In a recent episode on his YouTube channel, spiritual teacher Rupert Spira delves into the profound concept of dying before dying, a rich and deeply introspective meditation topic that explores the death of the separate self and the recognition of one’s true nature.
Table of Contents
The Journey of the Separate Self
In the discussion, Spira elucidates the notion that dying before dying can be understood as a series of near-death experiences. These experiences are not typical life-threatening moments, but deeply spiritual encounters where one undergoes the process of inner dying. This metaphorical death involves a temporary dissolution of the separate self, allowing a glimpse or taste of one’s true nature.
Spira explains, “We taste our being, our being tastes itself as it essentially is, divested of all the qualities that it borrows from the content of experience.”
This means that during these moments, one’s essence or true nature is experienced without the layers of personal identity, thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences that usually obscure it. The realization is powerful, but ephemeral; the separate self usually reconfigures itself through force of habit, resuming its role in daily life.
Haunted by the Glimpse
Although the separate self often returns, it’s never quite the same. The impact of this glimpse into the true nature leaves a lasting impression, a form of spiritual haunting.
One becomes keenly aware that the identification with the separate self is not the fullest expression of being. This awareness acts as a silent, persistent calling, often leading individuals to seek out books, friends, or videos that help them retrace their steps back to their pure essence.
Spira mentions, “For some time, there’s this back and forth. It’s not one death; it’s a series of near-death experiences where our being is temporarily divested of its limitations.”
The Weakening Grip of Objective Experience
Engaging in this back and forth process repeatedly weakens the pull of objective experience—the external world and our interactions with it—to drag consciousness back into the identification with the separate self.
According to Spira, each intentional return to one’s true nature diminishes the force of habitual tendencies to lose oneself in the outer experiences. Over time, individuals find themselves more anchored in their true essence rather than the fleeting phenomena of daily life.
He elaborates, “Every time we return through our effort or practice or conscious intention, we are weakening the power that objective experience has to take us away from ourselves.”
This progressive weakening leads to longer periods of residing in one’s pure awareness, making it increasingly challenging for the external world to distract or derange the individual from their state of being. This state of living rooted in true nature represents a more consistent and authentic experience of self.
Establishing True Nature
As the grip of the external environment loosens, there arrives a stage where visiting one’s true nature for “brief moments” turns into longer intervals, eventually becoming a more permanent dwelling.
Certain life experiences may yet have the power to disrupt this state, but these instances become fewer and shorter. At this stage, one begins to live from their true nature, not just momentarily experiencing it.
This revelation was particularly apparent in the recent meditation session Spira conducted. The participants were guided towards a near-death experience where everything in their objective view seemingly vanished, allowing for a profound encounter with their essence.
Spira’s teachings provide a framework for this transformative process—guiding individuals towards incremental and lasting glimpses of their true nature. While these experiences may seem fleeting initially, they collectively contribute to a life increasingly anchored in authentic being.
For a profound dive into the journey of the separate self and the recognition of true nature, be sure to watch the embedded video above. The insights shared will resonate deeply with those on a spiritual path, offering both guidance and solace.
Recommended Reading
“The Transparency of Things: Contemplating the Nature of Experience” by Rupert Spira offers a profound exploration of non-duality and the nature of consciousness. Spira gently guides the reader toward understanding that our perceptions of the world are not separate from our awareness, revealing that the boundary between subject and object is illusory.
His clear and thoughtful reflections help dissolve the sense of individuality and promote a deeper recognition of universal consciousness. The book is a contemplative journey into the essence of experience, making it a valuable read for anyone seeking spiritual insight or a fresh perspective on the nature of reality.
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