The Single Reality

Behind the apparent multiplicity and diversity of things, lies the single reality – the one behind the many. Most traditions start with the point of view of the individual, giving some practice in order to gradually approach the one. What if we start, rather than end, with the one? The multiplicity and diversity of people, animals and things are really all appearances of the one. How would it be without the presumption of the individual to start with the one, know ourselves as that, and remain as that? For the one there is no lack – nothing to be gained, nothing to be lost. The experience of peace and joy is the one’s experience of itself, in us as us. Return to the one again and again until it becomes our lived and felt identity. Lead a life consistent with the implications of this understanding, making peace and happiness available to us at all times.

A man asks about the concept of 'burning through the karma’, as he has heard that it is a necessary practice, as opposed to following our desires. Rupert suggests that it is not advisable to turn away from desires but rather to become interested in truth. This is not a path of renunciation, negation or denial.

A man asks about the value of improving one's self-image as a valid criterion for pursuing activities in the world. Rupert responds that external activities ideally express the qualities of what is inside. Let these two – inner and outer – be consistent in their expression. This is not a way of discipline. The individual is not denied but becomes an expression of our true nature.

A woman says she has been feeling angry lately, especially in regard to her concept of God and non-duality. All she knows is that her perceptions arise in herself. Rupert responds that it makes sense that this is the opposite of what you expect, as the mind cannot accurately expect what happens. This is a very good sign, especially the throwing away of concepts, which can only be as good as the finite mind in which they are conceived, which may rebel when reality doesn't conform to its expectations.

A woman asks if this recognition of the awareness of which I am aware will grow. Rupert suggests having no expectations.

A man describes a recent breakup with his girlfriend and asks how to deal with emotions in this situation. Rupert suggests that when there is a pause, notice how through force of habit we find a distraction such as checking our email or the fridge. Pause and put some distance between the impulse to go towards the object and the fulfilment of that impulse.

Does matter have a higher vibrating frequency than mind? Rupert responds that it's not a matter of frequency, but that matter is the appearance of mind. Mind and matter are not two separate things.

A question is asked about the level of awareness during deep sleep and is it the same as being aware of being aware. Rupert suggests that the mind struggles with this idea. It is ultimately the silence behind the silence.

A man mentions his appreciation for the unapologetic assertion of the consciousness-only model. He tried the progressive path, but the direct path brought peace and clarity. Rupert responds that the direct path is the final step of the progressive path, which is a preliminary practice. Yet, what we contemplate now is the pathless path, which is no path at all.

What is the determining factor for things or people coming into existence? Rupert responds that it is not the individual that chooses to come into existence or can cease being. The determining factor is the vibration or movement of consciousness that is set in motion, like the plucking of a guitar string which follows a trajectory once it is struck.

A woman asks for clarification on the word ‘appearances. Rupert responds that the activity of consciousness becomes apparent, which is an example of the origin or the word ‘existence’ which means to ‘stand out’. However, it is only being because there is nothing out of which to emerge or stand out.

A woman asks about the experience and concept of energy. Rupert suggests that the understanding has a dissolving impact on the body and mind which is an energetic experience, felt as the dissolution of the individual.

A woman, whose sister died, says she has been focussing on the ‘I Am’ or her loving presence in order to negotiate how she deals with other family members during this time. She reports it was an ‘awesome’ experience for her and her family members. Rupert thanks her for sharing her experience.

How to be with resistance? Rupert responds by guiding the questioner in self-enquiry to discover the nature of awareness in which resistance and contractions arise and focussing on that, rather than the content of experience.

A question is asked about finding your purpose and passion and expressing that in your work, most specifically finding the thing you love to do. Rupert responds that if you love what you do, it will serve other people. Pay attention to your inner motive and whether it comes from love. Cooperate with the universe and it will find and help you.

Behind the apparent multiplicity and diversity of things, lies the single reality – the one behind the many. Most traditions start with the point of view of the individual, giving some practice in order to gradually approach the one. What if we start, rather than end, with the one? The multiplicity and diversity of people, animals and things are really all appearances of the one. How would it be without the presumption of the individual to start with the one, know ourselves as that, and remain as that? For the one there is no lack – nothing to be gained, nothing to be lost. The experience of peace and joy is the one’s experience of itself, in us as us. Return to the one again and again until it becomes our lived and felt identity. Lead a life consistent with the implications of this understanding, making peace and happiness available to us at all times.

A man asks about the concept of 'burning through the karma’, as he has heard that it is a necessary practice, as opposed to following our desires. Rupert suggests that it is not advisable to turn away from desires but rather to become interested in truth. This is not a path of renunciation, negation or denial.

A man asks about the value of improving one's self-image as a valid criterion for pursuing activities in the world. Rupert responds that external activities ideally express the qualities of what is inside. Let these two – inner and outer – be consistent in their expression. This is not a way of discipline. The individual is not denied but becomes an expression of our true nature.

A woman says she has been feeling angry lately, especially in regard to her concept of God and non-duality. All she knows is that her perceptions arise in herself. Rupert responds that it makes sense that this is the opposite of what you expect, as the mind cannot accurately expect what happens. This is a very good sign, especially the throwing away of concepts, which can only be as good as the finite mind in which they are conceived, which may rebel when reality doesn't conform to its expectations.

A woman asks if this recognition of the awareness of which I am aware will grow. Rupert suggests having no expectations.

A man describes a recent breakup with his girlfriend and asks how to deal with emotions in this situation. Rupert suggests that when there is a pause, notice how through force of habit we find a distraction such as checking our email or the fridge. Pause and put some distance between the impulse to go towards the object and the fulfilment of that impulse.

Does matter have a higher vibrating frequency than mind? Rupert responds that it's not a matter of frequency, but that matter is the appearance of mind. Mind and matter are not two separate things.

A question is asked about the level of awareness during deep sleep and is it the same as being aware of being aware. Rupert suggests that the mind struggles with this idea. It is ultimately the silence behind the silence.

A man mentions his appreciation for the unapologetic assertion of the consciousness-only model. He tried the progressive path, but the direct path brought peace and clarity. Rupert responds that the direct path is the final step of the progressive path, which is a preliminary practice. Yet, what we contemplate now is the pathless path, which is no path at all.

What is the determining factor for things or people coming into existence? Rupert responds that it is not the individual that chooses to come into existence or can cease being. The determining factor is the vibration or movement of consciousness that is set in motion, like the plucking of a guitar string which follows a trajectory once it is struck.

A woman asks for clarification on the word ‘appearances. Rupert responds that the activity of consciousness becomes apparent, which is an example of the origin or the word ‘existence’ which means to ‘stand out’. However, it is only being because there is nothing out of which to emerge or stand out.

A woman asks about the experience and concept of energy. Rupert suggests that the understanding has a dissolving impact on the body and mind which is an energetic experience, felt as the dissolution of the individual.

A woman, whose sister died, says she has been focussing on the ‘I Am’ or her loving presence in order to negotiate how she deals with other family members during this time. She reports it was an ‘awesome’ experience for her and her family members. Rupert thanks her for sharing her experience.

How to be with resistance? Rupert responds by guiding the questioner in self-enquiry to discover the nature of awareness in which resistance and contractions arise and focussing on that, rather than the content of experience.

A question is asked about finding your purpose and passion and expressing that in your work, most specifically finding the thing you love to do. Rupert responds that if you love what you do, it will serve other people. Pay attention to your inner motive and whether it comes from love. Cooperate with the universe and it will find and help you.