seeker.
Rupert argument-that anyone, including a teacher, can evoke emotional responses-is valid at a surface level, but it seems to miss the essence of the master-disciple relationship. A true master does not trigger out of their own ego or flaws, but by their very being, which acts as a catalyst for the seeker’s transformation. What arises in such moments isn’t simply “emotion” but an opportunity for the seeker to witness their own veils and, through guidance, move beyond them.
To call this dangerous assumes that the master-disciple relationship is inherently coercive or manipulative, but this reduces the role of the master to a flawed human being like any other. In authentic traditions, a master is not merely “another person”; they are a station (maqam) through which Divine Attributes manifest, enabling the seeker to confront and transcend the illusion of selfhood.
While it’s true that unhealthy dynamics can occur in spiritual settings, dismissing the deeper transformative purpose of the master-disciple relationship risks discarding a profound vehicle for unveiling Reality. The danger isn’t in trusting a true master-it’s in misplacing trust in those who falsely claim the station of guidance. But to equate all such relationships with emotional manipulation is to flatten the depth and sacredness of a dynamic that, for millennia, has helped seekers transcend ego and realize the Divine.
This statement holds truth when applied to false teachers-those who manipulate or project their own flaws onto others under the guise of spiritual guidance. However, it does not apply to a truly realized and enlightened teacher. The role of such a teacher in mystical traditions is not to trigger for the sake of triggering, but to reflect the seeker’s veils back to them, exposing what hinders their journey toward Truth.
Rupert dismissal of the idea of an enlightened spiritual teacher-mocking the term itself-reflects his broader perspective that enlightenment is not tied to individuals. While one can respect his sincerity and the years he spent studying philosophy and various schools of mysticism, this perspective overlooks an essential truth upheld by mystical traditions: there are indeed enlightened beings whose very presence transforms those who come into contact with them.
These teachers are not self-proclaimed “enlightened” figures seeking recognition but are those who have dissolved their ego into Divine Reality. Their existence is not theoretical or a matter of belief; it is a lived truth testified by countless seekers across traditions. Such beings, whether they are known as murshids, gurus, or awliya’, embody Divine Attributes and act as mirrors of Reality, guiding others toward the unveiling of their own essence.
Rupert’s reluctance to acknowledge this reality may stem from a valid critique of ego-driven spiritual authority. However, dismissing the very existence of realized beings undermines the profound role they play in mystical traditions. The presence of such teachers does not negate one’s autonomy but rather helps dissolve the illusion of selfhood, unveiling the greater Reality that transcends both teacher and student.
True enlightenment, as understood in these traditions, is not about claiming a title but about embodying a state of being where the “self” has disappeared, leaving only Divine Reality to shine through. To deny the existence of such beings is to overlook a cornerstone of mystical experience-the transformative power of encountering one who reflects not their ego but the infinite Divine Light.
Wow , that was a lot ! But beautifully written and I agree wholeheartedly, I love master disciple/ discipline , disciple sounds alot like discipline . You are on point though I agree entirely based on my experience thus far . And to receive truly a masters grace would provoking me infinite gratitude and therefore I would dedicate to serving others , kind of like the story of Jesus healing the sick and broken , so very beautiful . I love guru / master disciple relationships creates a bond between holy friends .
According to one of Ramana Maharshi student's, Ramana said there is no 100% clear cut way to tell if someone is enlightened and I believe expresses the idea that only enlightened people can really tell if someone is enlightened. I'm not sure if I agree that Rupert is enlightened in the same way as Ramana was (he doesn't seem to be), but I find his teachings are moving and helpful.
Rupert sincerity, humility, and dedication over decades of study deserve deep respect. His teachings have touched many, and his willingness to share his insights is admirable. From an Islamic Irfan perspective, however, there is something worth reflecting upon regarding the evolution of the seeker’s journey.
Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, figures who stand among the highest level of enlightened beings, emphasized self-knowing in a way that deeply aligns with Islamic Irfan. Their teachings point to the same essential truths about unveiling Reality, though couched in the cultural and traditional frameworks of their time. Yet, as Sayyed al-Qadi, one of the greatest enlightened masters in the Islamic tradition, reminded us, the path of mysticism unfolds through many stages. He spoke of seven distinct maqams (stations or levels), where at each stage, the seeker may feel as if they have reached the ultimate realization, only to later discover deeper layers of unveiling beyond what they had perceived as final.
In light of this, there is a concern that Rupert Spira, despite his sincerity and achievements, may have become “intoxicated” (to borrow a Sufi term) at an early stage of realization. In mysticism, it is not uncommon for seekers to experience profound insights that feel absolute but are, in reality, glimpses of greater depths yet to be uncovered. The process of peeling away the layers of ego is infinite, as Reality is boundless. Any sense of finality in understanding often reflects the limits of the current stage, not the end of the journey itself.
The lineage of Islamic Irfan, uninterrupted for over 1400 years, continuously emphasizes that the path is one of constant unveiling, where each stage reveals how much remains unknown. True masters, such as Sayyed al-Qadi, embody this humility, reminding us that there is no ultimate “arrival”-only endless discovery. While Spira’s teachings are undoubtedly impactful, there is a subtle difference between intellectual mastery and the lived, embodied presence of one who has traversed beyond egoic limitations into the infinite layers of Divine unveiling.
The journey never ends, and each step invites the seeker to move beyond the temptation of believing they have reached the summit. The greatest masters always point to this infinite horizon, humbling even the most advanced seekers and encouraging continuous surrender to the mystery of Divine Reality.
@@TorchOfTruth1 Thank you for sharing. In comparison to my own journey, he is at the top of the mountain and perhaps that is common to many seekers. For me, someone like Ramana is seems to embody truth much deeper but Rupert does seem to suggest he is at the top which is one of the few places I don't agree with his teaching.
