Simply Abiding

Just as ‘I am’ requires no proof and admits no doubt, the simple experience of being stands as our most intimate and fundamental reality. While all other experiences – thoughts, sensations, perceptions – come and go like waves on an ocean, being remains unchanged and ever-present, the same now as when we were children. This meditation reveals that this ordinary experience is not a person’s knowledge of themselves, but infinite awareness knowing itself. When stripped of all qualities and additions to ‘I am’, being stands revealed as consciousness’s knowledge of itself – what religions call ‘God’s knowledge of itself’ shining as our very own self. Simply abiding as this requires no special state or achievement; it is the natural recognition of what we already and eternally are, the highest devotion and ultimate surrender.

A man asks whether the non-dual path is relative, expressing concern about the impossibility of remaining in pure existence. Rupert clarifies the distinction between existence and being, explaining that existence means ‘to stand out from’ while being is that from which everything stands out, emphasising that one need not get rid of thoughts to know oneself.

A woman seeks understanding about experiences of beauty and divine intelligence, wondering if all perception is merely mind-projection. Rupert explains that the universe is an interaction between finite mind and infinite consciousness, where beauty arises when the veil of separation temporarily dissolves.

Expressing doubt about the peace of being, a man suggests intense pleasure might be better. Rupert explains that all seeking of pleasure is actually a search for the end of seeking itself, where being’s inherent joy is momentarily tasted.

A woman expresses difficulty in experiencing the peace and happiness of being in daily life. Rupert explains that peace is always present as one’s nature, like the depths of the ocean unaffected by waves, encouraging emphasis on the ‘I am’ rather than its temporary colourings.

A man asks about the relationship among mind, consciousness and understanding. Rupert explains that understanding occurs when the mind comes to rest, comparing it to the moment of getting a joke, where joy accompanies the cessation of mental activity.

A woman describes struggling with a painful sense of control and separate-self-hood during meditation. Rupert directs her to recognise herself as the space in which all experience appears, like the sky unaffected by clouds and birds.

A man asks about awareness’s experience of itself beyond mind’s descriptions. Rupert explains that from awareness’s own “perspective,” there are no qualities or contrasts, only the simple fact of being the ‘I am’.

A woman asks about experiences where the mind seems to dissolve, such as during activities like baking. Rupert explains that while perception continues, its veiling power thins, allowing a taste of unity while still functioning in the world.

A man expresses concern about global crises, questioning whether focus on self-knowledge alone is sufficient. Rupert acknowledges the need for both understanding the paradigm of unity and its expression through appropriate action in the world.

A woman expresses confusion about apparent duality in spiritual teachings. Rupert explains that teaching necessarily makes concessions to apparent individuality while pointing to non-dual truth.

A man asks about overcoming addictive behaviours. Rupert explains that these represent attempts to find in objects the peace that is actually the nature of being itself, encouraging facing discomfort to discover the peace beyond.

A woman asks whether realising true nature influences behaviour. Rupert explains that while there is no ‘enlightened behaviour’, recognition naturally affects thoughts, feelings and actions, though this unfolds gradually.

A man asks for guidance on anchoring attention in awareness during overwhelming situations. Rupert explains the practice of stepping back from experience to recognise the knowing presence that is always aware.