What is Nonduality and Can You Live a Life of It Without Being Awakened Spiritually?

Introduction to Duality and Nonduality

In order to understand duality and nonduality, you do not necessarily need to study Hindu or Buddhist philosophy. Duality is a concept that can be comprehended in a fundamental and straightforward manner. Duality refers to “two or more than two” and signifies division. Arranging this into simple terms, duality can be observed in everyday life: your body and a tree standing in front of you exemplify physical duality. This has no inherent problem; physically, space, time, and the reality of existence require this division to allow us to move, distinguish ourselves, and interact with the material world. For instance, you must distinguish your finger from vegetables to avoid cutting yourself when preparing them.

Physical and Psychological Duality

The problem arises when we bring this physical duality into the psychological realm—referring to the mind. When we observe the world through a divided mental lens—where we are the observer and the observed—the friction and conflicts begin. We can break this into two primary aspects: the observer outside and the observer inside.

Outside Observation: When you observe the tree outside, there is a mental division or duality between the tree and "You." The mind operates through conditioning and past experiences, which can distort this observation. However, when the mind observes the tree without the observer, that is, without thoughts, words, or reactions, there is no separation. In this state, the observer and the observed are one.

The Observer is the Observed

When the mind is wholly absent, there is no distinction left between the inside and outside of the body. The mind is both the inside and the outside. There is no space or time between you and the tree; they are one unified reality.

Inside Observation: When you examine your internal states—such as sorrow, happiness, anger, jealousy, or hurt, you find that each state is its own entity. We often invent the opposite of these states, such as trying to become non-anger during periods of anger, yet the psyche is a whole and cannot be divided at the same moment. Hence, the awareness that there is only the state of anger but no “I” or observer within that state of anger is crucial.

When you are in sorrow, you are in sorrow; it is not necessary to seek out happiness as its opposite. By staying with 'what is' and not trying to escape from it, transformation begins. Recognizing that the observer and the observed (pain, anger, jealousy) are one does away with the duality and struggle.

Breaking Down Illusions of Duality

When we divide ourselves based on cultural or religious identities—Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, etc.—this division is another illusion that needs to be overcome. Essentially, when we view ourselves and others as separate, we create conflict and division.

The Role of Self-Inquiry and Awakening

The inquiry into our inner states and the need to awaken to a state of nonduality are critical. Jiddu Krishnamurti's teachings can provide deep insights into understanding this. Here are a few key points to consider:

There is no separation between you and your emotions. Recognize that anger, sorrow, jealousy, etc., are parts of you and not separate entities. Do not strive to become the opposite of the current state of mind. Staying present with your emotions allows for a transformative experience. Awareness of this oneness dissolves the struggle and division that comes with seeking lasting peace in duality.

In the end, the realization of non-duality is not a spiritual awakening imposed by external practices; it is a profound internal shift that involves accepting our true nature. This process is not about creating a new identity but about dissolving the false division that keeps us in conflict.

Conclusion

Living a life of non-duality does not depend on achieving a spiritual awakening or following complex philosophical systems. It is a direct and simple practice of awareness and acceptance. By observing the unity of the self and the external world, we can experience true peace and transformation.