The True Meaning of the Words ‘I Am’

In this conversation about the meaning of ‘I am’, a man wants to know what Rupert means when he uses the phrase ‘using a thorn to remove a thorn’. And how does that relate to returning to true nature or abiding in being?

Rupert says: ‘The understanding that awareness is ever-present, inherently peaceful, unconditionally fulfilled and innately loving is formulated in response to the finite mind’s beliefs of impermanence, agitation, sorrow and separation. This is the thorn that uproots the old beliefs, and it is a legitimate thing to do – but it’s still not completely true. So once it has done its work this new understanding must also be abandoned.

‘Why? Because, ultimately, saying these things about awareness is the perspective of the finite mind – and nothing the limited mind knows is absolutely true. It’s always, at best, relatively true. The only thing that awareness can say about its own experience of itself, which must be the only true experience, is “I am”. And therefore, “I am” is the absolute truth.’

*This video is from one of Rupert’s in-person retreats at Mercy Center, 18–25 October 2024. For more information on upcoming retreats (many of which can be attended online via livestream) go to:

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