Nonduality is a term used in philosophy and spirituality to describe the state of being without duality - a oneness or unity of consciousness. The pronunciation of this word is /ˌnɑːndjuːˈælɪti/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word is spelled with a hyphen between 'non' and 'duality' to indicate the negation or absence of duality. The 'dj' sound in the middle of the word is a combination of 'd' and 'j', which represents the Sanskrit pronunciation of the word 'advaita', meaning non-duality.
Nonduality is a philosophical concept and spiritual belief system that posits the inseparability and interconnectedness of all phenomena, asserting that reality is ultimately singular and indivisible. It is derived from the Latin term "nondualitas," which means "not two" or "one without a second." Nonduality encompasses the understanding that all apparent dualities, such as the division between self and other, mind and body, or subject and object, are ultimately illusory and based on limited perception.
In nondualistic thought, the underlying nature of existence is regarded as fundamentally unified and non-differentiated, referred to as the "Ultimate Reality," "Oneness," or "Brahman" in various philosophical and spiritual traditions. This perspective maintains that any apparent distinctions or separations experienced within reality are a result of individual perspectives and limited human cognition.
Nonduality often emphasizes the importance of direct experience or intuitive knowing over intellectual or conceptual understanding. It suggests that enlightenment or spiritual liberation can be attained by transcending dualistic thinking, recognizing the inherent wholeness and unity that permeate all things. This recognition typically involves a shift in consciousness, revealing the ultimate reality as a seamless and all-encompassing totality, beyond the realm of concept and language.
Nonduality has been explored and described in various religious and philosophical traditions, such as Advaita Vedanta, Zen Buddhism, mystical branches of Christianity, and indigenous wisdom teachings. It is often associated with practices such as meditation, contemplation, and mindfulness, which aim to cultivate an experiential understanding of the interconnectedness and non-separability of all aspects of existence.
The word "nonduality" is a compound of two parts: "non" and "duality".
1. "Non" is a prefix in the English language derived from the Latin word "non", meaning "not" or "lack of". It is commonly used to express negation or absence of a particular quality. For example, in words like "nonexistent" or "nonviolent", the prefix "non" indicates the absence of existence or violence.
2. "Duality" is derived from the Latin word "dualis", meaning "consisting of two". It refers to a state of being divided or composed of two contrasting entities, elements, or concepts. In philosophy, duality often denotes the notion of two opposing or complementary principles or aspects.
Combining these two parts, "nonduality" suggests the absence or negation of duality.