Diggin' the Dharma Dualism or Non-Dualism, That is the Question
Apr 16, 2023
Dive into the fascinating world of non-dualism and its roots in early Buddhist thought. Explore how concepts like Advaita and Pali usages shape our understanding. Discover the role of non-dual practices in meditation and how the Brahma-Viharas help dissolve subject/object distinctions. The discussion takes a modern twist, examining AI and personhood through a non-dual lens. Plus, unpack the risks of misinterpreting non-duality and the importance of ethics in practice. It's a deep, thought-provoking journey!
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Episode notes
Teaching Balance With Yogacara Influence
- Doug recounts teaching 'Finding Balance' and integrating Yogacara ideas from Ben Connolly's book.
- He notes discomfort using the term 'non-duality' because terms create dualities themselves.
Non-Duality Dissolves Subject–Object
- Non-duality shows up in later schools like Yogacara as a denial of subject-object separation.
- Doug and Jon say it dissolves the sense of 'me' and 'other' and reframes experience as processes, not things.
Early Texts Hint At Non-Self Non-Duality
- Early Buddhist texts rarely present a full non-dual philosophy but they contain elements like 'all things are non-self.'
- Jon highlights that non-self can be read as a kind of non-dual insight without later metaphysical claims.