Presence, Volume II
'Experiencing is seamless and intimate, made of knowing or Awareness alone. This intimacy, in which there is no room for selves, objects or others, is love itself. It lies at the heart of all experience, completely available under all circumstances.’
Rupert Spira
About
In this companion to the first volume, Presence, Volume II: The Intimacy of All Experience presents an in-depth investigation into the nature of being and the seamless and intimate nature of all experience. The essays in this collection are based on discussions held during a study group led by Rupert for three months in which he answered questions about non-duality. The result is a more freely flowing, less structured presentation of the teaching than in Volume I, prompted by questions that led Rupert to ‘formulate what cannot truly be formulated’.
Endorsements
‘Presence is one of the most exciting and illuminating books on non-duality I have encountered, and its precision, articulateness in naming the nameless, unparalleled depth, and ability to inspire were constantly appreciated. This book succeeds in taking the reader beyond concepts and into the experiential level. The irony is that this work, which is so advanced and sophisticated in its use of language, thought, and conceptualization, is inexorably directed toward pure experiencing. It is a brilliant and lucid work carrying great strength and authority that suggest it is an indisputable source of Truth.’
– Victoria Ritchie, former manager of Watkins Bookshop and editor for Eckhart Tolle
‘These essays are both timeless and contemporary. They are timeless in pointing to that which never appears or disappears. They are contemporary in expressing non-dual understanding in a way that is free of cultural baggage and that is accessible and relevant to ordinary Westerners.… Enjoy these potent and revelatory writings, and be prepared to be unveiled as you truly are and to discover life as it truly is: open, self-illumined Presence.’
– John J. Prendergast, PhD, Professor of Psychology (Emeritus) at California Institute of Integral Studies, author of Listening from the Heart of Silence and In Touch
Amazon Reviews
★★★★★ Awakens the true Self
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Patrick, reviewed in the United States on 24 January 2020
Brilliant writing. Reveals the non-dual path. Thank you for being a teacher of light and grace for the true self.
★★★★★ Can be read on its own or in conjunction with Rupert's other books. Beautiful and clear.
Kev Binns, reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 May 2020
After watching many of Rupert's videos on YouTube I have bought all his books, which make Advaita more accessible. He is for me the most eloquent and clear advocate in this subject in modern times and this book is no exception. Will still require repeated reading, but beautifully written.
★★★★★ Crystalline clarity and simplicity
John Fletcher, reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 January 2019
Like all of Spira's books, this is beautifully written, absolutely clear and just as simple as it needs to be. Among a sea of books either written by New Age entrepreneurs or badly translated from Eastern languages, this is an excellent example of how to handle a complex subject in a straightforward way without falling into cliché.
★★★★★ An excellent presentation of a deeply needed teaching for our time on non-duality!
GusGus, reviewed in the United States on 19 July 2019
I can't say enough about Rupert Spira's works and teachings. He is widely acknowledged as a humble, compassionate world teacher for our time. Excellently clear, concise and invitational, Rupert shares his own conscious experience in all his books for the peace and well-being of our planet, and everyone in today's 21st century world culture!
★★★★★ Major breakthrough for the understanding of Advaita Vedanta in English
Zahir Movius, reviewed in the United States on 31 August 2017
Rupert Spira is a major breakthrough for the understanding of Advaita Vedanta in English. The depth of his understanding and ease of his communication, written, spoken or video recording, makes him very accessible to a wider audience. The world needs this knowledge and wisdom. It is ancient knowledge, but now so many people are discovering, and not a moment too soon, that they can heal themselves with this knowledge (if applied!) and thereby heal the world.
★★★★★ Absolutely amazing book! The content was organized logically
Kristine Aoay, reviewed in the United States on 6 December 2016
Absolutely amazing book! The content was organized logically, explained simply, and very accessible. I read Krishnamurti when I was in college and was intrigued by his inquiries. Krishnamurti asked the questions. Rupert Spira actually answers the questions. Very profound book. I ate it up like I was starving.