It might be good to add that the experience of non-duality will always be a paradox in concept, because it cannot be captured by the mind.
Does the phrase "
stillness in action" make any sense? Maybe not. But that is what the experience of non-duality is. It is not a sterile condition, detached from life. It is just the opposite. It is the fullest possible engagement in an unending flow of Love, because we are
That in everything we see everywhere we go. It is unity lived in diversity. More paradoxical words...
We often hear that non-duality is non-existence and that nothing else is really happening. This boggles the mind too, no doubt, because it defies our everyday experience. Personally, I think the "nothing is happening" description is a poor way to explain it, because it tends to place people in denial of their direct perception of life. This is not healthy. It is non-duality based on a divisive thought. That makes no sense at all. It is the very thing it is denying -- a dualistic view!
If we are going to speak in paradoxes, let it be in ones that include our everyday experiences, and not denying them. It is only a matter of expanding our perception. Then we gradually come to see the unity in all things -- the appearance of duality residing and playing within non-duality. Then we come to know we are
stillness in action, and we don't have to be embarrassed about it, deny it, or pretend it isn't there. It is what it is.
The nature and flow of life can't be negated by philosophical proclamations or games of logic. But it can be directly perceived and lived in non-duality without even thinking about it. That is the "immovable and moving" silent witness "seeing and being seen" in all that is, and there is no fear in that. It is freedom.
Regardless of the descriptions we may come up with for non-duality, the actual experience of it will not be changed. It is an evolution in functioning of the nervous system that is accessible to everyone. We may as well use descriptions that are inclusive and inspire us to take the journey of expanding our perception, rather than attempting to deny everything that is going on around us. The latter, when taken as a singular approach, is a very tough road to hoe.
The interesting thing is that yoga can easily accommodate advaita, but advaita sometimes has a hard time accommodating yoga. What's that about?
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Yogani