Beginner Mind

I hadn't thought of it that deeply. Generally, I find Rupert to be very sensitive and considerate when addressing people's questions and concerns, but you may be right that he could've offered a bit more in this case.

I think the desire for happiness motivates everything we do. Agree to disagree.

But if you are unaware of your true nature, it will seem like you need many things: the right job, nice house, the perfect partner, etc. At least in my experience, the sense of lack only dissolves when I'm resting as my true nature.

I don't mean to spark further debate here, but, isn't it the case that you want to know reality because it makes you happy?

The peace is not permanent. But at least I know where to find it now. And I'm grateful that I don't need to rely on any substance to access it. As for trying psychedelics, they aren't available to me. I would if I could.

If you have attained happiness, you need nothing more. No experience, no object, no person, no psychedelic insight.

I can't say I'm content with the peace of my true nature, and need nothing else? Pretty sure I can say that.

Rupert's pointers resonate with me due to their clarity and simplicity. Your perspective is always appreciated. Truly.

@fridjonk Like I said, I have no doubt that psychedelics can lead to profound insights, I'm just saying you don't need them for the one thing that truly matters: recognizing your true nature. Any insights beyond that recognition, as mind-blowing as they may be, are superfluous.

Indeed, we are all on our own path. I have full respect for your perspective and your countless valuable contributions to this community, even if I don't always understand where you're coming from.

@LfcCharlie4 Yeah, I'm not saying psychedelics are a waste of time, but rather, just that you don't need them to recognize the peace of your true nature.

I think Rupert would point out that for our true nature, nothing is a problem. Nothing is resisted. So if there's a feeling of anxiety, that is totally allowed to be as it is. Suffering can only stand when we are in resistance. And when you are abiding in the peace of your true nature, resistance is non-existent.

@Serotoninluv Rupert is referring to the peace of our true nature, a deep imperturbable peace that you could call "happiness" or "fulfillment". I've never tried psychedelics before and I don't doubt their capacity to enable deep insights. However, I would say that the only thing that really matters is the peace and happiness of your true nature, and you don't need psychedelics for that.

@Mikael89 Good to see you posting on this forum again. Welcome back, dude!

Agreed! Happiness is the ultimate. I completely disagree with Leo when he suggests that other teachers "aren't fully awake". Are these other teachers happy having recognizing their true nature? If so, then they are fully awake! There's no need to investigate any further metaphysical questions. If you have reached happiness, there's nothing left to do but rest as that happiness.

@LfcCharlie4 I'm not trying to convert anyone to a non-psychedelic approach -- just sharing the possibility that you don't need psychedelics.

I recently had a glimpse of my true nature while watching this video: I'm extremely grateful to Rupert for showing me that the happiness I've been seeking all my life has actually been within me all along. If he asked me to kiss his feet, I'd probably decline, but part of me would be tempted!

Just trying to understand where Leo is coming from. If I'm hearing him correctly, he claims that most if not all spiritual teachers are not fully awakened. Therefore, teachers who teach that awakening to your true nature as Awareness is the ultimate goal, are misguided. In my experience, having recently had a glimpse of my true nature, recognizing yourself to be Awareness is indeed the ultimate goal, because it is the experience of happiness and fulfillment, and what could be higher than the experience of happiness? Even if it's possible to go beyond and reach higher levels of awakening, why bother if you've already attained happiness?

Just wanted to share this surprisingly high quality film about non-duality.

Yeah, I don't think that approach is for me. Seems like a lot of work. With all due respect.

If that's your genuine experience of life, then I congratulate you. Must be quite peaceful/beautiful. I'd say there is something to be found: your true nature. That's where self-inquiry comes in.

Why not just bypass the clouds and go straight towards the clear blue sky?

@VeganAwake I'd say it's a matter of inquiring intelligently, rather than seeking.

I have not. I have done self-inquiry recently which gave me a glimpse of my true nature. But that's the extent of my spiritual work thus far.

Yes, exactly! I'm referring to the happiness that Rupert Spira points to. Not a state that comes and goes, but a happiness that is inherent within our true nature.