By Sanjeev Patel, CYT
What is non-dualism? When attending my first Yoga teacher training course, I asked my teacher to explain about this concept – I was confused. The answer seems simple, but still it is a puzzle. Paulji’s answer was, “Non-dualism is the logical deduction that things seem to be distinct, while not being separate at all.” My reaction was, “I’m sorry, but could you say that again.”
I wrote it down, and I still didn’t get it. He could see I was troubled, so he re-phrased his answer to: “Everything is connected, but it may not be apparent on the surface.” Now, I understood, but how could I connect the dots? Beliefs, qualities, and theories seem unique, but there is a connection most, or all, of the time.
The concept of non-dualism is Universal – no matter what size an object is. As Paulji explained, “A small atom is a sphere surrounded by smaller particles. Galaxies and solar systems are also surrounded by smaller spheres. People look at the universe as if they were the center of the universe.”
It is only natural to see things from our viewpoint, as our eyes are our personal windows to see the universe. We then focus on what looks different from us and categorize it. As time goes by, we might not be very comfortable with new ideas, beliefs, qualities, or theories. We could forget that we are connected to each other in any way, shape, or form.
According to the late Carl Sagan, we are all “star stuff.” Life forms, on this planet, are made up of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, which is produced at very high temperatures in the cores of stars. Carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are released from a star when it explodes. This is how Carl Sagan made the connection.
If we look at religion and philosophy, we see connections, but some people will deny this to their death. Some people would rather live a violent life, than try to understand or make friends with someone who they see as foreign, different, or unique.
Until we understand non-dualism, make the connections (connect the dots), and apply them to our lives, we can’t fully appreciate all the good this world has to offer.
© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Publications
Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
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