MysticMag chats with Lisa Cairns, a philosopher, writer, and speaker who discovered non-dual philosophy in a transformative moment in 2011. For over a decade, she has traveled the world, sharing the profound teachings of Indian Philosophy. Lisa has spoken in various settings, from bookshops to schools to the UK’s NHS, and now primarily communicates through internet live streams and small group events. In her talks, she aims to convey the limitless nature of life, offering a broader perspective on existence and opening doors for those seeking insight into the mysteries of life.
Lisa, what is non duality to you?
To me, non-duality embodies the recognition of the self and its profound implications. This recognition signifies the dissolution of the barrier between subject and object, leading to the cessation of separation between “me” and “you.”
What attracted you to non duality?
Suffering played a significant role in my early introduction to non-duality. Experiencing trauma at a young age led me to deeply question the nature of reality, the purpose of life, and the meaning of death. This exploration initially led me to psychology, but in those days before the internet, my journey was primarily through visits to the library and conversations with others. It was at a Buddhist meeting where a fellow member introduced me to Eckhart Tolle’s book “The Power of Now,” which opened my eyes to non-duality within Buddhism. This eventually led me to discover the teachings of Ramesh Balsekar, Tony Parsons, Gangaji and finally, my main teacher, Roger Castello.
On your website you have a quote “Wisdom tells me I am nothing, love tells me I am everything. Between the two, my life flows.” by Nisargadatta Maharaj. What does this mean to you?
What non-duality means to me is that my life flows in between love and wisdom, or between nothingness and everythingness. It’s on this level that the human experience unfolds. Understanding that I am everything signifies the end of separation, recognizing that everything is love, and acknowledging that I am nothing represents wisdom. In between these realizations, the story of my life, or the life of the person, takes shape.
Was Nisargadatta Maharaj your teacher and if so, what effect did he have on your spiritual journey?
He was my teacher, although he had passed away before I had the chance to meet him in person. Instead, I encountered his teachings through my own teachers. Initially, I didn’t fully grasp the impact he was having on me, as I lacked direct contact with him. It wasn’t until I read his book that I realized his message was flowing through my teachers, who had received it from their teachers, and so on. His influence was more evident in the effect he had on all my teachers and how they, in turn, imparted that wisdom to me. I feel immense gratitude for the way his teachings entered my life. On a human level, I can say that non-duality saved me. It completely transformed my life, altering its course in every way imaginable. It awakened me from the illusion I had been living under, the suffering of a mental reality.
In my earlier years, I was immersed in Buddhism, which emphasizes the recognition of suffering as one of its initial noble truths. Although the Buddha himself did not experience a life of suffering, being raised as a Prince in a protected palace, his awakening began when he encountered a beggar on the streets. This recognition that life is inherently suffering, without understanding our true nature or being connected to something deeper than the human realm, leads to inevitable suffering. Whether this realization comes in one’s teenage years due to early childhood trauma or later in life due to other challenges, it prompts the fundamental question: Why are we alive? Why do we exist on a planet floating around the sun in an ever-expanding universe? This existential inquiry is profound and essential for understanding our place in the cosmos.
What impact has helping others had on your own spiritual growth?
Teaching for 12 years has been an incredible journey, especially when confronted with profound questions about human relationships and our impact on others. It has led me to deeply investigate power dynamics, particularly as a woman in a position of authority. Traditionally, spiritual teachers or philosophers are archetypally male, and while there are female spiritual teachers, they are fewer in number. This dynamic has pushed me inward, forcing me to examine not only my character but also expand my human expression of oneness. The more I engage with people and witness their suffering, the more essential this introspection becomes.
If you would like to find out more about Lisa Cairns, please visit thttps://www.lisacairns.com/
