Consciousness Like a Painter’s Canvas

A woman uses a painting analogy – suggesting we might infer pure consciousness behind experience like inferring canvas behind paint. Rupert redirects this approach, explaining consciousness is directly known, not inferred. We don’t think ‘I’m having thoughts, therefore I must be aware’ – we simply know we are aware. The experience ‘I am’ is consciousness knowing itself. After discussing awareness during sleep states, Rupert simplifies: one need not use complex analogies – simply asking ‘Am I aware?’ provides direct evidence, as answering requires being aware of awareness. The woman acknowledges overthinking the relationship.

From event 21 March - 28 April, 2025 Seven-Day Retreat at Garrison Institute, 21–28 March 2025

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