non-dualism (Mahayana, Theravada)

[St0ne]

Is non-dualism a part of your meditation/world view in regards to your Buddhist practice?

I ask because I confuse myself often with this. I asked myself when reading the thread about Koans, does a dog have buddha nature? Is there only two possible answers?

I'm struggling at the moment I almost feel like I have to scrap all I've thought about and start again.

[vandervalley]

I ask because I confuse myself often with this. I asked myself when reading the thread about Koans, does a dog have buddha nature? Is there only two possible answers?

what do u mean by "non-dualism"?

and yes; all living being have buddha nature and can be a buddha if they follow buddha dharma; including dogs. However I'd think a dog may need to work harder and become a human first before he/she has any chance.

Everyone is welcome to correct me if I am wrong

[Engyo]

Non-dualism is just that. The Japanese call it "two but not two". Think of a coin. It has two faces; heads, and tails. If you only have heads, with no tails, you only have half a coin. The heads face and the tails face are different, yet without both, you do not have a complete coin, you have a curiousity.

[Seyorni]

I believe Non-Dualism (advaita) is Objective Reality.
Diversity is a dream.

[Scarlett Wampus]

St0ne what are you starting again? You're still going!

[St0ne]

Originally Posted by Engyo

Non-dualism is just that. The Japanese call it "two but not two". Think of a coin. It has two faces; heads, and tails. If you only have heads, with no tails, you only have half a coin. The heads face and the tails face are different, yet without both, you do not have a complete coin, you have a curiousity.

I've been unsure how to approach it, that does make more sense. I was thinking along the lines of there being a 3rd truth, "two but one more".

So how does it apply to things like good and evil?

[koan]

The one is the one mind. Once we start to conceptualise, good/bad, right/wrong, form/void etc. we then have dualistic thought. Karma is karma, whether it's "Good karma", or "Bad Karma" . Karma is actions caused by reacting to dualistic thinking. The idea, is not to create Karma and so escape the cycle of Birth and Death. When we meditate, we concentrate on the one, hence we avoid creating Karma at this time. The aim then is to keep this non dual thinking in our every day life. This is very difficult, especialy for a non Monk or Nun. However, not getting into this to far, is one of the main differences between Theravada and Mahayana. Mahayana, believes it's more than possible and even likely, that lay people can also attain liberation. Theravada also believes it's possible for lay people to become liberated, but very unlikely
Anyway, back to dualism, Dualism is the mind that discriminates.

[Engyo]

THere are other ways of looking at dualism as well. The not-two-ness of body and mind, for example. The not-two-ness of my life and the environment I inhabit everyday. If I approach my day with a positive attitude, greet my coworkers in a good mood, etc., I experience a very different day than if I start off depressed or in a rage.

There is also the not-two-ness of past and present, and of present and future. If I want to understand my life today, I must study my past, to understand how I arrived here (my job, my relationships, my health). If I want to understand my future in this life, I must study what I am doing now to create it.

[zenzero]

Friend Stone,
Maybe you have long forgotten this thread you started.
Have you reached anywhere ?
Most have given you an idea about non-dualism correctly; however if doubts still persists, do put it cross for further clarification.
Love & rgds

[Francine]

Originally Posted by Engyo

Non-dualism is just that. The Japanese call it "two but not two". Think of a coin. It has two faces; heads, and tails. If you only have heads, with no tails, you only have half a coin. The heads face and the tails face are different, yet without both, you do not have a complete coin, you have a curiousity.

There is a Japanese proverb that goes, "The reverse side also has a reverse side."