About us
This group is intended as an informal get-together for those who like to explore Nonduality. We meet in a number of locations dotted around Sussex and on Zoom. Each event has it’s own flavour … so come and join the meetings that appeals to you!
We are open to all 'flavours' of Nonduality, from Advaita Vedanta, to late 20th century representatives such as Nisargadatta Maharaj, Ramana Maharshi, Jiddu Krishnamurti, to contemporary speakers such as Eckart Tolle, Adyashanti, Tony Parsons, Rupert Spira, and many others.
What Nonduality is pointing to is, that it can feel like there is a more fundamental reality that lies behind the surface reality and gives rise to the possibility of thought. It is tricky to name that reality because to name it requires the use of language and therefore thought.
Many people would say that one way of naming the fundamental truth of existence is "I Am"......that is, "I Am" is the one thing we can be sure of without reference to any philosophical conjecture or outside authority. By this reckoning Descartes put the cart before the horse......"I AM" appears as the primary reality, everything (every thing) (the world of objects) is dependent on, and appears to be secondary, to that.
Or simply: this that we are now can be called wholeness, oneness or existence.
Upcoming events
3
Is the Quest for Non-Duality inherently Dualistic?
Cafe Quench, 50 George St, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 3YB, UK, Brighton and Hove, GBNondualism, 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have great venue, CAFE QUENCH in Hove, with our own space on the 1st floor.
Walking distance to Hove station. Free parking.Please arrive in time to order your refreshments and find a table.
NOTE TIME: 2.30 - 4.30 PMIF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND, PLEASE CHANGE YOUR
RSVP.
Donations appreciated, either cash on the day, or via PayPal from your profile page.https://www.meetup.com/PHILOSOPHY-CAFE/
https://cafequench.wixsite.com/quench
http://www.practicalphilosophysussex.com/2 attendees
Past events
1040
