Explore every episode of the podcast Spiritual Unfoldment With John Butler

On Easter Saturday John relates the familiar story of the Prodigal Son with a new perspective. "He came to his senses. The father came running to meet him. This is our journey home too."

What is Man? What is this shell of mortality which we inhabit. What is love? A love that is beyond, “I love you“. The infinite beyond. Beyond description. Beyond comprehension.

John & Phil have a conversation about the film 'Perfect days' about a Tokyo toilet cleaner and find a lot to agree about - and surprisingly 'spiritual' themes. Topics: Ordinary Life as Sacred Practice – A Tokyo toilet cleaner’s repetitive routine becomes a quiet meditation on dignity, care, and simplicity. Presence Over Plot – The film resists conventional narrative, inviting attention to how life is lived rather than what happens. Mindfulness Tested by Disruption – Family visits and subtle losses wobble the calm, revealing the limits of composure when life intrudes. Beauty in Small Things – Sunlight through leaves, cleaning by hand, tending plants, shared smiles—fleeting moments as meaning. Honest Spirituality – Skepticism toward tidy spiritual answers; valuing sincerity, vulnerability, and “honest failure” over pretence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God? The Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. This Lamb that came down into the world to die for man is not only what's called the incarnation of Jesus. It's every creature that similarly dies so that man may eat so that man's incompletion may be nourished. So not only every lamb but every grain of wheat, the porridge we had for breakfast, the egg, the avocado pear - every creature that is sacrificed for man is a mini Jesus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To realise is to make real. Not through teaching but through personal experience. What is truth? That which doesn't change. And there we are safe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What are thoughts? Wobbly! The only thing you can trust is this Presence. I’ve almost forgotten what it is to think. Thoughts seem to me now a phenomenon long forgotten. I’m not a man. I don’t have a name. I don’t have a form. I’m this. I’m complete. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John & Phil share their experiences with AI - for good or for ill - starting with a discussion on an AI generated video about Einstein which they both watched. John asks whether any words of man are reliable. "The tongue advertising its own ego. A work of the devil." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John and Nitya hosted this solstice weekend retreat at the Briery Centre in Ilkley on the theme 'Towards simplicity'. John introduces the theme and Nitya sings a beautiful kirtan chant as the solstice sun rises. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"With words there is always a person, a me, an ego which spoils the purity of no words. The basic impurity that we have to deal with in our lives comes back to this ego - 'me'." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Whether we look beyond clouds to the open sky above or into the deep earth beneath, beyond these few agitated years of life we come to rest. Meditation is just a way of looking at the sky within oneself - or finding rest beyond the restless mind. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anything you can do to turn towards what we may call Truth, or God, or purpose, or meaning of life, whether it be meditation or prayer helps when we encounter the doubts and questionings in the mind. Anything we have – meditation of prayer – acts as a handrail to take you through the confusion of the mind. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John invites viewers to support the Spiritual Unfoldment Trust. Supporting the Work helps to make it available to a wider audience as well as facilitating the ongoing 'behind the scenes' work: recording and editing conversations, maintaining a library of over 500 videos, managing audio recordings and releases across platforms such as Spotify, and keeping the website and social channels like Instagram and Facebook up to date Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most people are fascinated by their mind - they love their mind. I'm not particularly interested in it. I'd rather look out the window, keep my feet on the ground and use my common sense. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Life goes on in space between the observer, or listener and what is seen or heard - the change 'out there' and the changeless - which doesn't change. All spiritual practice leads to discrimination between what comes to pass and what doesn't - the change in changelessness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“When your own heart is full of love, you see love everywhere, you love everything. I don’t think it’s possible not to love if you have a pure heart. Jesus says, 'Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.'' Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John is asked "What's our purpose?" He replies "To serve. To be a servant, even though unworthy, generally, first of what we love and then, of God. To do God's will or, as we pray, 'Thy will be done'. It's nothing to do with John Butler, but the surrendering of this to God. 'Into Thy hands, O Lord - not my will but Thine be done.' That's our purpose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At any time in our life, we have only one real choice - towards God or away. Towards God always brings us to the present, here and now, where we find the Infinite Presence. Turned away, we face the consequence of absence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the Chakra Lounge, Bakewell, John chats with visitors from Germany, Scotland and most parts of England, who have meditated with him in All Saints church for a week. "We experience life with two aspects - one changes, the other doesn't - the transitory and eternal. We can follow either so, which do we choose? Be insatiable for love. The love that never says 'No'. It calls, 'Come to me, beloved. Come home where you belong'. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's a fundamental aspect of the Work to practice attentiveness. Whatever we're doing, work with attention. Even leaning on a stick with attention is a wonderful thing. If enough attention is gathered to a single point, it becomes almost miraculous. Attention is a very good way of dealing with thoughts - when you listen to something with full attention there's no more left to give to thoughts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"I don't seem to have the words in me. Just as the body dies out so do words. A much better teacher is Nature - just look up at the sky. Or listen to the 'tick-tock' of an old clock. A dog resting its head on your lap looking up at you in silence. Much better."" This is the last of the current 'Inside Story' series in which John explores more deeply the 'windows of realisation' in his most popular book 'Wonders of Spiritual Unfoldment' (Chapter 40). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Talking is normal. It is seen as odd if you don’t talk. The trouble with talking is it separates us – we are inevitably talking about “my“ experience – yours and mine. In duality, this emphasises our separation. Talking imposes separation on the world that without us is not separate. Are the trees separate from the grass? Are the birds separate from the sky? When we stop talking, the world falls back to peace. In deeper communion, we find stillness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John reveals the latest news about his collaboration with Broughton Sanctuary. