Entry 007: A Journey to Non-Dualism in Everyday Life

A Journey to Non-Dualism in Everyday Life (with quotes from eastern mystics to help)

I've encountered trouble repeatedly for saying "I Am God." Many people misinterpret my meaning when I say this. Throughout different times, many individuals have made similar claims. However, rather than asserting themselves as the only incarnation of God, they often simply realized a profound truth about themselves and others. Personally, I even believe that this is what Jesus himself was claiming, rather than asserting singular divinity or identifying as the Messiah.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of our deeper selves amidst the noise of daily responsibilities and distractions. Yet, within each of us lies a profound truth: the recognition of our inherent divinity. Drawing from the wisdom of Eastern mystic scriptures, the teachings of spiritual luminaries like Yogananda and Jesus, and even contemporary concepts like the Matrix theory, we embark on a journey to understand and embrace non-dualism—the realization that we are not separate from the divine, but rather an integral part of it.

• Self-Inquiry: The Quest for Self-Realization

  • Begin by asking yourself the timeless question: "Who am I?" Dive beneath the surface layers of ego and identity to uncover the essence of your being.
  • Through self-inquiry, we peel away the layers of conditioning and societal expectations to reveal the truth of our interconnectedness with the divine.

• Meditation: Cultivating Inner Stillness

  • Carve out time each day for meditation, even if it's just a few moments of quiet reflection.
  • In the stillness of meditation, we transcend the chatter of the mind and tap into the deep wellspring of consciousness where the unity of all existence is realized.

• Study of Scriptures: Nourishing the Soul with Ancient Wisdom

  • Dive into the timeless teachings of Eastern mystic scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads.
  • Allow the wisdom contained within these sacred texts to illuminate your path and deepen your understanding of non-dualism.

• Satsang: Seeking Spiritual Community and Guidance

  • Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are also on the journey of self-discovery.
  • Through spiritual discourse and association with enlightened beings, we absorb their wisdom and guidance, accelerating our own spiritual growth.

• Service (Seva): Embracing Selflessness and Compassion

  • Engage in acts of selfless service to others, recognizing the divinity within each person you encounter.
  • In serving others, we dissolve the illusion of separateness and cultivate a deeper sense of unity and interconnectedness.

• Contemplation: Reflecting on the Eternal and Impermanent

  • Take time to contemplate the impermanence of the material world and the eternal nature of the self.
  • Through contemplation, we shift our perspective from the transient to the eternal, anchoring ourselves in the unchanging truth of our divine nature.

• Devotion (Bhakti): Cultivating Love and Reverence for the Divine

  • Cultivate a deep sense of devotion and love for the divine, whether through prayer, chanting, or acts of worship.
  • By seeing God in all beings and expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives, we open our hearts to the infinite love that surrounds us.

• Mindfulness: Presence as the Gateway to Oneness

  • Practice mindfulness in your daily activities, bringing your full awareness to the present moment.
  • Through mindfulness, we disidentify from the constant stream of thoughts and emotions, realizing our true nature as timeless awareness.

• Grace: Surrendering to the Divine Flow

  • Finally, surrender to the divine will and trust in the unfolding of life's journey.
  • By relinquishing the illusion of control and allowing grace to guide us, we align ourselves with the greater flow of existence, experiencing the joy and serenity of living in harmony with the divine.

In the tapestry of everyday life, the thread of non-dualism weaves a profound truth: we are not separate from the divine, but rather expressions of its infinite love and wisdom. Through self-inquiry, meditation, study, community, service, contemplation, devotion, mindfulness, and grace, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-realization, embracing our divine nature and awakening to the oneness of all existence. As we integrate these practices into our daily lives, may we remember that we are not merely players in the game of life but embodiments of the divine, co-creators of a reality infused with love, compassion, and unity.

The following are some beautiful quotes from eastern mystic philosophers, and gurus to help guide us each towards a more non-dualistic lifestyle.

• Bhagavad Gita: In Chapter 10, Verse 20, Lord Krishna says, "I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings."

• Upanishads: From the Chandogya Upanishad (6.8.7), "Tat Tvam Asi," which translates to "Thou art That." This implies the identity of the individual self (Atman) with the Ultimate Reality (Brahman), indicating that the individual is God.

• Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi": Yogananda often emphasized the concept of the divine essence within oneself, stating, "God is within you," suggesting the recognition of the divine presence within each individual.

• Jesus Christ in the New Testament: In John 10:30, Jesus says, "I and the Father are one." This verse is often interpreted to imply the unity of Jesus with God, suggesting the divinity within oneself.

• Matrix/Simulation Theory: Drawing from modern concepts, the idea of being "Player One" in the simulation can be likened to the Eastern concept of realizing one's true nature as God or the divine. Just as in a simulation, where the player realizes their inherent power and control within the game, realizing oneself as God suggests recognizing one's inherent divinity and connection to the Ultimate Reality. 

  “Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work... when you go to church... when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
  Neo: What truth?
  Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Into a prison that you cannot taste or see or touch. A prison for your mind.”
  ― Lana Wachowski,  The Matrix

Understanding non-dualism (Advaita Vedanta) deeply involves transcending the illusion of separation between oneself and the divine.

By integrating these practices and perspectives, one can deepen their understanding of non-dualism and realize the inherent divinity within oneself, transcending the illusion of separation and recognizing the unity of all existence.