What do the highest achievers do when they can’t achieve anymore? How do they deal with it? Jonny Wilkinson, a professional rugby star, whose sporting prowess could not have been higher at the peak of his career, has found the integrity and courage to face this question head-on. He has acknowledged that emergence from a mental health crisis has led him to a personal exploration of a broadly spiritual nature. Wanting to bring his new perspective to the coaching of younger players, he travelled to Oxford to talk to Rupert. Their conversation ranges from the deepest meaning of ‘being in the zone’ to a definition of ‘a life well lived’; and they bring to light how an understanding of our true, essential nature is as relevant to athletes’ issues as it is for all of us.

Episode 40: Jonny Wilkinson

In this podcast series, Rupert Spira explores the non-dual understanding, expressed in different ways. Please subscribe if you would like to be notified whenever new episodes are available. If you would like to find out more about events, publications, and Rupert's archive of recordings, please visit rupertspira.com.

Music written and played by Shena Power and recorded by Simon Power.

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In this episode, author and broadcaster Simon Mundie moderates a delightful conversation with Rupert and Francis Lucille. They discuss a wide range of topics including non-duality, its implications, the similarities and differences between Rupert’s and Francis’s approach, and how their relationship evolved from one of student and teacher to one based on friendship. They delve into their histories and influences, their different styles and ways of expressing the non-dual understanding, and various aspects of fundamental reality. They also explore enlightenment, the ‘hard problem of consciousness’, and the projection of perfection onto those who are considered to be so-called spiritual teachers. In fact, the two assert that rather than being considered teachers, that people view them as friends sharing truth with friends.      

Episode 69: Francis Lucille (Moderated by Simon Mundie)

In the first episode of the newly titled ‘Dialogues on Truth’ podcast, Rupert speaks with Nikki Walton from ‘GoOD Mornings with CurlyNikki’. They discuss the purpose of being, the nature of prayer, and the difference between the thought ‘I am’ and the experience it refers to. They also explore how we can get back to our essence when we are overwhelmed by experience, and why we often return to sorrow and conflict despite knowing that freedom is available to us at all times. Rupert then concludes with a guided meditation.

Episode 68: Nikki Walton

In this episode, Rupert talks with Keith Kristich from closerthanbreath.com. After a brief meditation, they discuss the various traditions and teachers Rupert draws upon for his teachings. They also explore the nature of prayer, contemplating how all we ever experience is God’s being, along with the practical implications of that understanding. The conversation delves into Rupert’s book ‘The Heart of Prayer’ and concludes with a question-and-answer session.  

Episode 67: Keith Kristich

In his latest podcast episode, on the intersection of science and spirituality, Rupert has a discussion with a group of scientists from UC Santa Barbara. They examine various aspects of non-duality such as how a clearer understanding of the consciousness-only model within the scientific community may give us a deeper understanding of reality and how that can help further scientific discovery and progress. The dialogue also covers topics such as the role of self-enquiry in reducing suffering and revealing peace and happiness, the dynamics of enlightenment or awakening and how true philosophy must be verifiable and derived from experience.  

Episode 66: UC Santa Barbara

The latest ‘Rupert Spira Podcast’ episode is with Cory Allen from the ‘And Then It Hit Me’ podcast. The discussion covers topics such as why Rupert prefers the term ‘happiness’ over ‘enlightenment’, how someone who is interested in these matters can begin the process of self-realisation and how personality and identity fit within the non-dual framework. Rupert and Cory also discuss how friendship with those who share the non-dual understanding is a safeguard against falling into detachment and de-personalisation, and how this understanding gives us the best possible chance of leading a full, active, harmonious and enjoyable life.  

Episode 40: Jonny Wilkinson

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