The Unobstructed Light of Consciousness

To describe the room we’re in, we’d refer to shape, size, contents, etc. But the space is the largest element. We take it for granted because it is so close. And although we experience it all the time, we cannot see, touch, hear or smell it. It is transparent, empty. If asked to describe our self, most would not refer to the presence of awareness, the largest – in fact, the only – element of our experience. Meditation is simply to recognise that awareness is our natural condition, which we overlook in favour of experience content. We are always naked awareness, even when clothed in experience. We seek enlightenment an exotic experience but overlook our self, which is always present, simple and familiar. The idea of pursuing enlightenment through searching for something, or indeed doing anything, subsides in this understanding. Just come back to the self that you never left.

A man, referencing the tale of a master fleeing a tiger despite his understanding that all beings share the same essence, asks why only the master recognises this truth. Rupert uses the analogy of a Zoom conference in ‘gallery view’ to explain that while there appear to be many separate faces on the screen, they are all made of the same single screen, which is likened to consciousness. Some faces, or minds, are opaque and dense, blocking the light of consciousness, while others are transparent, allowing the light of consciousness to shine unobstructed through them.

A man living with schizophrenia, who takes regular medication, speaks of his challenges with focus, depression and loneliness. Rupert encourages his self-enquiry but advises him to also engage more socially – perhaps joining a gentle yoga class or a gym. He also suggests engaging in Zoom breakout rooms after the webinars, connecting with others, and making friends online and, ideally, in person.

A man who has broken his leg in several places, reports that he finds himself in a state of peace amidst the pain. He describes a profound sense of bliss during his hospital stay, where thoughts have subsided and deep gratitude has emerged. Rupert expresses happiness for the man’s journey, acknowledging that the challenges he faced were a necessary part of his path, and says he is touched by the man’s heartfelt sharing.

A woman asks Rupert if everyone sees reality completely differently or if their experiences overlap. She wonders if the mind’s faculties can relax enough to glimpse reality beyond the usual perceptions, as what happens with artists in their work. Rupert explains that while we perceive reality through the same faculties, our thoughts and feelings filter it, leading us to experience the same event in different ways. He adds that the pure awareness of being is the only experience not mediated by thought or perception, giving immediate, unmediated access to reality.

A man shares his method of praying without ceasing by remaining as ‘that which truly listens’. Rupert acknowledges him for this, affirming that another way to express it is that peace and beauty are in the listening.

A man expresses gratitude for Rupert’s teachings and wishes to include Rupert in celebrating the birthday of their mutual friend, Ben. Rupert reciprocates, joyfully wishing Ben a happy birthday, mentioning their recent discussion on poetry, which appears on his YouTube channel.

A man expresses curiosity about how his finite self contributes to the whole. Rupert suggests that while the content of each mind may contribute to the content of the one mind, it does not affect its essential nature. The one mind remains unchanged regardless of the experiences and thoughts among individual minds.

A man asks about the qualities of listening. Rupert explains that the knowing that pervades all experience – thoughts, emotions, sensations – is always the same. It is untouched by experience, always at peace and fulfilled. This knowing is the reality of all, without division, and its nature being love, peace, and joy.

A young woman, with an understanding of non-duality, feels alone and misunderstood by society. She asks if this is common. Rupert reassures her that it is completely normal and encourages her to connect with like-minded friends, either online or at retreats.

A woman who is a philosopher and scholar shares her struggles writing a thesis on why God does not exist, as she believes existence belongs to the past. Rupert unpacks the etymology of ‘existence’, explaining that ‘to exist’ is to stand out from being. God, therefore, does not exist as a form but is the being from which all existence arises.

To describe the room we’re in, we’d refer to shape, size, contents, etc. But the space is the largest element. We take it for granted because it is so close. And although we experience it all the time, we cannot see, touch, hear or smell it. It is transparent, empty. If asked to describe our self, most would not refer to the presence of awareness, the largest – in fact, the only – element of our experience. Meditation is simply to recognise that awareness is our natural condition, which we overlook in favour of experience content. We are always naked awareness, even when clothed in experience. We seek enlightenment an exotic experience but overlook our self, which is always present, simple and familiar. The idea of pursuing enlightenment through searching for something, or indeed doing anything, subsides in this understanding. Just come back to the self that you never left.

A man, referencing the tale of a master fleeing a tiger despite his understanding that all beings share the same essence, asks why only the master recognises this truth. Rupert uses the analogy of a Zoom conference in ‘gallery view’ to explain that while there appear to be many separate faces on the screen, they are all made of the same single screen, which is likened to consciousness. Some faces, or minds, are opaque and dense, blocking the light of consciousness, while others are transparent, allowing the light of consciousness to shine unobstructed through them.

A man living with schizophrenia, who takes regular medication, speaks of his challenges with focus, depression and loneliness. Rupert encourages his self-enquiry but advises him to also engage more socially – perhaps joining a gentle yoga class or a gym. He also suggests engaging in Zoom breakout rooms after the webinars, connecting with others, and making friends online and, ideally, in person.

A man who has broken his leg in several places, reports that he finds himself in a state of peace amidst the pain. He describes a profound sense of bliss during his hospital stay, where thoughts have subsided and deep gratitude has emerged. Rupert expresses happiness for the man’s journey, acknowledging that the challenges he faced were a necessary part of his path, and says he is touched by the man’s heartfelt sharing.

A woman asks Rupert if everyone sees reality completely differently or if their experiences overlap. She wonders if the mind’s faculties can relax enough to glimpse reality beyond the usual perceptions, as what happens with artists in their work. Rupert explains that while we perceive reality through the same faculties, our thoughts and feelings filter it, leading us to experience the same event in different ways. He adds that the pure awareness of being is the only experience not mediated by thought or perception, giving immediate, unmediated access to reality.

A man shares his method of praying without ceasing by remaining as ‘that which truly listens’. Rupert acknowledges him for this, affirming that another way to express it is that peace and beauty are in the listening.

A man expresses gratitude for Rupert’s teachings and wishes to include Rupert in celebrating the birthday of their mutual friend, Ben. Rupert reciprocates, joyfully wishing Ben a happy birthday, mentioning their recent discussion on poetry, which appears on his YouTube channel.

A man expresses curiosity about how his finite self contributes to the whole. Rupert suggests that while the content of each mind may contribute to the content of the one mind, it does not affect its essential nature. The one mind remains unchanged regardless of the experiences and thoughts among individual minds.

A man asks about the qualities of listening. Rupert explains that the knowing that pervades all experience – thoughts, emotions, sensations – is always the same. It is untouched by experience, always at peace and fulfilled. This knowing is the reality of all, without division, and its nature being love, peace, and joy.

A young woman, with an understanding of non-duality, feels alone and misunderstood by society. She asks if this is common. Rupert reassures her that it is completely normal and encourages her to connect with like-minded friends, either online or at retreats.

A woman who is a philosopher and scholar shares her struggles writing a thesis on why God does not exist, as she believes existence belongs to the past. Rupert unpacks the etymology of ‘existence’, explaining that ‘to exist’ is to stand out from being. God, therefore, does not exist as a form but is the being from which all existence arises.