Awareness of being aware

Rupert Spira teaches "awareness of being aware" as the most direct and gentle path to self-recognition. Rather than complex practices or strenuous inquiry, this involves simply turning attention toward the fact of being aware.

We are always already aware. The question "Am I aware?" can only be answered "yes." This knowing of being aware is not a special state to achieve but an ever-present fact to notice. By resting in this knowing, awareness recognizes itself.

The practice is remarkable in its simplicity. There is nothing to do except notice what is already the case. Awareness is not hidden or distant—it is the most intimate, obvious fact of experience. We simply overlook it in our fascination with objects.

Ask yourself: Am I aware? Notice that you know the answer immediately. This knowing is awareness aware of itself. Rest there, not going to any object, not doing anything. Simply abide as awareness knowing itself. This is not a state to achieve but a fact to notice.

The main obstacle is thinking it should be more complicated or dramatic than it is. This is the simplest thing imaginable—you are already aware; simply notice this. Another obstacle is looking for awareness as an object when it is the knowing itself.