Definitions used in the program Awakening to Duality.



duality - the generally accepted perception of the world as divided into many object, two of those objects being self and other

dualism - the beliefs and behaviors which express and support our individual perception of duality. These beliefs and behaviors are shaped by our individual experiences and are therefore unique to us alone. Dualism is the slant we give to the generally accepted perception of the world.

oneness - the awareness of self as other and other as self. Non-duality is not the opposite of duality. It is an awareness that contains duality.

separation/connection - the space between objects in the world is the point of separation/connection. The point of connection IS the point of separation and the inseparable existence of these two truths lies at the heart of duality.

self/other - our inability to encounter the world in a non-dualistic way finds its ultimate expression in self/other. For the self, every encounter - even the encounter with self - becomes an encounter with other. Self and other cannot exist independently.

spirituality - a label given to a collection of themes that shape the relationship between objects in the world. The nature of these relationships, the nature of their connection/separation is seen by many to be the expression of spirituality. One's interaction with 'the other' whether it be supportive or destructive or indifferent is the expression of one's spirituality.

New Age movement - the name given to a wide compilation of contemporary and ancient-based practices which purport to offer an approach to spirituality which challenges the Judeo-Christian tradition. From a dualistic perspective, many new-age themes are only a slight variation of that offered in traditional religions. These themes include a belief that the future is shaped by present action and a condemnation of the present in favor of a more desirable future.