Can Anything Be Truly Guaranteed? Exploring the Nature of Reality through Advaita Nonduality

Introduction

The question of certainty in our daily lives often arises when we face seemingly insurmountable challenges or uncertainties. We constantly strive for guarantees in our relationships, work, and personal goals. But do these guarantees truly exist, or are they an illusion born from the human need for control and certainty?

Advaita Nonduality: The Path to Ultimate Certainty

Advaita Nonduality, often referred to as the philosophy of non-duality, offers a profound perspective on the nature of reality. According to this philosophy, our current perception of a divided and separate world is an illusion. There exists an inherent oneness and unity within all beings, and this unity is in essence a continuous awareness.

Understanding the Pure Being or Awareness

Advaita Nonduality teaches that beyond the duality and multiplicity of our experiences, lies a unified essence known as the pure being or awareness. This pure being is not a physical entity, but rather an eternal, timeless, infinite, and dimensionless dimension. Unlike the finite, changing aspects of our everyday life, this pure being is unchanging and inherently peaceful and fulfilled.

The Core of Self-Recognition

Each of us is already inseparably one with this pure being or awareness, and this recognition is not something that needs to be discovered but rather experienced. The pure being or awareness can be directly recognized when we cease to view it through the lens of our minds and physical senses. Instead, we recognize it as our own self-awareness, much like recognizing the "I am" in our daily lives.

Direct Non-Objective Self-Recognition

Rather than being mediated through thoughts, perceptions, or emotions, this recognition is an absolute knowledge. All other forms of knowledge—those that involve sensory perception, thoughts, feelings, memories, and imaginations—are relative and subject to change.

Accessibility of the Pure Being

This pure awareness is accessible to everyone everywhere and at all times. It is not an abstract concept but is the very essence of our daily “I am”. It is often referred to as the “open secret” that exists within us. Through different minds and processes of thinking, perceiving, feeling, and remembering, this pure awareness experiences itself as various objects in the ever-changing world.

Shattering the Illusion of Separateness

The belief in being a finite, separate, and independent person is a mistaken one. This belief stems from a lack of self-recognition and an ignorance of our true nature. As the mind remains unaware of its true nature, it may be carried away by objective experiences and perceptions, considering them as real and defining its identity. However, this belief is fundamentally an illusion, trapping one in a state of suffering as they navigate the continuously changing world.

Pathways to Self-Realization

According to Advaita Nonduality, the path to overcoming this illusion lies in a deeper self-inquiry and contemplation. This process of recognizing and understanding our true nature is a form of grace that draws us toward spirituality. As the illusions in the mind fade, the pure being or awareness stands revealed, allowing for glimpses of our true self.

Practicing Absoluteness

Once we recognize our true nature, the experience of lasting peace and joy becomes possible. Engaging in all aspects of life without a sense of ownership or doership, we can rest in, as, or surrender to the one and only pure being or awareness. This not only leads to the cessation of suffering but also fosters a more harmonious world and a more sustainable environment.

Conclusion

The pursuit of certainty in a world that continuously changes can be challenging, but finding the path to Advaita Nonduality can offer a profound sense of fulfillment and peace. If you are interested in learning more, check out my recent answer to a related question. Begin your journey towards self-realization today.