Rupert Spira, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, recently shared profound insights into his evolving relationship with the word “God” and the journey towards understanding and expressing spirituality.
This particular session captured the essence of his deep philosophical and spiritual musings, offering a rich tapestry of wisdom for seekers.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of Spiritual Expression
For many years, Spira approached the use of the word “God” with caution and apology, recognizing that for a significant number of individuals, the term carried heavy connotations and could act as a barrier to deeper understanding.
Reflecting on his earlier days, Spira recounts how he meticulously explained and often apologized for using the “God word.” However, he notes a shift in his approach over the years, led by an increasing trust in his audience’s understanding. Instead of relying on elaborate explanations, he now speaks more freely and liberally about God, having faith in his listeners’ comprehension.
A Return to Roots
Spira vividly recalls a childhood intuition when he told his mother that he believed everything was “God’s dream” and our role was to make it as pleasant as possible. This early sense was momentarily suppressed as he ventured into the world, only to be reawakened during his mid-teens as he explored Sufi, Vedantic, and Tantric traditions.
Now, Spira finds himself coming full circle, once more embracing his Christian roots and the concept of God’s infinite being. The journey back to his origins is articulated beautifully when he says, “What is known is really unknown and what we think is unknown is all that is truly known.”
The Role of Structure in Spiritual Freedom
Drawing an analogy from the life of an artist, Spira highlights the importance of mastering the fundamentals before achieving true freedom. Just as a musician must practice scales and arpeggios until they become second nature, a spiritual seeker must build a solid foundation.
He warns against attempting to take off without this groundwork, likening it to superficial freedom—a pastiche rather than the real thing. Decades of exploration and practice have provided Spira with this necessary foundation, which now allows him to communicate more freely with his audience.
The Evolution of Teaching through Community
A fascinating aspect of Spira’s discourse is his emphasis on the evolved nature of his teaching, made possible through interaction with his community. He expresses surprise and delight at the unplanned and spontaneous insights that emerge during his interactions with listeners.
These moments of revelation, he points out, do not occur in isolation but are fostered by the collective depth of love and interest within the community. This dynamic interaction creates an environment where both the teacher and the learners evolve together.
A Synergistic Relationship
Spira emphasizes that the wisdom shared in these sessions is not a one-way transmission of extraordinary knowledge from teacher to student.
Instead, it is a synergistic relationship where the community’s maturity and engagement play a crucial role in shaping the teachings.
This collective growth allows both Spira and his listeners to evolve together, creating a shared space where spiritual insights can flourish.
Conclusion
Rupert Spira’s journey underscores the importance of evolving spiritual dialogue and staying true to one’s roots while embracing new understandings. The mutual growth between Spira and his community highlights the beauty of collective spiritual exploration.
Recommended Reading
“The Transparency of Things: Contemplating the Nature of Experience” by Rupert Spira is a profound exploration of consciousness and the true nature of reality. Spira guides readers on a journey beyond the conceptual mind to the direct experience of awareness itself. With clarity and simplicity, he unravels the common misunderstandings that veil our perception of life, pointing to the ever-present awareness that underlies all experience.
The book offers a deep invitation to contemplate the essence of being, providing insights that resonate with those on a spiritual path seeking to understand the non-dual nature of existence. Spira’s eloquent reflections make complex philosophical ideas accessible and transformative, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to truly be present in the moment.
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