Expressing the Formless in Form

A man feels that his desires for artistic expression and for celebrating uniqueness in the phenomenal world are at odds with his urge to return to oneness – to that which is beyond name and form. How can he reconcile these two?

Rupert says: ‘The impulse behind most artists’ work is to try and bring something from the infinite into time and space. You know you’re embarking on an impossible endeavour, and you’re doomed to fail, yet there is this irrepressible impulse to try and give the formless a form, to try to bring something into this realm that speaks of the reality behind it.

‘So we speak our clumsy words, and we paint our simplistic images in the hopes that something of the infinite will be conveyed. And it’s not important that our words are accurate, or that the image of the people you paint is accurate – but we do want to be evocative, so that the viewer, or the listener, or the taster or the hearer is taken to that experience.’

*This video is from one of Rupert’s Online Weekend Retreats at Home, 10–12 May 2024. Retreats at Home provide the opportunity to explore the non-dual understanding from the privacy of your home, on your own or with friends. For more information on upcoming retreats go to:

▸ https://rupertspira.com/events/retrea...