Seems rare to find an enlightened teacher that one can just bond to and experience a "master-disciple" relationship in the true mystical tradition however. So perhaps that model is not quite as relevant as it was when men (mostly) could live and experience their teacher for years on end. I sensed from this video that we need to practice discernment and discrimination and not give up that "gut" feeling that something isn't right. There are folks who are vulnerable to false prophets. The guru I had direct experience with opened the door for me in the most loving, compassionate way. I stayed at an ashram for brief time but had few contacts with him, but enough to clear away boulders and electrifying spiritual shifts during my short stays there whether I was with him or not. Perhaps Rupert is not "mystical purist" and that is OK.
FWIW my ego gets tossed at me on the regular and I am so much better at seeing it for what it is. Am I enlightened? Heck if I know. Probably not.
He presents a fair point that what a teacher prescribes with one student does not apply to all. I have also stayed in "spiritual" relationships that were treacherous and I kept thinking "This must how it is! I must be needing to learn more about myself! They are showing me my veils or whatever!" Nah, it was manipulation and chaos. Takes some skill to sift through
Realizing that my gurus were human beings like everybody else, it took a long time
I had to drop the filters of all their supposed "miracles" and "powers"
I only know one thing, I don't need to know anything other than that one thing to know what is truth. I don't rely on the knowledge of men, nor do I blindly follow teachers or Gurus. I don't follow anyone but the true source, and its centre is the heart. Its divine name reaches far beyond words, and its words are simply love.
That is a thought to enquire if theres such a thing as spiritual enlightenment.
Good advice 👍
I always feel that majority of the people like my parents who just live their lives as it is and seemingly never spend a minute or so of their lives digging into spirituality are actually enlightened already.
Wonderful ❤
I know what she is experiencing. She submits to presence/Love because it is Truth, she recognizes this very well. But this happens when crown chakra, as Rupert say (autonomy) is blocked by judgements. Let go of all judgements and it will be fixed. How Rupert said, do not judge enlightened/unenlightened.
Also good/bad. Right/wrong.
I did that with mooji❤🎉
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Interesting.... I tried to answer a person who said they were leaving this teaching (and agree with her) but was blocked
While I really like Mooji's way of providing step by step instructions to simply and clearly tap into Your True Self, it seems like a fair few of the followers create fluff around this message by worshipping Mooji himself in obvious and more subtle ways, demonstrating they believe he is somehow "above" them, in precisely the same way dualistic religions operate, hypocritically, which I do not resonate with, and Mooji doesn't openly speak out against his followers doing this, which I find odd.
When you 'look' at these words, 'listen' to the thought or voice at the same time in You right now. Otherwise, you won't truly hear what is being said.
Begin from there. The rest will take care of itself.
❤
There is no one there actually 😂
🙏🤍💛🧡❤️🩷💜💙🩵💚🤎🩶
Achieving *enlightenment* is considered the ultimate goal in Buddhist practice = allowing one to escape the cycle of suffering and rebirth (samsara) and to reach nirvana. IT IS NOT A HOLIER-THAN-THOU attitude - you have conflated the primary issue.
i.e. The Buddha described his *enlightenment* as; "ignorance was destroyed; knowledge arose; darkness was destroyed; light arose".
In reference to the experience of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) - when he attained deep understanding, he awoke to the true nature of reality. *Enlightenment is to have an understanding of the nature of reality* - Nothing complicated here, Rupert.
So, what do _you_ mean by, no one is ENLIGHTENED and no one is UNENLIGHTENED?
enlightened beings know exacty what they are..unenlightened beings dont..theres the differnce..
If you say that you know what you are, then all you are doing is limiting what you are by objectifying what you are.
You don't have any autonomy to give, unless you spent your whole life alone in a forest.
Btw, beware of teachers who say "have no teachers".
They are withholding the second part of the sentence - "except me."
Omg
I don’t agree with Rupert. In diagnostic tests there is the concept of the gold standard. Her friend is simply suggesting that enlightened people can give another a clearer feedback just as Rupert is doing right now. Rupert in his contradiction is however justifying his point as I am standing by my conviction that her fried is correct. And spiritual people can trigger people and culture which is why they have been persecuted many times over in history. There is always a hierarchy in knowledge and understanding. How otherwise could the teachings of Buddha, and Hindu wisdom been passed down? The exact teachings that Rupert has received.
More videos on non-duality just perpetuate the activity of being lost in thought. Dwell in your true nature which is the simple activity of being aware. Nothing more is required. I like you Rupert, but... just saying.
Thank you
More commenting also
More videos are not intended for the people who don't need them. They are intended for the people like myself just being introduced to the path.
Yet here you are.
What is your true nature? Are you aware of that?
What do you mean, ''there are no enlightened and unenlightened people''?. So you mean a beggar on the street who is suffering is the same as a buddha who is free of suffering? What a load of nonsense, Rupert.
Buddha was a beggar on the street…
Why is this nonsense to you, what is the difference between the two people in your example?
Buddha was a street beggar…
What he means is, there is no "person" that is enlightened, since enlightenment is freedom from the illusion of being a "person". All is Consciousness equally, the beggar and the Buddha. Buddha = Consciousness. Is the beggar not a manifestation of Consciousness as much as Rupert or whoever else? Rupert is just a body-mind, the 'enlightened' is the Beingness that is equally in everything. A "person" cannot be enlightened.
@@jimmcd5660 The difference is one is suffering and the other is not. The entire point of enlightenment, according to buddhism, is to be free from suffering. Rupert is just talking rubbish here.
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