The Eternal Now, also referred to as the “Present Moment,” is a concept that’s been elucidated by philosophers, mystics, and physicists alike. It is an assertion that there is, in actuality, no past, no future, but only the ever-present ‘now’. When discussed within the context of non-duality, it becomes a powerful idea suggesting the unreality of time, ultimately pointing towards the unicity of existence.
Non-duality, stemming from the Sanskrit term ‘Advaita’, signifies ‘not two’ or ‘one undivided without a second’. It insists on the inseparable unity of all existence and that the perceived division between the ‘self’ (you) and ‘other’ (everything else) is a mere illusion. We will weave this thread of non-duality throughout our exploration of the Eternal Now, reminding you that the concepts, words, and structures are not independent entities, but articulations within your own consciousness.
As an empirical starting point, let’s delve into Einstein’s theory of relativity, which offers striking insights into the nature of time. In his groundbreaking work, Einstein posited that time is not an absolute, unvarying stream as previously thought, but something woven intricately together with space, forming a four-dimensional spacetime continuum. This concept defies our intuitive understanding of time as linear and sequential, suggesting instead that all points in time exist concurrently.
From this perspective, the Eternal Now, which encompasses all moments of time, starts to look less metaphysical and more physical, suggesting that our ordinary perception of time is not the absolute truth, but a construct of our consciousness. Hence, in a very literal sense, the Now is the only ‘time’ that exists. Your perception of this very moment, reading these words on a screen, is not happening in an isolated temporal bubble but is rather enmeshed within a timeless, non-dual reality.
Now, let’s turn our attention to neuroscience. In “The Time Paradox”, psychologists Zimbardo and Boyd contend that our mental representation of time plays a crucial role in shaping our emotions, perceptions, and actions. Our brain’s inherent neuroplasticity enables it to adapt based on our experiences, molding and shaping our perception of time. This flexibility often leads us to perceive time as linear and segmented, yet experimental research in altered states of consciousness – whether through meditation, psychedelic experiences, or near-death experiences – has offered glimpses into a ‘timeless’ perception of reality, further endorsing the perspective of the Eternal Now.
Philosophically, the concept of the Eternal Now is rooted in ancient wisdom traditions, especially within Buddhism and Hinduism. Buddhism’s central tenet, mindfulness, encourages living in the present moment, as it is here and now where life unfolds. This parallels the Hindu Advaita Vedanta philosophy that emphasizes the illusory nature of Maya, which includes the seeming reality of time and space.
In his treatise on Advaita Vedanta, Sankaracharya, an 8th-century Indian philosopher, equated reality with the Eternal Now. According to him, what we perceive as past or future are merely constructs of the mind, superimposed upon the single, indivisible reality that is the present moment.
Notably, modern philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger have also grappled with the nature of time. In “Being and Time,” Heidegger argues that authentic being is found in the ‘nowness’ of existence – or ‘Dasein’. This is not the simple ‘now’ as a point on a linear timeline, but an experiential ‘now’ that encompasses our whole being-in-the-world.
On the other hand, the Eternal Now finds resonance in the existentialist philosophy of Sartre, who suggested that existence precedes essence. This assertion indicates that what truly exists is the moment of living – the now – and all essence (meaning or purpose) is subsequently imposed by our consciousness.
As we continue this exploration, we begin to observe the deconstruction of the dichotomy between subjective and objective, between the perceiver and the perceived. This elucidation of the Eternal Now, within the context of non-duality, asks you to reconsider the distinctions between ‘you’ and the ‘external’ world. For if time is not an external entity flowing past ‘you’, but rather a manifestation of your consciousness, then the barriers between ‘you’ and ‘the world’ begin to dissolve.
In conclusion, understanding the concept of the Eternal Now within the framework of non-duality can lead to a profound shift in your perception. By acknowledging the present moment as the only reality, you can start to appreciate the underlying unity of all phenomena, potentially leading to greater acceptance, peace, and clarity in your life.
You may find it difficult to grasp or accept these ideas initially, and that’s understandable. The leap from a dualistic perspective to a non-dual one is immense, often requiring a complete paradigm shift. Yet, by contemplating and exploring these concepts, you are engaging in a transformative dialogue with your own consciousness. By diving into the depths of the Eternal Now, you’re participating in an exploration not just of a philosophical concept, but of your very nature.
ZeroPoint Atman 