Blog Series: Mind & Consciousness, Part 1

Introduction:

In the realm of spiritual philosophy, the concept of non-duality poses a profound mystery, captivating the intellect and stimulating deep reflection and discussion. This inquiry seeks to uncover the fundamental nature of non-duality, shedding light on its profound implications for self-awareness and interpersonal connections. Join NDP Foundation and Sri Ashish on a journey to explore the essence of unity and its transformative potential to dismantle the illusions that create discord and division in our existence.

Defining Non-duality:

The heart of the non-dual perspective centers around a key question: What is its most basic nature? It is a state where there’s no duality — no opposing forces — but instead, there’s an inherent unity that runs through everything. Sri Ashish puts this idea into words beautifully, saying that non-duality means “the underlying essence of all is one and the same”.

The Underlying Essence:

Non-duality suggests that everything in existence originates from a core sameness that goes beyond individual distinctions. Whether it’s called Brahman (The Divine), representing pure consciousness, or other names, this basic essence remains unchanged. It acts as a unifying power, intricately connecting the diverse aspects of creation at its most fundamental level. This essence isn’t limited by how we perceive things or our belief systems; instead, it fills all of existence, creating a deep sense of connection and unity among all living beings and phenomena.

Individuality and Non-duality:

When exploring the complex link between individuality and non-duality, understanding non-duality becomes incredibly important as long as we hold onto the idea of being individuals. The main idea is realizing that the illusion of separate existence comes from mistakenly clinging to our individual identities. Sri Ashish stresses that this belief is at the root of many difficulties we face in life.

Illusion of Separation:

False identification with the notion or sense of “I” (individuality) fosters duality, resulting in the perception of separation between oneself and others. In one of his recent Satsangs (spiritual gatherings), Sri Ashish explains — “The ‘I’ that claims ownership of our experiences is but a phantom”, addressing the underlying cause of modern malaise. “This ‘I’ is an illusory construct without any tangible essence. It’s the root of all suffering.” Attendees expressed how easily they get anxious nowadays, prompting Sri Ashish to explore the nature of the ‘I’ that experiences anxiety -“People tend to focus on the emotion rather than focusing on who it is that the emotion is happening to.”

When asked about the root of day-to-day anxieties, he points out the common misconception of identity — “When you say there’s anxiety, you say that ‘I am anxious.’ But if the ‘I’ itself is imaginary and you can’t find a structure to this ‘I’, then any emotion that is linked to that ‘I’ is also imaginary.”

This idea challenges us to reconsider the very foundation of our perceived identity and the emotions that arise from it.

Practical Spirituality in Action

Self-inquiry, surrender and meditation are not mere philosophical exercises but practical tools for real-life application. “Self-inquiry, surrender and meditation are powerful tools for realizing who you truly are.” This approach encourages individuals to not withdraw from life but to engage with it more deeply, free from the ego’s (individual ‘I’) influence. By understanding the illusory nature of the ‘I’, people can navigate daily challenges with greater ease and resilience.

Highlighting the operational aspects of running a spiritual organization, Sri Ashish underscored the importance of logistical tasks in supporting the dissemination of spiritual teachings. “The mundane tasks of managing domains and emails are crucial for spreading these teachings,” he pointed out, showing how the spiritual and the practical are intertwined in the mission of organizations like the NDP Foundation.

Expanding on the illusion of the individual self, Sri Ashish says, “This ‘I’ actually has no substantial existence… till you don’t understand this, and don’t move away from this, you will continue in the samsaric (perpetual habitual tendencies associated with a concept called mind or individual ‘I’) loop”.

He emphasizes that the journey towards Self-realization is not about acquiring new knowledge but about dispelling the illusion of the ‘I’ that we have falsely identified with and constructed around ourselves.

Spiritual Practice in Silence

The conversation also touched upon the significance of genuine spiritual practice. “I only teach silence because when you’re silent within, is when you can really go deep down.” He advocates for a practice that transcends conventional methods, focusing instead on the profound silence within that leads to true understanding.

Addressing the concept of purpose and existence, Sri Ashish offers this:

“The purpose of life is only one thing: to know who you truly are.”

All other constructs fall away once this fundamental understanding is realized, leading to a state of complete freedom from the illusions that bind us. By unraveling the illusion of the self (the notion or sense of a separate individual ‘I’), he guides us toward a deeper understanding of our true nature, free from the constraints of ego-driven anxieties and stresses.

The Path to Truth:

Sri Ashish emphasizes that dismantling the illusion of individual existence or I-Consciousness serves as the pathway to reconnecting with one’s innate state of being — a profound alignment with the universal truth, often described as Brahman or God. He highlights that at the core of reality, every being embodies divinity, yet it is the erroneous identification with separateness that fosters discrimination and divisive conduct.

By transcending the illusion of individuality, individuals open themselves to a deeper understanding of their inherent unity with the cosmos. This recognition unveils the intrinsic interconnectedness of all existence and fosters a profound sense of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity. In embracing this perspective, one not only aligns with the universal truth but also cultivates a harmonious relationship with oneself and the world around them. His insight is elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful: by perceiving others as extensions of ourselves, the illusion of separation dissolves, paving the way for unity and harmony.

Conclusion:

As people explore non-duality, they encounter a powerful idea that challenges how they see themselves. It urges them to question the illusions created by believing in individuality and separation. As they journey toward understanding the inherent unity within everything, they may discover a path that transforms them, leading to harmony, compassion, and a deep connection with the divine essence that ties all existence together.

By letting go of the illusion of separateness or I-Consciousness, individuals are encouraged to see the interconnectedness that runs through everything in existence. This realization not only helps them understand themselves better but also fosters empathy and inclusivity toward others. Embracing the principles of non-duality, people move beyond ego-driven perceptions to embrace a reality where unity and interconnectedness are paramount.

As people delve deeper into understanding non-duality, they’re encouraged to adopt a viewpoint that goes beyond their individual identities. This exploration reveals the deep truth that beneath all the differences, there’s a single essence that connects everyone. Through this understanding, individuals find a way to inner peace, compassionate understanding, and living in harmony with the rich diversity of existence.