Is the Quest for Non-Duality inherently Dualistic?
Details
Nondualism, or non-duality, means "not two" or "one undivided without a second".
Nondualism primarily refers to a mature state of consciousness, in which the dichotomy of I-other is 'transcended', and awareness is described as 'centerless' and 'without dichotomies '. While the term "nondualism" is derived from Advaita Vedanta, nondual consciousness can be found within Hinduism, Buddhism and western Christian and neo-Platonic traditions.
The idea of nondualism is typically contrasted with dualism, with dualism defined as the view that the universe and the nature of existence consists of two realities, such as the God and the world, or as mind and matter, subject and object etc.
In Nondualism the multiplicity of the universe is reducible to one essential reality. Non-duality points to the essential oneness (wholeness, completeness, unity) of life, a wholeness which exists here and now, prior to any apparent separation despite the compelling appearance of separation and diversity, there is only one universal essence, one reality. Oneness is all there is – and we are included.
Consider:
The negation of dualistic thinking in pairs of opposites.
Monism, the nonplurality of the world. Although the phenomenal world appears as a plurality of "things", in reality they are "of a single cloth".
Advaita, the nondifference of subject and object, or nonduality between subject and object.
Advaya, the identity of phenomena and the Absolute, the "nonduality of duality and nonduality".
The nonduality of relative and ultimate truth.
Consider the idea of a 'single cloth' to be like the surface of a pond, that is flat without any structure. Waves on the surface would appear to exist in their own right, and would interact with each other. The phenomenal world, thoughts and individual consciousness are waves in the 'essence of reality'. This 'cloth' or 'essence' is described in a variety of ways, such as; Pure Consciousness, The Absolute, Brahman. It also has interesting parallels in Quantum Mechanics with the concept of the Quantum Ground State (or Vacuum State).
Although this state of consciousness can be spontaneous, it is often the "result" of prolonged ascetic and meditational/contemplative practice. This can be considered paradoxical as the desire for this state is from the position of duality, with the assumption there is something 'other' to be obtained.
There are a variety of groups, including Meetup groups, for the study of non-duality. The Sussex School of Practical Philosophy (see website below) teaches Advaita Vedanta originating from Shankara in 8th Century. Some 'non-dualists' are of the opinion that there is no quest or need of a spiritual path, we just need to be awake, or present. However, this conclusion is often reached after many years of various practices. Perhaps in theory nothing is needed, but in practice it is!
Discuss................
Handout including quotes can be downloaded here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X2IVzmWUEZXG9qlYROt0zDZXda587yxX/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108914814178375137957&rtpof=true&sd=true
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