Significance of Non-duality
Non-duality is a profound philosophical concept prevalent in various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Vedanta, and others. It emphasizes the inherent unity of all phenomena, indicating that distinctions between self and other, and between subject and object, are ultimately illusory. The realization of non-duality occurs through meditation and practice, leading to a state of oneness where dualistic concepts like good and evil dissolve. This understanding fosters a holistic view of reality, illuminating the interconnectedness of all existence.
Synonyms: Oneness, Unity, Singularity, Interconnectedness, Non-separation, Monism
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Non-duality'
Non-duality in Buddhism signifies the profound interconnectedness of all phenomena, transcending the dualistic distinctions of self and other, and highlighting a unified reality where opposites are fundamentally the same, fostering a deeper understanding of existence.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The philosophical perspective in Buddhism that there are no inherent distinctions between subjects and objects.[1] (2) The realization that distraction and concentration share an intrinsic sameness, and understanding this concept is key in the practice of dhyanaparamita.[2] (3) The concept that all dharmas transcend dualistic distinctions, leading to a deeper understanding of existence.[3] (4) A philosophical perspective in Buddhism that rejects the dualistic view of reality, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all phenomena.[4]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A central concept in Buddhism referring to the understanding that distinctions between self and other are ultimately illusory.[5]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A philosophical concept indicating that the ultimate reality cannot be divided into opposing categories; all beings share a common nature.[6]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The philosophical perspective that opposes the dichotomy of subject and object, emphasizing the interconnected and unified essence of all phenomena.[7]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The understanding that enlightened beings have regarding the component parts of personality and consciousness.[8]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The philosophical view that all things are interconnected and ultimately one, transcending dualistic thinking.[9]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The realization of the interconnectedness of all phenomena, a core teaching within many tantras.[10] (2) The understanding that opposites such as skillful means and discriminative awareness coexist as one.[11] (3) A philosophical concept that suggests a fundamental unity of all phenomena, beyond the dualistic notions of self and other.[12] (4) A philosophical viewpoint that combines the two extremes, suggesting a state where they do not exist separately.[13] (5) The state of being where distinctions between self and other dissolve, leading to a profound understanding of unity in existence.[14]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The realization of the inherent unity of all phenomena and the absence of distinct separation between self and others, often achieved through meditation.[15] (2) A philosophical concept in Buddhism where distinctions between self and other, or between subject and object, dissolve, yielding a holistic understanding of reality.[16] (3) The understanding that all phenomena exist without the dichotomy of self and other, appearing as separable when in fact they are interconnected.[17] (4) The philosophical concept indicating that opposites are interconnected and ultimately the same, as represented by dreams and their nature.[18] (5) A state where dual concepts such as good and evil, accepting and rejecting do not apply, enabling one to rest without fixation by the mind.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Non-duality'
Non-duality in Hinduism signifies the philosophical understanding that Brahman and Atman are one, emphasizing the absence of separation between the self and the ultimate reality, which transcends dualistic perceptions and asserts a singular, unified existence.
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) A state of being where there is no separation between the self and the ultimate reality, emphasizing unity over dualistic perceptions.[20] (2) A philosophical concept indicating the state of being where distinctions between subject and object, self and other dissolve, leading to an understanding of oneness.[21] (3) A philosophical state of existence that asserts there is only existence itself, without any need for dualistic interpretations.[22] (4) A philosophical concept suggesting the singularity of existence, emphasizing the interconnected nature of reality.[23] (5) A philosophical concept that is in agreement with the idea of non-origination and is described as free from disputes.[24]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The principle that Brahman is singular and without division, contrasted with the dualistic perceptions humans may have.[25] (2) The philosophical concept that reality is singular and indivisible, as espoused by the teachings of Advaita Vedanta.[26] (3) A state of being that signifies the absence of duality, seen as a negation of all evils and associated with bliss and fearlessness.[27] (4) The state of being where dualistic distinctions cease to exist, equated with the realization of the Highest Reality, referred to as Turiya.[28] (5) Non-duality is described as the state where all illusory appearances are subsumed in the soundless state, representing an ultimate reality beyond dualistic perceptions.[29]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A philosophical concept stating that there is no distinction between the self and the ultimate reality, Brahman.[30] (2) A philosophical concept stating that there is no separation between the self and the ultimate reality, emphasizing unity.[31] (3) The philosophical standpoint that asserts the oneness of all existence, challenging the notion of separate entities.[32] (4) A philosophical standpoint that describes the unity of the Self and Brahman, free from the dualistic perception of agent and object.[33] (5) The philosophical concept that Brahman and Atman are not separate, but rather one entity.[34]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The state of being where distinctions between self and other are absent.[35] (2) The state of being where dualistic distinctions do not exist, often equated with Brahman.[36] (3) The philosophical concept that emphasizes the oneness of existence, where all distinctions are illusory.[37] (4) The philosophical concept that posits reality as a singular whole without the division between subject and object.[38]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A philosophical concept highlighted in the text that signifies the oneness of Brahman, contrasting with the dualistic nature of material existence.[39] (2) The philosophical stance that posits that ultimately there is only one reality, Brahman, and all differences are illusory.[40]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The understanding that all distinctions and separations in existence are illusions, and that ultimately, there is only one reality.[41] (2) The understanding that all existence is a fundamental unity, where the perception of separateness is an illusion.[42]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The philosophical position asserting that there is no true diversity in existence, only Brahman as the ultimate reality.[43] (2) A philosophical principle that asserts the absence of duality in the nature of Brahman.[44]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The philosophical concept that emphasizes the oneness of Brahman and Atman, denying any real separation between the two.[45]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The philosophical assertion that the ultimate reality is undivided and unified, challenging perceived distinctions.[46]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The philosophical concept that transcends dual distinctions, highlighting an ultimate oneness in perception.[47]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) A spiritual concept aimed at realizing the oneness of existence, often seen as an ultimate goal in many mystical traditions.[48]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) The philosophical concept indicating that there is no separation between the individual self and the ultimate reality or Parameshvara.[49]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) A concept that incorporates unity, difference, and unity-indifference, reflecting the organic relation between God and the self.[50]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A philosophical principle advocating that the apparent multiplicity of existence is illusory, rooted in the realization of the singular unity of atman and Brahman.[51]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A philosophical concept asserting that there is no separation between the individual self and the ultimate reality, or Brahman.[52]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The principle that distinguishes the absolute nature of Brahman, asserting that distinctions like cause and effect do not apply.[53]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) A philosophical concept indicating that there is no distinction or plurality in the ultimate reality, as expressed in the Upanishads.[54]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) The core concept of Advaita which asserts that there is no duality between atman and Brahman, representing oneness.[55]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The concept that emphasizes the fundamental oneness of existence, suggesting that distinctions between the self and the Supreme are illusions, prominently featured in the philosophical underpinnings of the Bhagavata Purana.[56]
The concept of Non-duality in local and regional sources
Non-duality highlights the unity of deities like Shiva and Krishna, emphasizing interconnectedness and oneness. It represents a philosophical and spiritual understanding that transcends dualistic perceptions and mental limitations.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A philosophical concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness and oneness of all things, transcending dualistic distinctions.[57] (2) A state of understanding where there is no distinction between deities, emphasizing the unity of Shiva and Krishna.[58]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A state of perception described as spiritual understanding that transcends mental limitations.[59]