Significance of Non-duality
Synonyms: Oneness, Unity, Non-separateness, Singularity, Interconnectedness, Wholeness, Non-separation, Monism
In Dutch: Non-dualiteit; In Finnish: Ei-kaksinaisuus; In Spanish: No dualidad; In German: Nichtdualität; In Swedish: Icke-dualitet; In Malay: Bukan dualiti; In German: Nicht-Dualität; In French: Non-dualité; In Finnish: Ei-dualiteetti; In Portugese: Não-dualidade; In Italian: Non-dualità; In Polish: Niedualność
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 emphasizes the interconnectedness of all phenomena, where distinctions between self and other dissolve, revealing a profound unity in existence that transcends dualistic thinking and fosters holistic understanding through practices like meditation.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) This is the absence of the eye and visibles, up to and including the absence of the mind and phenomena.[1] (2) The philosophical perspective in Buddhism that there are no inherent distinctions between subjects and objects.[2] (3) The realization that distraction and concentration share an intrinsic sameness, and understanding this concept is key in the practice of dhyanaparamita.[3] (4) The concept that all dharmas transcend dualistic distinctions, leading to a deeper understanding of existence.[4] (5) A philosophical perspective in Buddhism that rejects the dualistic view of reality, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all phenomena.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A central concept in Buddhism referring to the understanding that distinctions between self and other are ultimately illusory.[6]
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.[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: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The understanding that extremes such as existence and non-existence do not fully capture the nature of reality.[10]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Non-duality is the understanding that appearance and mind are inseparable, akin to the moon reflected in water, and that grasping duality leads to confusion.[11] (2) The realization of the inherent unity of all phenomena and the absence of distinct separation between self and others, often achieved through meditation.[12] (3) A philosophical concept in Buddhism where distinctions between self and other, or between subject and object, dissolve, yielding a holistic understanding of reality.[13] (4) The understanding that all phenomena exist without the dichotomy of self and other, appearing as separable when in fact they are interconnected.[14] (5) The philosophical concept indicating that opposites are interconnected and ultimately the same, as represented by dreams and their nature.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Non-duality'
Non-duality in Hinduism emphasizes the oneness of Brahman, asserting there is no separation between the individual self (atman) and ultimate reality. This state transcends dualistic perceptions, highlighting interconnectedness and the illusory nature of distinctions.
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The concept of oneness, referred to as Non-Duality, Advaita, when understood through Yoga and a controlled mind, leads to complete understanding.[16] (2) Also known as Advaita, it tells us that a singularity, The Absolute Self Alone exists.[17] (3) The non-duality appears as the rope itself when the rope is positively identified, and through understanding, the truth of the Absolute becomes evident and distinct.[18] (4) A state of being where there is no separation between the self and the ultimate reality, emphasizing unity over dualistic perceptions.[19] (5) A philosophical concept indicating the state of being where distinctions between subject and object, self and other dissolve, leading to an understanding of oneness.[20]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) "Non-duality" is the Reality, according to Anandagiri Tika, while duality is an illusion perceived by the ignorant.[21] (2) The theories of others are not in conflict with this because they are also identical with Brahman, according to the provided text.[22] (3) The state where duality does not exist, established through scriptural evidence and reasoning, where the attributeless, non-dual Atman alone is the reality, and the entire realm of dualism, including devotion, is illusory.[23] (4) The principle that Brahman is singular and without division, contrasted with the dualistic perceptions humans may have.[24] (5) The philosophical concept that reality is singular and indivisible, as espoused by the teachings of Advaita Vedanta.[25]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The text describes this as real, contrasting it with the world of diversity set up by avidya, indicating a state of oneness.[26] (2) It is identified as the truth, suggesting a unified reality where distinctions and separations are ultimately illusory, as passages emphasize.[27] (3) A philosophical concept stating that there is no distinction between the self and the ultimate reality, Brahman.[28] (4) A philosophical concept stating that there is no separation between the self and the ultimate reality, emphasizing unity.[29] (5) The philosophical standpoint that asserts the oneness of all existence, challenging the notion of separate entities.[30]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The state of being where distinctions between self and other are absent.[31] (2) The state of being where dualistic distinctions do not exist, often equated with Brahman.