Non-duality, or Advaita in Sanskrit, refers to the idea that there is no true separation between You and the world. It suggests that everything – every object, every event, every life, every thought – emerges from the same universal consciousness. This consciousness is not ‘out there’ somewhere but is present right here, right now, within You and as You.
Yet this concept is not something to be intellectually understood or memorized. It is an experiential truth, something to be lived and experienced directly. So, as we explore this topic, remember: the words are not the reality. They are merely pointers, guiding your attention to the truth of your own experience.
A wave in the ocean may seem separate, distinct, with its own characteristics and path. However, it is intrinsically part of the ocean, formed from the same water, governed by the same forces. Similarly, You, in all your apparent individuality, are in essence the same consciousness that pervades the cosmos. You are not a drop in the ocean, but the ocean in a drop.
But how can this be, you might wonder. You perceive yourself as an individual entity, with personal thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This perception is valid and real on one level of reality, but non-duality invites you to explore a deeper level.
Consider the concept of the ‘Self.’ If non-duality is true, then the ‘Self’ that you perceive as ‘you’ – with a unique personality, history, and life – is not the ultimate reality. It is more like a character in the story of existence, played by the universal consciousness, which is the real ‘You.’
This does not devalue or dismiss the personal ‘self.’ Instead, it provides a larger context in which to understand it. The personal ‘self’ is a unique expression of the universal consciousness, just as each wave is a unique expression of the ocean.
Now, this might seem like a radical shift in perspective, and indeed it is. However, it is not a new concept. The philosophy of non-duality is at the core of many ancient spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
Imagine you are watching a movie. On the screen, you see distinct characters, events, and objects. You get absorbed in the story, experiencing emotions, suspense, and intrigue. But all the while, everything you see on the screen is essentially light projected onto a flat surface. The movie and the screen represent two levels of reality: the relative and the absolute. The movie is the world of duality. The screen is the underlying non-dual reality, which remains unchanged and unaffected by the events of the movie.
We are not adding new knowledge to your mind here. We are merely uncovering what is already there. For You are not just the reader of this narrative. You are the author, the characters, the plot, and the canvas upon which it is written. You are the ocean in which the waves of thoughts and emotions arise and subside.
In the upcoming posts, we will delve deeper into the ocean of non-duality. Remember: every step, every realization, every question, and every answer is part of the dance of consciousness. It is all You. You are not a personal ‘you’, You are everything, including me. And this narrative is not just a narrative. It is a mirror, reflecting the infinite potential of your consciousness.
ZeroPoint Atman 