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There are, of course, various conceptions of dualism, and even of non-dualism.
I tend to gravitate towards those that emphasize that analysis methods that rely on sharp categorizations tend to be misleading due to excessive reducionism.
Ultimately, most practical distinctions are somewhat arbitrary. And I happen to be a firm believer in Interdependent Origination, which probably enhances my perception of non-dualism.
Therefore, depending on the context and situation, the two elements could be "us and them", "mind and emotion", "sacred and profane", "material and spiritual" or several other contrasting pairings. Many such pairings are ultimately to be understood and transcended if we are to make proper use of them.
There are, of course, various conceptions of dualism, and even of non-dualism.
I tend to gravitate towards those that emphasize that analysis methods that rely on sharp categorizations tend to be misleading due to excessive reducionism.
Ultimately, most practical distinctions are somewhat arbitrary. And I happen to be a firm believer in Interdependent Origination, which probably enhances my perception of non-dualism.
Therefore, depending on the context and situation, the two elements could be "us and them", "mind and emotion", "sacred and profane", "material and spiritual" or several other contrasting pairings. Many such pairings are ultimately to be understood and transcended if we are to make proper use of them.
I understand that two elements are 'me' and 'world'.
What are the two elements of the dualism in 'non-dualism'?
I’ve had hard time understanding non-dualism in the past but it seemed to click when I found how Alan Watts put it. He said monism excludes the many and that non-dualism does not exclude anything. That there is no outside or inside of space it’s transcendent. Saying it’s two elements is dualism.@blü 2 enquired this of me in another thread. I will request him to repeat the questions here and also clarify this particular question.
That is one of the easiest examples. Emotions are manifestations of the mind, yet we are culturally conditioned to perceive them as separate, even oposite.Could you expound a little on how "mind and emotion" fit in with the other examples?
That is one of the easiest examples. Emotions are manifestations of the mind, yet we are culturally conditioned to perceive them as separate, even oposite.
Realizing the artificiality of the separation enables us to perceive situations in a more accurate and more produtive manner.
I don't understand your question. Emotions are expressions of the mind.
Now, I'm really lost, if emotion is but an expression of the mind how can it be thought of as part of a duality?
My question is can you give me an example of mind manifesting emotion?
That is one of the easiest examples. Emotions are manifestations of the mind, yet we are culturally conditioned to perceive them as separate, even oposite.
Realizing the artificiality of the separation enables us to perceive situations in a more accurate and more produtive manner.
Far as I can tell, because there is a persistent myth that emotions are sensitive while the mind is rational - presumably two distinct substances.
Any expression of emotion originates in the mind.
Now, I'm really lost, if emotion is but an expression of the mind how can it be thought of as part of a duality?
My question is can you give me an example of mind manifesting emotion?
The nondualist philosopher Chinmayananda stated in this regard...
'Our intellect can register a situation or a condition only with reference to the comparative estimate of its opposite. Thus, I can understand light only with reference to my knowledge of darkness. Comparison is the only way of understanding given to man. If there is no contrast for a thing, we cannot gain knowledge of that thing. '
The mind divides reality or 'what is' into polar opposites through thought. Good and bad. Spirit and matter. Right and wrong. Pleasure and pain, and so on.
And emotion always follow thought.
Thought of a certain person you disliked in the past brings anger within you, while thought of visiting a good friend brings pleasure.
Thus emotion, like thought, fosters duality.
And the only contrast to mind is no mind.