The Essence of Non-Duality

A Gateway to Spiritual Harmony and Artistic Elevation

Murielle Mobengo

Cet article sera bientôt traduit.

En attendant, nous invitons nos lecteurs bilingues à en poursuivre la lecture en anglais ici.

1. Understanding the role and importance of philosophy in the development of intelligence poses many challenges due to one factor–materialism. In recent history, the primary concentration of human intellectual energy on action and manufacturing, which the dominance of technology and commerce highlights since the Industrial Revolution, holds considerable implications.

2. Globalization and the emergence of the information age have accelerated interconnectedness and established competition as a rule and measure of success. As a consequence, since the mid 20th century, education efforts in OECD countries focus on fast and gratifying ways to extract value from the physical world, thereby obliterating (wiping out) what leads to action: thought, the domain of philosophy. Within this framework, a deficit, a lack in intellectual capabilities impedes the cultivation of philosophia, the pursuit of wisdom.

3. Aiming for wisdom conditions clarity in reasoning and decision-making, an essential skill to grapple existence, but also the foundation of any creative intent, and of science, which has, etymologically, less to do with numbers than the ability to organize and validate knowledge. Indeed, the term "science" originates from the Latin word scientia, denoting knowledge, awareness, and understanding. Any endeavor devoid of scientia and its deeply nurturing quality to the mind, intellect, and spirit dooms the practice of wisdom to invisibility. 

4. Yes, wisdom is a practice, an existential muscle, so to speak, that is trained by observation (study), experience, and encouraged by inner impulse or rather personality tendencies. Wisdom causes us to question the very nature of reality, to inquire existence, find answers, that is to discriminate what is true from what is false, and realize what our finitude implies. Some of us, a minority, considering the preeminence of materialism––which predates modern capitalism, and is rather existential, as we’ll demonstrate in this article––are naturally wisdom-motivated or oriented, suggesting that the taste for wisdom can be inherited or acquired through canonical literature, or oral tradition as ancient religious or philosophical wisdom permeating time attest. 

5. In our current context, where the practice of wisdom has been pushed into the background, the value of wisdom, as well as the function of those who are natural wisdom seekers or passers, saints, poets, philosophers and scholars, disciples, and aspirants, needs to be recuperated to fit dominant materialistic ideologies, as exemplified by the epidemic of social media poets, or rendered obsolete. 

6. As another discreet effect of the obsolescence of scientia, philosophy and the humanities in the academia are now infiltrated with politics and materialism, which are connected. 

7. While ancient wisdom and contemporary saints consistently caution against materialism, manifested in desire and avarice (greed) according to most religious canons, human societies require political organization and depend on physical resources for their sustenance. In ancient religious and mystical traditions, these aspects turn malevolent only in the absence of wisdom.

8. We are currently witnessing a pronounced devotion to materialism, an unrestrained pursuit of desire satisfaction. The liberal arts, once cultural pillars that elevated education and society, now find themselves diluted in mass culture whose aim is to entertain, amuse, divert, rather than to cause to contemplate. 

9. Materialism hinders wisdom, where thought, reason, and introspection flourish. Thought, a tool that can either serve materialism or wisdom, is rooted in philosophical competence—the ability to think correctly. This competence is crucial for cultivating a taste for wisdom, essential not only for addressing existence but also, within this article's scope, for expressing genius and sublimity in creative pursuits.

10. I won’t discuss the toll materialism exacts on our existence, here. That reflection may find its place in a separate article. As a mystic, I deplore the desolation of our inner lives—manifest not only in poetry and art, but also in the overall fabric of our existence. This is all the more disheartening since this intellectual and spiritual aridity is neither necessary nor inevitable.

11. Materialism is an effect of dualism, the perception that the inner and outer world are distinct entities, therefore separated. This article aims to illustrate how non-duality, specifically in Advaita Vedanta, a philosophy prioritizing wisdom, reconciles these domains. Focusing on what’s absolute, complete, rather than relative and incomplete, non-duality not only solves existential paradoxes, but defragments knowledge.

Reader and Author Engagement

12. This subject appears difficult and intimidating. It is not, as non-duality is harmony, the pursuit and privilege of poets and artists, and the first aspect of reality in Samkhya philosophy, as you will discover later on in this article. Harmony, as a force, is soothing for the intellect, and favors genius in existence and creative pursuits.

13. It is a dynamic movement of transformation, from the many to the one, we will engage in together. The only thing required from the reader/seeker is concentration, and a vivid will to see through this inquiry, and apply the method it contains to your creative practice.

Benefits of Reading this Article

14. This article aims to help you (i) grasp the nature, role, and connection of Culture and Religion, (ii) understand the responsibility bestowed upon poets by the gift of poetry, (iii) recognize its implications for philosophers and artists, and (iv) offer a practical method for creating poetry, art, and wisdom-oriented literature based on the principle of non-duality.

15. Our primary objective is to present these subjects in a clear and intelligible manner to provide practical benefits. To achieve this, we've crafted the text to maintain your attention, avoiding unnecessary jargon for fluidity. While the language is accessible, the content engages contemporary poets and artists in developing the philosophical competence expected from guardians of Culture, incorporating logic, historical references, literary composition, and philosophical reflection.

Reading and Study Method

16. For those engaging with "The Essence of Non-Duality: A Gateway to Spiritual Harmony and Poetic and Artistic Elevation," whether poets, artists, philosophers, or seekers, we suggest a deliberate and attentive reading process. Keep a notebook handy to jot down any clear ideas or thoughts that prompt further reflection.

17. We'll provide explanations of relevant concepts within the text, eliminating the need for external internet links that may distract you. Our goal is to illuminate your intellect, fostering openness, focus, dynamism, mobility, flexibility, and sharpness, avoiding confusion. Please don't hesitate to contact the author for questions or clarifications. If you prefer reading aloud or find it beneficial, feel free to do so. We will add audible chapters to each page in the future. 

18. Engaging in both reading and listening is a potent learning method, allowing you to assimilate and integrate the subject of study by immersing yourself through two primary senses, rather than relying on just one. Additionally, taking notes on a paper notepad engages the sense of touch, a third sensory input that will mobilize and sharpen your intellectual faculties.

19. Should you require a dictionary for personal reasons, consult one at your convenience. We will include a glossary with ongoing additions for reference. For vocabulary building and definitions, consider using reputable dictionaries in print or online, such as Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, Cambridge, Google Dictionary, or Wiktionary.

20. If you feel the urge to explore topics beyond what the author has provided, refer to the article bibliography with recommended books, accessible via the link at the end of each chapter. To minimize online distractions, we suggest keeping a paper notepad while reading, and using online notepads only after completing a chapter.

21. Academic experts in religious studies or philosophy are welcome to contribute or correct any potential mistakes by reaching out to the author: info@revuerevolution.com. Additionally, a French translation of this text by the author will be available in the coming months.

22. In the Yogic tradition, to which the author belongs, writers striving to unveil the Truth and enrich divine literature invoke and recognize divine inspiration with a preamble in any of their written endeavors. The author also extends gratitude to you, the audience, also divine in form, for your attention. With this poem, the author pays homage to those recognized in the west as "muses," yet transcending them—verily divine presences residing within us all. You can read this poem (and a light introduction to dedications in writing here)