Rupert Spira is a non-dual teacher, philosopher, author, and proponent of the Direct Path, based in Oxford, UK. Bernardo Kastrup is an author, philosopher, and the executive director of Essentia Foundation, whose work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has PhDs in philosophy and computer engineering, and previously worked at CERN. 

In this conversation, we explore:

— An introduction to non-duality and the empirical evidence in support of it

— The link between the materialist worldview and widespread addiction in our society 

— The possibility of an addiction arising because of a disconnection from nature 

— Rupert and Bernardo’s definition of a life well lived.

And more. 

Learn more about Bernardo’s work by going to: https://www.essentiafoundation.org and Rupert’s at https://rupertspira.com.

---

Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit https://www.bernardokastrup.com.

From an early age, Rupert Spira was deeply interested in the nature of reality, beginning to meditate at the age of seventeen and studying the teachings of the classical Advaita Vedanta tradition over the next twenty years. In 1997 he met his teacher, Francis Lucille, who introduced him to the Direct Path teachings of Atmananda Krishna Menon and to Jean Klein and the Tantric tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. More importantly, Francis directly indicated to him the true nature of experience. Rupert lives in the UK and holds regular meetings and retreats in Europe and the US. You can learn more about his work at https://rupertspira.com.

---

3 Books Rupert Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: 

— The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle - https://amzn.to/44wkyEY

— You Are the Happiness You Seek - Rupert Spira - https://amzn.to/44x8KT4

— Be Who You Are - Ramana Maharshi - https://amzn.to/46GzEJS

Materialism & Nonduality: Worldview in Addiction & Recovery - Rupert Spira and Bernardo Kastrup

In this interview, I’m joined by two leading thinkers who are helping to reshape our understanding of consciousness, the nature of reality, and the pursuit of meaning in life: Dr Iain McGilchrist and Dr Bernardo Kastrup. 

Iain is a neuroscientist, psychiatrist, author, and philosopher perhaps most well known for his Hemispheric Hypothesis and his books: The Master and his Emissary and The Matter with Things. 

Bernardo is an author, scientist, philosopher, and the Director of the Essentia Foundation. He holds two PhDs - one in philosophy and the other in engineering. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. 

In this conversation, we explore: 

— Their views on what consciousness is, the common ground in their thinking, and the differences

— The extent to Iain and Bernardo believe we live in a purposeful and intelligent universe, and their perspectives on the question of God

— Why they both consider truth to be the most important thing in life

— Where they see human life fitting into the larger whole and what case can be made that each of our individual subjective experiences do matter. 

I hope you get as much from this fascinating discussion as I did from recording it. You can learn more about Iain’s work at https://channelmcgilchrist.com, and Bernardo’s at https://www.bernardokastrup.com.

--

Dr Iain McGilchrist is a Psychiatrist and Writer. He is committed to the idea that the mind and brain can be understood only by seeing them in the broadest possible context, that of the whole of our physical and spiritual existence, and of the wider human culture in which they arise – the culture which helps to mould, and in turn is moulded by, our minds and brains. He was formerly a Consultant Psychiatrist of the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley NHS Trust in London, where he was Clinical Director of their southern sector Acute Mental Health Services.

Dr McGilchrist has published original research and contributed chapters to books on a wide range of subjects, as well as original articles in papers and journals, including the British Journal of Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry, The Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Times. He has taken part in many radio and TV programmes, documentaries, and numerous podcasts, and interviews on YouTube, among them dialogues with Jordan Peterson, David Fuller of Rebel Wisdom, and philosopher Tim Freke. His books include Against Criticism, The Master and his Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, The Divided Brain and the Search for Meaning, and Ways of Attending. He published his latest book: The Matter With Things, a book of epistemology and metaphysics. You can keep up to date with his work at https://channelmcgilchrist.com.

Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit https://www.bernardokastrup.com.

---

Interview Links:

— Dr McGilchirst's website - https://channelmcgilchrist.com

— Dr Kastrup's website - https://www.bernardokastrup.com

Iain McGilchrist, Bernardo Kastrup: Consciousness, God, Truth, & The Purpose of Life

I listen and watch a lot of podcasts and Youtube video’s about consciousness and the scientific, religious and philosophical take on it. I have ‘discovered’ a Brazilian scientist (computer science and he worked at CERN) and philosopher (Bernardo Kastrup) who resides in The Netherlands and he has a rather interesting take on consciousness. It goes to far to try and explain what his take is on this matter but there’s a word that he uses from time to time that got stuck in my head; qualia. Qualia is a term that is used in philosophy and qualia are defined as “instances of subjective, conscious experience”. To put it simple a qualia is something that is not measurable and arrives from subjective experience. For example the taste of an apple or the redness of an apple. You can define those things with a certain number of for example wavelengths but you cannot explain to others what the experience of the taste or redness of an apple is. All in all, this word is used in a lot of conversations with Bernardo Kastrup and I like the sound and meaning of the word. I was looking for a title for this song and during a walk the word qualia came to mind and I found it fitting for this song. In this song I have used the synth plugins Vital and Dexed. I made some samples with the Dexed plugin and used them in this song. There is not much to say about it except that I enjoy calmness and little tension of the sounds in this one. I hope you do to.

Qualia

Dr. Bernardo Kastrup is a philosopher, scientist, and author whose work challenges mainstream materialism. With a background in computer engineering and a Ph.D. in philosophy, he has become one of the world's leading advocates for metaphysical idealism—the view that consciousness, not matter, is the fundamental reality of the universe.

In this conversation, we explore some of the key ideas from Bernardo’s latest book, "The Daimon and the Soul of the West," including:

— The key differences between the Western and Eastern Mind

— The relationship between context and meaning in life, and how powerful it can be to recognise the ancestral lineage within you. 

— The concept of the daimon—an impersonal force of nature that expresses itself through us

— How confronting death and our relationship with evil can lead to greater wisdom and authenticity

— Why the second half of life requires a completely different approach than the first.

And more.

You can learn more about Bernardo’s work at https://www.bernardokastrup.com. 

—

Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview.

--

Interview Links:

— Dr Kastrup’s website: https://www.bernardokastrup.com

— Dr Kastrup’s book: https://amzn.to/46hinsO

Bernardo Kastrup: Aligning with Nature’s Will, Eastern vs Western Spirituality, & Understanding Evil

As Ämpers@nd I am producing (largely but not always intentionally) melancholic and dark-sounding ambient and soundscapes. Occasionally I produce chill and relaxing (almost meditative) songs and (experimental) electronic music.

All astrophotography pictures (galaxies, nebula's and stars) I have used are made (and owned) by Bob Reijnders. For more awesome pictures check his website: https://astro.bobreijnders.nl/. 
All other photo's are taken and edited by me.

Insights for Evolving Consciousness

In-depth interviews with leading thinkers at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, culture, and spirituality.

This show is for you if you’re interested in:

– Reducing suffering — in yourself and others
– Continuously upgrading your perspective
– Realising more of your potential
– Experiencing a greater sense of awe, meaning, and connection in everyday life.

New episodes every Thursday.

New tracks tagged #BernardoKastrup