Duality

Duality is the root cause of all conflict and suffering in the world. Self is an illusion and and that duality arises from the belief in a separate self. Self is a construct of the mind, created by the accumulation of past experiences, memories, and conditioning. This self is a product of the dualistic thinking that separates the individual from the rest of the world. This sense of separation was the source of all conflict and suffering.

We spend our lives chasing after pleasure and avoiding pain, seeking to protect the self and accumulate more experiences and possessions. This pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain creates a constant sense of anxiety and fear, as we are constantly threatened by the possibility of loss and separation. This constant striving and grasping is the root cause of all conflict, both within ourselves and in the world at large. When we see ourselves as separate from others, we inevitably come into conflict with them, as our desires and needs clash with theirs. This conflict can take many forms, from personal relationships to international conflicts and wars.

The only way to overcome this sense of separation and the conflict it creates is to transcend the self and recognize our fundamental interconnectedness with the world. This requires a radical shift in our thinking and perception, a shift away from the dualistic thinking that separates the individual from the rest of the world. The mind is conditioned by the dualistic thinking of the past, which creates a constant sense of separation and anxiety. To transcend this conditioning, we must cultivate a state of awareness and attention in the present moment. This requires a practice of self-inquiry, in which we examine our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions, and question their validity. The practice of self-inquiry can help us see through the illusion of the self and recognize our fundamental interconnectedness with the world. This can lead to a profound sense of inner peace and freedom from the anxiety and conflict that arise from the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain.

Consciousness is not something that arises from the brain or the mind, but is a fundamental aspect of the universe itself. Consciousness is not limited to the individual self, but is a universal field of awareness that encompasses all of existence. Experience of duality arises from the limitations of the individual self and its separation from the universal consciousness. When we identify with the self, we see ourselves as separate from the rest of the world, and this creates a sense of duality and conflict.

Any attempts to transcend duality by suppressing or denying it would only lead to further conflict and suffering. Instead, a practice of radical self-inquiry, in which we confront the illusions of the self and the duality it creates head-on.

Reality is not something that can be grasped or understood through the mind, which is limited by the dualistic thinking of the past. Instead, reality can only be experienced directly, through a state of awareness and attention in the present moment. this direct experience of reality could be achieved through meditation and self-inquiry. By cultivating a state of awareness and attention in the present moment, we can begin to see through the illusions of the self and the duality it creates, and connect with the universal consciousness that underlies all of existence. Rather than relying on dogma or tradition, we should cultivate our own awareness and understanding of the nature of reality, through a practice of radical self-inquiry and direct experience.

One of the main ways that duality manifests in our lives is through the distinction between self and other. We tend to think of ourselves as separate individuals, with our own unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and we see the rest of the world as something external to us, with its own separate reality. This creates a sense of distance and separation between ourselves and others, and can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and alienation. If we become more aware of our own thoughts, feelings, and sensations, as well as the people and objects around us. By paying attention to the present moment in this way, we can begin to see through the illusions of the self and the duality it creates, and connect with the universal consciousness that underlies all of existence.

Some of the ways that can be practiced: 1. focusing your attention on the present moment, and becoming more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. You can start by setting aside a few minutes each day to sit quietly and observe your breath. 2. Another way to cultivate awareness and attention is to pay closer attention to your senses. Notice the sensations in your body as you move through the world, the sights and sounds around you, and the smells and tastes of your environment. By becoming more attuned to your senses, you can start to see through the illusion of the self and connect more deeply with the world around you. 3. Self-inquiry involves examining your own thoughts and beliefs, and questioning the assumptions and beliefs that underlie them. For example, you might ask yourself why you believe that you are separate from the rest of the world, or why you feel the need to constantly define and protect your own identity. By becoming more aware of these assumptions and beliefs, you can start to see through the illusions of the self and connect more deeply with the universal consciousness that underlies all of existence. There’s no fixed method that will work. You may try to find out what works for you.

Ultimately, the goal is is to cultivate a state of awareness and attention in the present moment, and to see through the illusions of the self and the duality it creates. By doing so, we can connect more deeply with the universal consciousness that underlies all of existence, and experience a sense of inner peace and freedom from the anxiety and conflict that arise from the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain.