Do I Need to Give Up Everything to Be Free?

Do we need to give up everything in order to be free from suffering? A woman who was briefly homeless says that she actually felt relieved, despite her situation. But, why is she losing that sense of freedom now that her circumstances are returning to normal?

Rupert says: ‘During that time, many of the ordinary necessities of life and experiences that you normally invest your identity in were taken away from you. To your surprise, you didn’t feel any sense of lack – you felt you were liberated. You were tasting your being as it is, independent of experience, and you felt light and free.

‘But you don’t need to get rid of everything. Your being is still in the same condition now as it was then. It has always been in that condition. You just didn’t notice it because it was so thoroughly mixed with the content of experience. Something about that experience enabled you to disidentify from your circumstances. As a result, you recognised yourself as you essentially are. You can go back there anytime you like.’

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

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