There is a perspective that transcends the borders of conventional wisdom, which suggests the cosmos is but an illusion of our perceptions. In this exploration, we dare to challenge the solidity of the reality we perceive, going beyond dualism, and examining the assertion that the ‘world’ is nothing but a belief that there is something other than awareness.

Duality & Reality

Often, we conceptualize our reality in terms of polar opposites, like light and dark, good and evil, presence and absence. In this dualistic framework, we imagine our awareness as being separate from the ‘world.’ This is the root of subject-object dichotomy, wherein we perceive ourselves (subject) as separate entities experiencing a world full of objects.

However, consider a moment when you are engrossed in a beautiful symphony. Do you feel separated from the music, or do you become one with it? Could it be that the world as we know it is just our consciousness taking the form of sensory experiences – sights, sounds, tastes, feelings – all of which are just facets of our being?

The Sole Substance of Experience

Our experience, always arising in the now, is composed of one ever-present, homogeneous, and changeless substance. This substance is both knowing and present. It is all we are, all we know, and all we love. From the most ordinary moments like the taste of tea to the surreal experiences of dreaming, it colors every aspect of our perception. All these experiences, no matter how disparate they appear, are made of the same underlying substance – awareness.

The Collapse of Dualism

Having seen clearly that there is no world, object, or other as such, we then ask, what is this awareness, this sole substance? However, as soon as we try to define or objectify awareness, we reintroduce duality. We are back in the realm of the subject and the object.

The dilemma is thus: if there is no object, there cannot be a subject. And if there is a subject, there must be an object. Even the concept of oneness implies duality, as oneness is still one thing too many. This introduces the paradox of the ‘non-dual’ or ‘not two’, an idea revered by ancient philosophers.

Beyond Words: The Silence that Speaks

The mind can’t fathom an understanding beyond duality. Words, ideas, and thoughts fail to capture the essence of reality when viewed from this profound perspective. What remains is silence. Not the silence which is the absence of sound, but that which is prior to the absence or presence of sound or any other dualities.

This silence is beyond the mind, body, and world. And yet, when the mind, body, and world seem to appear, it is only this silence that is known. This silence is not empty but filled with a profound peace and understanding.

Conclusion: The Final Understanding

When we move beyond the boundaries of subject-object dichotomy, we arrive at a profound understanding that transcends conventional wisdom. It’s the realization that there is no separate ‘world’ to perceive; everything is just a manifestation of awareness, a dance of consciousness. And in this final understanding, we find an ineffable peace that can’t be captured in words, but can only be experienced, a profound silence that speaks volumes.

With this perspective, we can approach our lives with a newfound clarity and a sense of interconnectedness, truly experiencing the oneness that underlies the illusion of the many. This understanding isn’t just intellectually stimulating; it can lead to a profound shift in how we relate to our experiences, opening up a door to lasting peace and contentment.