September 20th 2023.
Dwaitam is the perception of duality which means that duality resides in the mental state of the 'seer'. It is the underlying hypothesis that the sense of two-ness and separation is the cause of 'dukha' in this world. We fail to see the unity of all things and tend to give differential treatment at a material level. It is difficult to solve the duality puzzle through external intervention, but rather through ‘realising’.
We cannot deny the differences between things and people. The seasons of summer and winter are clearly different, as is the state of hunger and satiation, and the temperature perception of cold and heat. Even in relationships, one's wife is different from one's mother. If there is so much polarity and dualism, where is the scope for non-dualism?
The answer lies in ‘realisation’. This realisation can come in a fraction of a second, or it can be elusive and require a sincere seeker to find their own path. One pragmatic way is to use the ‘pancha kosha’ theory, which is seen as comprising from material/body level to higher ‘anandamaya’, blissful undisturbed existence.
At the material or annamaya level, duality is simple to establish. If someone is hungry, consumption of food by another does not satisfy the first person. It is at the higher level that the convergence starts, and the overlaps become more apparent. If we feed the hungry and see the person happy, we ourselves will become happy. This convergence is akin to multiple shadows disappearing when a large light appears before. Then, the lower mind that is duality infested becomes positive and Oneness prevails.
Enthusiasm works wonders in making this realisation a reality. Prof S Ainavolu is a Mumbai-based teacher of tradition and management. Views are personal. https://www.ainavolu.in/blog
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