Viveka talks – exercise 3. “All is one” as an accurate but dangerous description of reality. Methodology lesson: there is only one truth about anything.
Remember: this article/chapter is tokenized, and you may buy it as “writer’s NFT!”
Points to consider
Even though no one can tell you what the true reality looks like, the seekers have asked from time immemorial, and some people (for better or for worst) have answered.
The accurate description of the reality is as follows: all is one; there is no other.
That description is the seed of the philosophy of non-duality or advaita.
Of course, non-duality is at the same time, completely non-intuitive and goes contrary to the everyday experience of all humans and other conscious beings. We experience multiplicity, and the “all is one” idea can sound noble, but it is utterly out of space.
It will do no good if you think about it or try to live under the presumption that “all is one”.
Unfortunately, seekers usually crave descriptions and then try to live as if that descriptions are their reality.
In this chapter, I admit that “all is one” accurately describes true reality. I could not avoid that because if you are interested in such basic questions, sooner or later, you’ll stumble upon advaita.
But the main point is not in revealing some ultimate truth! Quite the contrary, this chapter is a warning AGAINST listening to final answers and descriptions belonging to someone’s else life.
Here is the quote:
Descriptions are dangerous. They are seeds of the poisonous tree. You can eat them at your peril. If you do, they will grow into you, and almost in no time, it will be impossible to get rid of them. Be careful out there. Shut your ears, close your eyes, and walk away from the sweet offerings of descriptions.
You don't want a story. You don't want a moving picture, not even a perfect virtual reality. But, that is what you will get through the goal description. Your mind will play tricks with you – it always does. But this time, the traps will be more severe than ever. You will end up confident and bold... until the next calamity strikes you dead.
That said, there is an important lesson drawn from advaita: the lesson which belongs to the viveka method. The truth about something, including our reality, can be only one. In the spirit of cooperation, tolerance, and acceptance of differences, you were taught the fallacy of „everyone has their own truth.“ If you follow real advaita, you will have to unlearn that. Only one truth is; the other is an illusion.
Remember that the relativism of modern spirituality is the opposite of the truth. It is a highway to the realm of illusion.
Questions for thinking
- Did you ever try to live according to the ideas and descriptions of “wise” people you believed?
- Do you understand that the answer to the question “what is the truth about reality” can come only from within you?
- How often did you tell yourself that “everyone has their own truth”, and that everyone’s truth is correct (for them)? Did you ever doubt those expressions?
- Do you see the paradox between the second and third question, and can you resolve it?
It is your turn now. Write your thoughts, comments, or questions.
