Is Meditation Different From Simply Being?

Can awareness ever become an object of experience, or is that where we unintentionally go astray? In this dialogue, Rupert clarifies one of the most common misunderstandings in meditation – mistaking an idea or image of awareness for awareness itself. Rupert says: ‘Many traditions encourage us to quieten thoughts and perceptions, but that isn’t what we're doing here. We go directly to our being, and any quietening of the mind is simply a natural consequence rather than the goal. When awareness seems to become an object that you observe, what you’re actually experiencing is an image or idea that mimics awareness. ‘Awareness never becomes an object known by the mind. The mind continually tries to objectify awareness because it doesn’t want to become redundant. Simply return to the awareness that knows the image, rather than the image itself. That silent knowing is your true nature.’ *This video is from one of Rupert’s in-person retreats at The Vedanta, 21–28 November 2025. For more information on upcoming retreats (many of which can be attended online via livestream) go to: ▸ https://rupertspira.com/events Timestamps: 0:00 Meditation Versus Being 1:00 Going Directly to Being 2:02 Being Aware of Awareness 3:03 Objectifying Awareness 4:00 Why the Mind Objects 5:02 The Mind Resists Redundancy 6:00 Awareness and Silence –– LUMINOUS MEDITATION APP Free daily meditations for effortless peace. An invitation to pause and rediscover the stillness of being. Available on Apple store and Android here: ▸ https://luminous.rupertspira.com/ ACCESS FULL VIDEO ARCHIVE You can watch or listen to 1000s of hours of teachings, guided meditations and answers in Rupert's full video archive here: ▸ https://rupertspira.com/subscriptions –– RETREATS (Weekend & 7-day) Rupert holds regular retreats, roughly once per month, either in-person and online. Many in-person retreats can also be attended from the comfort of your home via livestream. ONLINE RETREAT SCHEDULE ▸ https://rupe