[32] (3) The philosophical concept that emphasizes the oneness of existence, where all distinctions are illusory.[33] (4) The philosophical concept that posits reality as a singular whole without the division between subject and object.[34]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Teachers who have no insight into the true nature of this are prompted by the wish of capturing the admiration and applause of those who believe in the doctrine of duality.[35] (2) Non-duality constitutes the true nature of Brahman, and if proven by Brahman’s own consciousness, there is no room for the non-knowledge that consists in the view of duality.[36] (3) The philosophical position asserting that there is no true diversity in existence, only Brahman as the ultimate reality.[37] (4) A philosophical principle that asserts the absence of duality in the nature of Brahman.[38]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The Self represents the created universe and the Truth of this, which is of all beings themselves.[39] (2) The understanding that all distinctions and separations in existence are illusions, and that ultimately, there is only one reality.[40] (3) The understanding that all existence is a fundamental unity, where the perception of separateness is an illusion.[41]
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.[42] (2) The philosophical stance that posits that ultimately there is only one reality, Brahman, and all differences are illusory.[43]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is a system that some argue cannot be established because the Self is affected with duality by Nescience, as mentioned in the provided text.[44] (2) The philosophical position that there is ultimately no distinction between the observer and the observed, a central tenet in Vedanta when one awakens from ignorance.[45]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The philosophical concept that emphasizes the oneness of Brahman and Atman, denying any real separation between the two.[46]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The philosophical assertion that the ultimate reality is undivided and unified, challenging perceived distinctions.[47]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The philosophical concept that transcends dual distinctions, highlighting an ultimate oneness in perception.[48]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The knowledge of this means the cessation of pain caused by births and rebirths.[49]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The principle that distinguishes the absolute nature of Brahman, asserting that distinctions like cause and effect do not apply.[50]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Non-duality is suggested between Advaita and the Supreme Lord, indicating a philosophical concept of oneness where there is no separation between the individual and the divine.[51]
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.[52]
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.[53]
The concept of Non-duality in local and regional sources
Non-duality encapsulates a philosophical concept highlighting the oneness and interconnectedness of all existence, transcending dualistic divides, emphasizing spiritual unity, and illustrating the non-separation of inner and outer experiences in texts like Advaita, Gamhita, and Padma purana.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Some, trying to hold fast to the central element of this in the teaching, declared universal Becoming a mirage falsely appearing on the desert-waste of Reality.[54] (2) Gamhita, Padma purana and Brahma Samhita emphasise their non-duality, showing a connection.[55] (3) A philosophical concept that transcends the distinction between self and other, unity in diversity.[56] (4) A philosophical principle that implies the interconnectedness and unity of all existence, emphasizing the lack of division between inner and outer experiences.[57] (5) A state of perception described as spiritual understanding that transcends mental limitations.[58]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Non-duality is the state of worship that God set Ramdas to, removing his doubt about the different forms of Rama and Krishna to enable unified devotion.[59] (2) A philosophical concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness and oneness of all things, transcending dualistic distinctions.[60] (3) A state of understanding where there is no distinction between deities, emphasizing the unity of Shiva and Krishna.[61]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is a concept in Advaita, meaning that there are no two, but one, and it is used to explain how the Absolute manifests as many, and it is related to time, space, and causation.[62]
The concept of Non-duality in scientific sources
Non-duality, in Tiantai teaching, posits that the real and unreal are not separate entities. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness and ultimate unity of seemingly opposing concepts.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Non-duality, a central teaching of Advaita Vedanta, is considered by Swami Vivekananda as the ultimate truth of existence and the foundation for his views on ethics and against casteism.[63] (2) Non-duality is part of the chapter where the prologue is placed within in Jie jie, and the epilogue is placed at the end of the Chapter of Single Taste.[64] (3) A concept involving the identification of an entity with the myriad things, including rocks, plants, and animals.[65] (4) The concept that the real and the unreal are not separate, according to Tiantai teaching.[66]