Introduction to Non-Duality - Understanding the Basics

Non-duality, also known as Advaita, is a profound philosophical concept that challenges the notion of separateness and duality in our perception of reality. At its core, non-duality teaches that all distinctions—between self and other, mind and matter, subject and object—are illusory. Instead, there is only one unified reality, often referred to as the Absolute or the Self.

The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi, a revered Indian sage, emphasized the importance of self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) as a path to realizing non-duality. He taught that by constantly questioning "Who am I?" one can transcend the illusion of individuality and discover the true Self, which is identical with the Absolute. According to Ramana, this Self is not a personal identity but the pure consciousness that underlies all existence.

Nisargadatta Maharaj’s Perspective

Nisargadatta Maharaj, another influential teacher of non-duality, conveyed that the sense of "I am" is the gateway to understanding our true nature. He encouraged his followers to focus on the feeling of "I am" without attaching it to any specific identity or concept. In doing so, one can realize that the "I am" is not the individual self but the universal consciousness that is beyond all dualities.

Key Takeaway: The Illusion of Separateness

Non-duality invites us to see beyond the apparent distinctions in our everyday experience and recognize the underlying oneness of all things. By practicing self-inquiry and focusing on the pure sense of "I am," we begin to peel away the layers of illusion that obscure our true nature.