Non-duality offers a challenge to the perceptions of a separate, dualistic reality in which we appear to live. The non-dual approach provides solutions to questions such as: What is the nature of reality in which we live? What is the source of psychological suffering? What is the solution to help cope with this suffering? It addresses questions relating to life and death, and much more.
The conventional dualistic understanding of the world from a materialistic perspective, assumes that the world in which we live comprises a multitude of separate materials and objects made of tangible, quantifiable materials. The alternative offered within the scope of non-duality is that “beyond” the objective reality in which we live, there is one reality – that is united and not separate – not dualistic or made of “matter,” that is not objectively quantifiable or physical. Non-dualistic thought and the understanding that it reveals is actually the basis upon which all religions and spiritual traditions rely, before they became established and organized.
When a person has a non-dualistic experience either spontaneously, through guidance, s/he often experiences a “peek” into this unified state of oneness, and as a result, s/he will be filled with feelings of joy, serenity and fulfillment, without any tangible or external explanation.
Without this experiential understanding, the sense of separation from a unified reality, is experienced by individuals as psychological suffering, usually manifested as feelings of sadness, various fears, anxiety, anger and unregulated aggression, oppressive guilt, loneliness, confusion, suspicion, ambivalence, ennui and emptiness, alienation, hypersensitivity and vulnerability, confusion regarding identity, and more. When feelings like these are experienced for longer periods of time, they can lead to distress and significant difficulties in one’s ability to function. This can interfere with relationships on an interpersonal level, create difficulty with intimacy, or on a professional level, involve failure to thrive, and issues with professional identity. This prolonged mental suffering can also lead to addictive tendencies that are characterized by self-destructive behaviors and various mental disorders.
In all the situations described, the person feels detached, isolated and alienated from him/herself and his/her surroundings – separate from the world and everything that is going on within it.
Without even registering it, we experience a sense of unity, peacefulness, joy and completeness many times during our lives; however, usually we usually associate this experience with the thing outside of us that fulfills our desire: an encounter with a loved one, being in nature, listening to a beautiful piece of music, achieving a goal, tasting something pleasing to our palate, etc. What characterizes all the above experiences, is that they are ephemeral – they have a beginning and an end; hence, they cannot be fulfilling in and of themselves.
An understanding of the non-dual nature of reality gives rise to these same feelings of serenity and gratification, but this type of fulfillment stands on its own, without being dependent on any external circumstances. As the non-dual understanding deepens, over time, it is possible to “approach” this place without any need for external assistance, and eventually, to go through a process of stabilization that manifests in a significant improvement in all facets of life.