God is consciousness | Rupert Sheldrake on panpsychism and spirituality

Quick Overview

Rupert Sheldrake argues that the concept of the supernatural existing separately from nature is a misleading split originating in the 17th century, proposing instead that a pervasive consciousness or 'ground of consciousness' underlies the entire universe, which is experienced through spiritual practices like meditation, leading to feelings of peace, unity, and joy.

Key Points: Sheldrake critiques the 17th-century split between the mechanistic/dead nature and the supernatural realm of God, angels, and spirits. He asserts that the true nature of reality is that the divine or Spirit permeates all nature, suggesting that the soul (anima) is inherent in all living things. He references the ancient Indian Rishis and their experiences connecting with this ultimate consciousness, contrasting this with the modern Western tendency to compartmentalize spirituality. Meditation is highlighted as a key spiritual practice that cultivates presence and connection to this unified consciousness, citing measurable positive effects like reduced blood pressure and anxiety. The speaker notes that even secular activities like sports, rock climbing, or extreme sports require intense presence, demonstrating a shared human capacity for deep focus. He mentions that his own shift from a strictly materialist worldview in science was influenced by these mystical experiences and his later study of morphic resonance. He concludes that spiritual practices like mantra repetition or mindfulness help people access this underlying unity, which is far more profound than simply winning prizes or achieving status.

Context: Rupert Sheldrake, identified as a Biologist, delivers a lecture arguing against the traditional Western separation of the sacred from the natural world, a division he traces back to the Scientific Revolution in 17th-century England. He advocates for a panpsychist view where consciousness or spirit is inherent in all things, drawing parallels between modern meditative practices and ancient spiritual traditions like those of India.