One
of the most challenging tasks in life involves maintaining a nondual
view of the world on the one hand - whereby we see all things as
inherently One - AND, on the other hand, simultaneously taking a stand
on the current issues which we deem important. It is tempting instead to
adopt only ONE of these perspectives - EITHER oneness OR dualism.
According to the former view, all things are - at their deepest level -
simply various aspects of a larger Whole. However, when we take the
latter view, we focus on the importance of recognizing that one of the
stances is indeed more correct than the other. In fact, most of us find
it quite difficult to hold both nondualist and dualist views
continually in tension.
On the one hand, many contemplative
nondualists make a practice of avoiding taking a stance on an issue that
might bring conflict, preferring instead to view the latter as sheer
illusion. They try to see the good that is present within BOTH sides of
the issue, and work to form a third view that might include elements of
both. On the other hand, many issues-oriented people make an identity
out of taking an unyielding stand on just one side of an issue,
convinced that this is the only way to energize true change. Frustrated
that issues seem so complex these days - unlike historic issues such as
slavery or genocide, which are so obviously unethical - it is tempting
for us to dig in our heels on the matter. However, we eventually
discover that we too often use this practice as a subconscious defense
against having to take into consideration yet ONE MORE set of data that
might prove us at least partially wrong.
At the present time, I
feel called to make a practice of moving back and forth between BOTH of
these two seemingly opposed perspectives. On the one hand, I
understand that at their core, differing views are actually aspects of a
larger Whole. Politically speaking, we might say that those on the
Left are actually practicing the liberal aspect of conservatism.
Similarly, those on the Right are actually holding to the conservative
aspect of liberalism. In other words, we are never purely conservative
or liberal, but perennially possess aspects of both. On the other hand, a
truly nondual view means that we ALSO decide not to exclude taking a
stand on an issue which we consider important. In other words, true
nondualism INCLUDES taking a dualistic stand. Otherwise, it would cease
to be true Oneness, but would instead remain opposed to something - in
this case, to taking stand on a position.
While the static
mind cannot reconcile these two seemingly opposite perspectives - i.e.,
non-dualism versus dualism - a continual movement - a dance - back and
forth between the two sides enables us to bring about a deeper
reconciliation. In any case, I find it important - for myself, at least -
to hold the two contrasting sides in continual tension. As Rilke says:
"This man is occupied by a problem to which he returns like a fly. He
wants all opposing things to touch each other just the same. He wishes
God who made them all would stop right in the midst of them. That man
who is infinitely stubborn is the poet."
Photo: Aspen trees reflected in a pond; Red Feather Lakes, CO; October 12, 2013
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