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tags: - duality - dualism - samudaya - false views --- 

duality

Duality is where we create a false division in phenomena based on two extremes, such as good or bad, true or false, pure or impure, etc.

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Dualism, the conceptual division of the world into opposing categories such as good and evil, self and other, or mind and matter, is a philosophical challenge addressed in various ways within Buddhism. While Buddhism encompasses a wide range of traditions and philosophical perspectives, there are several key concepts and practices that could be considered as antidotes to dualistic thinking:

  1. Dependent Origination (Pratitya-samutpada): This concept emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all phenomena. According to this teaching, nothing exists independently or in isolation; everything arises in dependence on causes and conditions. By understanding the intricate web of causes and effects, one can transcend the simplistic dualistic view of the world.

  2. Emptiness (Sunyata): Emptiness is a central concept in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in the Madhyamaka school. It refers to the lack of inherent, independent existence in all phenomena. Emptiness is not a negation of existence but rather a way of understanding the dependent and interconnected nature of reality. By realizing emptiness, one can dissolve the dualistic distinctions between self and other, subject and object.

  3. Non-duality (Advaya): The notion of non-duality emphasizes the ultimate unity or non-separation of all things. This is often expressed in phrases like "not two" (advaya) or "not one, not many" (advaita). In Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, teachings on non-duality emphasize the non-discriminatory nature of reality, transcending dualistic concepts like good and bad, self and other.

  4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices such as mindfulness meditation cultivate present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of experience. By developing mindfulness, practitioners learn to see through the illusory nature of dualistic concepts and directly experience the unity and interconnectedness of all things.

  5. Compassion (Karuna): Compassion is a fundamental virtue in Buddhism, particularly in Mahayana traditions. By cultivating compassion, practitioners overcome the dualistic boundaries between self and other, recognizing the shared humanity and interconnectedness of all beings.

  6. Wisdom (Prajna): Wisdom in Buddhism involves seeing things as they truly are, beyond the distortions of dualistic thinking. Through the development of wisdom, practitioners gain insight into the impermanent, interdependent, and ultimately empty nature of reality, transcending dualistic concepts and experiencing liberation.

In summary, Buddhism offers various teachings and practices that serve as antidotes to dualism by emphasizing interconnectedness, emptiness, non-duality, mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. By cultivating these qualities, practitioners can overcome the limitations of dualistic thinking and experience a more holistic and integrated understanding of reality.