Non-duality recognizes interconnectedness of all experiences, bridging subject-object separation.
Compassion deepens as non-duality unfolds, emanating from unity with others and wisdom of emptiness.
Living in non-duality transforms internal experience, fostering creativity, presence, and genuine care for others.
Deep dives
Understanding Non-duality: Exploring the Two Types
Non-duality can be understood in two distinct ways. The first type, referred to as non-duality one, involves recognizing the non-duality between subject and object. This means realizing that the sense of separation between self and other is a mental construct and that all phenomena arise within the same field of awareness. The second type, known as non-duality two, goes a step further by collapsing the duality between awareness and its contents. In non-duality two, the distinction between awareness and the objects of experience dissolves, emphasizing the inseparable nature of everything. These two types of non-duality are closely interconnected, with non-duality one leading to the realization of non-duality two. While non-duality one is often associated with the notions of oneness and unity, non-duality two transcends any fixed concept or framework, allowing for a more direct and intimate experience of the interwoven nature of reality.
The Importance of Compassion in Non-duality
Compassion plays a significant role in the exploration and realization of non-duality. As the sense of separation between self and other diminishes, the natural empathic quality of compassion arises. In non-duality, one compassion emerges from recognizing our intertwined existence with all beings. It stems from the deep understanding that there is no fundamental difference between ourselves and others, and a genuine desire to alleviate suffering and promote well-being for all. In non-duality two, compassion becomes even more central as the experience of interconnectedness intensifies. The wisdom of emptiness, which underlies non-duality two, inherently includes compassion. The dance of relationship and the appreciation of the preciousness of life become the guiding forces, orienting individuals towards acts of kindness, generosity, and care.
Transformed Experience in Non-duality Two
Fully inhabiting non-duality two results in a radically transformed experience of life. Although the external behavior of an individual may not appear drastically different, their internal experience undergoes a fundamental shift. Non-duality two brings about qualities of creativity, spontaneity, engagement, and a childlike sense of wonder. The individual experiences a heightened state of flow, being fully present in the moment and responsive to the unfolding of life. They are dynamic, energetic, and humorous. These individuals embody a sense of helpfulness, reaching out to others with genuine care and support. While there may not be a prescribed set of behaviors associated with non-duality two, the underlying qualities of presence, compassion, and responsiveness permeate their way of being, resulting in a profound and fulfilling existence.
The Recognition of Non-Dual Two
In this podcast episode, the speaker explores the concept of non-dualism and the recognition of non-dual two. The main idea discussed is that non-dual two represents a shift in perception where one recognizes that all experiences and phenomena are interconnected and inseparable from awareness. The speaker emphasizes that even seemingly contrasting concepts, such as sacredness and profanity, are equally shining with the light of awareness and not separate from each other. The goal is to reintegrate all experiences and collapse the dualities that separate them. The podcast also touches on the difference between non-dual one and non-dual two, with non-dual one often leading to aloofness and withdrawal from the world, while non-dual two encourages active engagement with enthusiasm, energy, clarity, humor, and brilliance. The idea is to carry the recognition of non-duality off the cushion and into everyday life, seeing every part of experience as a manifestation of primordial purity or emptiness.
The Primacy of Awareness and the Distinction from God
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the relationship between non-duality and the concept of God. While different traditions may have their own interpretations, the speaker notes that even in non-dual two traditions, there can be a recognition of the primacy of awareness, which stands as a base layer or ground of being. Although traditions insist that this awareness is not to be mistaken for a separate transcendent entity like a dualistic Western creator God, the podcast acknowledges the difficulty of discerning the important differences. The discussion also mentions the supernatural claims associated with non-dual experiences, such as the phenomenon of rainbow body and the ability to transcend the laws of physics. However, the speaker remains open to further exploration and acknowledges that some claims may go beyond their current understanding.
Your host Michael Taft is interviewed by Jake Orthwein about the various kinds of nonduality, the difference between monoism and nondualism, fundamental confusions about nondual practice, the major contrast between the transcendence-orientation of dualistic religions and the world-engagement of nondual religions, as well as the crucial distinction between the two main types of nonduality.
Jake Orthwein is a filmmaker based in Santa Monica, CA, and a dharma student of mine. You may have seen his Youtube video entitled, “How Politics Became Pro Wrestling,” and he is currently working on a series of films surrounding meditation, psychedelics, and predictive processing.
