The notion of nonduality opposes the idea of duality by asserting that there is no fundamental separation between elements that we perceive as opposites, such as body and mind, or subject and mind. object. This concept is central in several spiritual traditions, notably Advaita Vedānta and Buddhism, where it designates an understanding of reality as a unified whole, beyond conceptual or perceptual distinctions.
Nonduality in Advaita Vedānta
In this tradition, the Sanskrit term Advaita literally means “non-two”. It asserts that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is unique and indivisible. According to this perspective, the perceived separation between the “self” (the ego) and the rest of the world is an illusion (Maya). Spiritual awakening consists of recognizing this unity underlying all things, transcending the dualistic vision which divides reality into opposites.
Nonduality in buddhism
In Buddhism, particularly in the Zen and Mahayana schools, non-duality is often evoked to describe the unity of samsara (cycle of birth and death) and nirvana (liberation). This perspective teaches that the distinctions we make between good and evil, self and other, or existence and non-existence, are mental constructs. The experience of non-duality arises when the mind stops imposing these categorizations.
Modern approaches
Today, non-duality finds resonance in disciplines such as psychology or quantum physics. In psychology, it can translate into an integrative approach aimed at overcoming internal oppositions (for example, between reason and emotion). In physics, concepts like wave-particle duality illustrate how apparent opposites can coexist within a larger, unified reality.
Practice of non-duality
include meditation, contemplation, or even non-dualist approaches to dialogue. These practices help to move beyond the feeling of a separate “me” and live in an awareness of unity.