Why Does the Sense of Separation Arise in the First Place?

"The limited mind is needed to perceive the world, but separation isn’t required. Why did materialistic separation emerge initially? Could planets exist with many minds but no sense of separation? Rupert says: ‘The mechanism of perception requires the subject-object relationship. It’s not possible for you to see me if you do not stand apart from that object as a separate subject. So the subject-object relationship is the mechanism of perception. Given that all perception takes place in subject-object relationship, the apparently separate subject of experience can be forgiven for believing that the object they see is separate from them. But the subject-object relationship is an illusion. It’s a necessary illusion because it enables perception to take place. In theory, yes, it would be possible for there to be a world comprised of just the people on this retreat, everyone who had recognised their true nature, their activities and relationships were predicated on the understanding of unity and love. I feel that humanity is destined for that. I feel everything is tending towards that all the time. I think if humanity still exists in 500 years time, it will be a more enlightened one than ours.’"

From event 30 August - 06 September, 2025 Seven-Day Retreat at Mandali, 30 August–6 September 2025

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