See Clearly Who You Are | Rupert Spira

Summary

The script delves into the concept of self-inquiry, emphasizing the 'neti neti' process to discern what one is not, such as thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. It suggests that true self-realization involves recognizing one's inherent nature as awareness, which is peaceful, unchanging, and undisturbed by experiences. The speaker guides the listener to focus on the essence of being, highlighting that awareness is the space in which all experiences occur and is inherently fulfilled, independent of external factors.

Takeaways

• 📘 The initial stage of self-investigation involves a 'neti neti' process, which is about realizing what one is not, rather than what one is.
• 🏠 The analogy of moving from a small house to a big house signifies the gradual process of self-realization and the transition from the known to the unknown.
• 🧘‍♂️ Self-investigation is not just about denying the identification with the body and mind but also about recognizing the true nature of consciousness.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The 'neti neti' process is a preface to self-inquiry, setting the stage for deeper understanding but not culminating in the recognition of one's true nature.
• 🦄 It's essential to go beyond recognizing what one is not and to discover and understand what one truly is, which is intrinsic to oneself and not separate.
• 🌟 The true nature of a person is described as awareness, which is inherently peaceful, undisturbed, and not subject to the limitations of the body or mind.
• 🔍 To understand one's true nature, one must direct their attention inward, similar to focusing on any subject of study to gain clarity and understanding.
• ✨ The experience of being aware, or the 'space-like presence' of awareness, is something that is always fulfilled and at peace, regardless of external circumstances.
• 🌌 Consciousness or awareness is defined as the space in which all experiences appear, the means by which they are known, and the substance from which they are made.
• 🧘‍♀️ The inward-facing path helps to establish the presence and nature of consciousness, while the outward-facing path dissolves the apparent distinction between consciousness and its objects.
• 💡 The ultimate goal of self-investigation is to experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from understanding one's essential nature as consciousness.

Q & A

What is the analogy used to describe the process of entering the big house?

The analogy is that in order to enter the big house, one must first come out of the small house and sit between the two for some time, allowing the memory of the big house to gradually come to them. This represents the initial stages of self-investigation in spiritual practice.

What is the 'neti neti' process mentioned in the script?

The 'neti neti' process is a method of self-investigation in the spiritual journey, which means 'not this, not this'. It involves realizing that one is not their thoughts, feelings, sensations, perceptions, or even their body and mind. It's the first step in understanding what one is not.

Why is the 'neti neti' process only considered the first stage of self-inquiry?

The 'neti neti' process is only the first stage because it only tells us what we are not. It does not lead to the recognition of our true nature but is a preface to deeper understanding. It is necessary to see not only what we are not but also what we truly are.

What is the importance of recognizing what we are, beyond what we are not?

Recognizing what we are is crucial because it leads to a deeper understanding of our true nature. Merely understanding what we are not can leave room for confusion or misidentification, similar to mistaking a rope for a snake, a stick, or a shadow.

How does focusing one's attention help in the process of self-inquiry?

Focusing one's attention is essential in self-inquiry because it allows for a deeper investigation into the nature of one's being. By directing attention towards oneself, it becomes possible to gradually or suddenly understand what one essentially is, much like understanding any other subject by giving it focused attention.

What does the script suggest about the nature of awareness?

The script suggests that awareness is not the body or mind, is not temporary or finite, and is inherently peaceful. It implies that awareness is undisturbed by experiences and is always in a state of fulfillment.

What is the concept of 'self-abidance' as described in the script?

Self-abidance refers to the state of being where one is no longer going through a process of self-investigation but is instead simply being aware, without directing attention towards anything external. It is a state where awareness is already standing at itself, illuminating itself by its own nature.

How does the script differentiate between the observer and the creator in the context of self-nature?

The script initially presents the observer aspect of self-nature, which is the awareness that observes experiences. However, it also mentions that the true nature of self is not just observing but also creating the show of experiences, as consciousness is the only entity present in the show.

What is the significance of the 'space-like presence of awareness' mentioned in the script?

The 'space-like presence of awareness' is a metaphor used to describe the boundless and undisturbed nature of consciousness. It suggests that awareness, like an empty space, cannot be disturbed by anything that happens within it, reflecting its inherent peace and fulfillment.

How does the script address the duality between self-awareness and the objects of experience?

The script acknowledges the duality but suggests that after establishing the presence and nature of consciousness, one should return to the objects of experience to collapse the apparent distinction between them, recognizing that consciousness is also that out of which all experience is made.

What is the final goal of the self-inquiry process as described in the script?

The final goal of self-inquiry is to deeply understand and feel the essential nature of one's self as peace and fulfillment, and to recognize that this nature is prior to any experience. This leads to a state of constant peace and fulfillment, independent of external circumstances.