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The real teacher in my life has always been nature. I’m not an intellectual sort of man. I’m not a thinking man at all. I’m not really interested in thinking my way to God – I never have been. I’m not the sort of man that reads books or goes to human teachers. I find the significant lessons are simply what's given to me day by day in my interaction with the living world. This is my teacher – life itself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"There was no doubt where my heart belonged. It was a frightening and deeply moving experience for me to go to Russia for the first time and realise that’s where my mother came from - and I, too. It’s what I'm made of."" Completing the 'Inside Story' series in which John explores more deeply the 'windows of realisation' in his most popular book 'Wonders of Spiritual Unfoldment' (Chapter 32). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this first 'long distance' conversation with John at Broughton Sanctuary, John & Phil explore the Orthodox concept - or rather practice - of theosis. Divinisation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gradually, by the elimination of mistaken ideas, we may lessen and even eliminate worship of the individual which is so current today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"I look back on all those ten books as so many words that are passed. The most satisfactory ending to my tenth and last book is that I simply run out of words. Or rather, I grow out of words. The best thing we can do to further our spiritual progress is to stop talking. Words inevitably signify duality and the essence of spirituality is to find, beyond duality, Unity." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation Phil tries to trip John up on non-duality - not two. How does this apply to Creator and creature, or the relationship between Jesus and believer? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The resurrection as symbolic of light overcoming darkness, with reflections on Jesus’s descent into hell and the redemptive hope of his return. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What of man can stand before the Great Calling? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I am not so keen on this idea of spiritual bypassing. Hasn't all we experienced served its purpose in its time and place? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is purity? Or, what is impurity? The primary impurity is the Idea of separation. Me. To the pure all things are pure. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John advocates losing interest in thinking itself — likening thoughts to a heartbeat: unnoticed unless you focus on them. John’s reflections on personal suffering, compassion for animals, and bearing others' burdens echo the Christian understanding of redemptive suffering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"We are brought up these days unnatural creatures some of us desperately trying to be natural. Come back to what’s natural." John Butler Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I think unhappiness is one of the great spurs to moving in the right direction. And many people who don't do it are just not sufficiently unhappy in this world. Therefore, the more the more miserable we are living in this world, it is probably a blessing in disguise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A most important principle in meditation is "don’t look for results”. The 'now' doesn’t change. It is eternally and ever the same. All we do is let go and surrender. Into thy hands. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is this disease called John Butler? We think man is the pinnacle of creation when really, he's the pits. This is a most important spiritual realisation: instead of “What’s in it for me?“, “My rights“, "My entitlements", we'd be better off considering what’s wrong with me. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is peace? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Depression afflicts many of us at some stage in our life. John is no exception. In this video he reflects on his own experience of depression and whether, in fact, depression can be our teacher. Being half-Russian also gives John a deeper insight into the nature of depression - not only at a personal level but maybe as part of a national psyche. He tells us how he unexpectedly started a degree in Russian Studies at Nottingham University aged 51 and, after graduation, spent 5 1/2 years in Russia - "One of the most fulfilling and interesting times of my life". As he explains, "Accustomed to being half-different, Russia showed me a world where the 'difference' belonged. It made me completely happy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John discusses being called ""Mr Nothing"", organic farmer and his discomfort with the title ""mystic,"" although he acknowledges its embrace of the unknowable Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is an angel? Something that does the will of God without question? Anything that accepts and fulfils the will of God? What is not angelic? Me. I’ve sung my song and been taken to ... completion. Just This. It comes to This! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"In this impromptu chat at a Cliff College retreat John reflects on: what is God? the real teacher is Presence what is substantial? to make whole be whole the body is crystallised Spirit what is Jesus? everything is perfect as it is in Truth nothing matters; in Ignorance everything matters the sunshine of unconditional love the Prodigal Son Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"In this impromptu chat, the second at Cliff College, John addresses: differences between Eastern and Western Christianity origins of 'The Jesus Prayer' on Russia - ""These people are my people"" in the real world there is no death when present we are 'in love' and free from fear why love affairs go wrong in the real world there is only one time - eternity pure and impure, divine and demonic meditation is the practice of letting go attachment to our separate identity we can never not be in Jesus be determined for freedom how to deal with thoughts whatever you attend to expands and seems more real practical exercise in the use of 'The Jesus Prayer' Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Whence comes this longing for the stars? Even the stars aren't big enough. It's a longing for the infinite beyond. I did see it. That's what changed my life. I knew that's what I wanted and nothing in this world could match it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben from Nomad Season chats to John in Chakra about the nomad life they share. "I never really felt I belonged in this world. I had my years in a motor caravan – not always happy ones – but I remember them with affection. I am a nomad in my heart." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In these two pocket-sized, companion volumes of 180 pages each, John presents the dawning of Oneself – our One complete existence, in all considered separate or lost today. His clear sighted, simple words, written directly from experience, encourage us to seriously receive those spiritual ‘Treasures in Heaven’ which bring enlightenment to worldly life and accompany the soul beyond the grave … Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many viewers have asked for a 'John Butler guide to meditation'. Here it is. You may be surprised at the simplicity of this 'common sense' guide when there are so many alternative methods trumpeted about. Here, step by step, John talks you through the meditation practice he learned when he was a young man and has been practising for 60 years. This simple practice has gradually revealed to John what we all long for. Freedom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"After nearly a year’s immersion in the wide open spaces of Australia and the wonder of a long sea voyage it was very hard to come back. In fact, I don’t think I ever have come back to what you might call conventional life.“ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jesus said "the kingdom is within you." What does that mean? How can we experience the kingdom of God for ourselves? In this conversation with Phil Shankland in Bakewell parish church John Butler - organic farmer and mystic - reflects on what 50 years of meditation has taught him about seeking first the kingdom of God. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.