‘Rupert Spira’: Exploring the Intimate Yet Impersonal Nature of Being

In a recent conversation on the “Rupert Spira” YouTube channel, the renowned spiritual teacher and author delves into the profound concept of being and its relationship to intimacy and impersonality. This exploration offers viewers a unique perspective on the nature of consciousness and self-awareness.

The Innermost Experience of Being

Spira begins by guiding the listener to recognize that being is the most intimate experience one can have. He encourages a reflection on the primal awareness that precedes all sensations, thoughts, and memories. This fundamental state of existence, often conceptualized as “I,” is described as the pure experience of being.

The discussion emphasizes that this experience of being is closer to oneself than any thought, feeling, or sensation. It is the foundation upon which all other experiences are built, yet it remains distinct from personal attributes or individual histories.

The Paradox of Intimate Impersonality

One of the most intriguing aspects of Spira’s teaching is the apparent paradox of being as both utterly intimate and completely impersonal. He illustrates this concept by asking the listener to describe their experience of being, which elicits responses such as “safe,” “intimate,” and “calm.”

Spira points out that these descriptors, while deeply felt, are not personal qualities. They do not stem from individual experiences, memories, or characteristics. Instead, they reflect the universal nature of being itself. This realization challenges the common understanding of intimacy as necessarily personal.

Being vs. Personal Attributes

To further clarify this distinction, Spira contrasts the impersonal qualities of being with personal attributes such as hair color, family history, or specific emotions. While these personal elements are unique to each individual, the experience of being transcends such particulars.

The teacher explains that the sense of safety and calmness associated with being arises from its constancy and indestructibility. Unlike personal thoughts or feelings, being is always present, cannot be harmed, and never disappoints or closes itself off.

The Concept of a Personal God

Touching briefly on theological concepts, Spira addresses the idea of a personal God. He suggests that the notion of a personal deity is a legitimate concession to the belief in personal identity. This perspective allows for a transitional understanding of spirituality, where an individual can conceive of a direct relationship with the divine.

However, Spira indicates that this concept is not central to his teaching, which focuses more on the direct experience of being itself rather than on personified spiritual entities.

Implications for Self-Understanding

This exploration of being as both intimate and impersonal has profound implications for self-understanding and spiritual growth. It invites viewers to look beyond their personal narratives and individual characteristics to recognize a deeper, more fundamental aspect of existence.

By distinguishing between the personal elements of experience and the impersonal nature of being, Spira’s teaching offers a path to a more expansive and liberating self-awareness. It suggests that true intimacy with oneself and the world may lie not in personal identification, but in recognizing the universal, impersonal nature of consciousness.

For those interested in delving deeper into these concepts, Spira’s book You Are the Happiness You Seek: Uncovering the Awareness of Being offers a comprehensive exploration of these themes.

This conversation on the “Rupert Spira” channel provides a thought-provoking introduction to complex spiritual concepts. It challenges viewers to reconsider their understanding of self, being, and the nature of consciousness, offering a unique perspective on the journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.