Rupert Spira Podcast

Henry and Rupert have much in common, they were both successful artists in the first two decades of their adult life – Henry, with his poetry, and Rupert, as a potter; they are both now spiritual teachers – Henry in the Zen tradition; and Henry grew up in Oxford in the same street where Rupert now lives.

With all this in mind, Steve James, who knew them each separately, has brought them together for this wonderful conversation.

In this episode Simon Mundie hosts a conversation between Rupert Spira and Bernardo Kastrup.

Simon opens this wide-ranging and far-reaching dialogue by stating that most people's everyday, ordinary experience is that they are themselves an entity that happens to contain a mind, within a world of entities.

The two-hour conversation that follows is all about how this so-called common-sense perspective is, in fact, false.

Bernardo has two PhDs, one in computer science and another in philosophy. He was employed first at CERN, the European council for nuclear research, where he began working in artificial intelligence (AI) in connection with the Large Hadron Collider. Then he moved on to artificial consciousness (AC), wondering if he could build an artificially conscious entity, which piqued his interest in philosophy.

Simon Mundie is the host of the podcast 'Life Lessons: From Sport and Beyond', which explores life's bigger questions.

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.

To frequent listeners of Rupert's podcast conversations, this episode with Steve will likely strike them as a bit different. Rather than being asked at the outset about the topics he generally speaks and writes about, Rupert is invited instead to share about his earlier life experiences – growing up, then establishing himself as a renowned ceramic artist. He recounts in depth about his childhood, upbringing and education, both at school and later as Michael Cardew's apprentice, which led to his understanding of the spiritual nature of art.

"Awake! awake O sleeper of the land of shadows, wake! expand! I am in you and you in me, mutual in love divine I am not a God afar off, I am a brother and friend; Within your bosoms I reside, and you reside in me: Lo! we are One"

They discussed the meanings of suffering and death that feel so needed and neglected in our times; different possibilities for the experience of time and the value of disagreement, similarly overlooked; the role of the erotic, play and the imagination on this path; and the reality of angels and the guidance of myths.

In this episode, Rupert talks to Neil Webster about his new book 'Being Myself', the love we feel for others and the search for happiness.

Neil Webster is one half of the duo who host the 'I Can't Believe It's Not Buddha' podcast. In which Neil, and comedian Lee Mack, explore Buddhism, mindfulness and leading a more spiritual life.

In this episode, Simon Mundie hosts a conversation between Rupert Spira and Jamie Robson. They discuss artistic expression and spirituality, how true creativity flows effortlessly and joyfully when we are coming from awareness – that is, being, not doing.

Jamie Robson is an award-winning European actor. His quality performances have drawn praise from renowned filmmakers such as Mark Cousins and Aki Kaurismäki. He is an ambassador for a UK homeless charity and patron of two independent film festivals. Simon Mundie is the host of the podcast 'Life Lessons: From Sport and Beyond', which uses sport to explore life's bigger questions.

In this episode, Rupert Spira talks to Connor Beaton, host of the ManTalks Podcast. They explore the nature of time, the beauty of simple awareness, and the great spiritual traditions of the world.

Connor Beaton is a philosopher and podcast host. In 2014 he founded ManTalks, a community and podcast for men looking to expand and deepen their sense of self-awareness. For more information, you can visit his website at http://www.mantalks.com

In this episode, Rupert Spira and Mark Vernon talk about the significance of the direct path, how it is found in Christianity, and what its links to psychotherapy, freedom and God are.

Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist and author of Dante's Divine Comedy: A Guide for the Spiritual Journey.

In this episode, Rupert Spira recites two versions of the poem Hsin Hsin Ming, an ancient Buddhist poem.

You can read both Rupert's rendition and Richard B. Clarke's original rendition on the blog section of Rupert's new website, linked below.

https://rupertspira.com/non-duality/blog/poetry-prose/hsin-hsin-ming-poem-alternative-rendition