Nothing Exists

Ajātivāda is the contention that nothing exists or even seems to exist. But how can we say that when it obviously contradicts our experience? Vivartavāda, at least, acknowledges that the world seems to exist. How can we make sense of this?

Rupert says: ‘If the infinite is all that really is, then its point of view must be the only real point of view. And from its point of view, not only can there not be anything other than itself, but it cannot experience even the appearance of anything other than itself – because to experience an appearance, one must do so from a finite point of view.

‘So, in the infinite’s pure experience of itself, there is no manifestation or even the appearance of manifestation.Whereas from our finite, limited, localised points of view, there is most definitely the appearance of a world, even if we then question the reality of that appearance as we do here.’

*This video is from one of Rupert’s in-person retreats at The Vedanta, 11–18 October 2023. For more information on upcoming retreats (many of which can be attended online via livestream) go to:

▸ UK https://rupertspira.com/event/locatio...
▸ EU https://rupertspira.com/event/locatio...
▸ US https://rupertspira.com/event/locatio...