Śrī Pañcadaśī 2.36-40: Nondual Point of View

Summary

The speaker addresses the criticism of using dualistic language to describe non-dual concepts, arguing that language inherently involves a speaker and a hearer, creating duality. They emphasize the necessity of language to educate and communicate with those who are 'ignorant' of non-dual realities. The script also highlights advanced practices where silence and presence can convey deeper truths, as seen in historical examples of enlightenment. The speaker challenges the neo-Advaita stance, advocating for compassion and the use of language as a tool for guiding towards self-realization.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speaker acknowledges the challenge of communicating non-dual concepts using inherently dualistic language.
• 🗣️ Language is dualistic by nature, involving a speaker and a listener, which creates a subject-object relationship.
• 🎭 The speaker uses examples like Catholic mass to illustrate the repetitive use of language in religious practices, reflecting a dualistic understanding of reality.
• 🚸 The necessity of language for communicating with those who are 'ignorant' of non-dual truths, as direct non-verbal communication is reserved for advanced students on the brink of enlightenment.
• 🌟 The speaker references historical examples, such as Dakshina Murti and the Buddha's flower sermon, to highlight instances of non-verbal communication leading to enlightenment.
• 🤫 Silence and non-verbal cues can be more effective than language in conveying the essence of non-dualism to the prepared mind.
• 💬 The speaker criticizes neo-Advaitans for focusing on the limitations of language, rather than using it as a tool for guiding others towards understanding.
• 🔮 The speaker asserts that despite the limitations, language can effectively describe practices that lead to self-realization, such as meditation techniques.
• 🌌 The nature of the material world and duality is transient and ever-changing, making any verbal description of the non-dual ultimately inadequate.
• 🌐 The speaker suggests that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond description and can only be hinted at through language and metaphor.
• 🤝 Language serves as a pointer towards the truth, like a finger pointing at the moon, guiding individuals towards self-realization.

Q & A

What is the main argument against the use of language in conveying non-dual concepts?

The main argument is that language is inherently dualistic, with a speaker and a hearer, an originator and a receiver, which contradicts the non-dual nature of reality that some spiritual teachings propose.

Why is repetitive language used in religious practices like in the Catholic church example?

Repetitive language is used to reinforce beliefs and to help followers internalize the teachings, even though it may seem impersonal or tiring to a higher consciousness.

What is the significance of silence and non-verbal communication in advanced spiritual practices?

Silence and non-verbal communication can convey deeper truths that transcend the limitations of dualistic language, as seen in the examples of Dakshina Murti and the Buddha's flower sermon.

How does Ramana Maharshi's response to questions about Samadhi or Brahman illustrate the limitations of language?

Ramana Maharshi's response of silence and loss of ego demonstrates that some spiritual concepts cannot be fully expressed in words and require direct experience.

What is the purpose of using dualistic language to describe non-dual concepts?

The purpose is to communicate with those who are not yet enlightened and help guide them towards understanding and practicing spiritual truths.

Why do some spiritual teachings emphasize the use of language despite its limitations?

Language is a necessary tool for education and communication, especially for those who are ignorant of the non-dual reality and need guidance.

What is the role of practice in spiritual enlightenment according to the script?

Practice, such as sitting in stillness and looking within, is essential for self-realization and understanding the non-dual nature of Brahman.

How is the concept of the self described in the context of non-dualism?

The self in non-dualism is described as pure consciousness, unconditioned self-awareness without boundaries, obstacles, or end, contrasting with the limited consciousness of the body and mind.

What is the criticism of the neo-Advaitans' stance on language and spiritual teaching?

The criticism is that their stance, which emphasizes the limitations of language, can come across as uncompassionate and lacking in the desire to help others understand or reach the truth.

How does the script address the idea that any statement about non-dual reality is inherently dualistic?

The script acknowledges this paradox but argues that despite the inherent duality of language, it can still serve as a valuable pointer towards self-realization and understanding of non-dual reality.

What is the script's perspective on the phrase from the Dao Te Ching, 'those who speak do not know, those who know do not speak'?

The script views this phrase as limiting and unhelpful for spiritual education, as it dismisses the possibility of using language to guide others towards understanding and enlightenment.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 Language and Dualism in Spiritual Teachings

This paragraph discusses the critique of using dualistic language in explaining non-dual concepts, such as those found in Buddhism and neo-Advaita. It acknowledges the inherent duality of language due to the presence of a speaker and a hearer, and the necessity of using such language to communicate with those who are unenlightened. The paragraph also contrasts this with the silent communication methods used with advanced students, such as Lord Shiva enlightening sages through silence or Buddha's flower sermon. It emphasizes the understanding that all statements are dualistic and that language is a practical tool for guiding the ignorant towards enlightenment.

05:06

🌟 The Necessity of Language in Spiritual Practice

The second paragraph explores the practical use of language in spiritual practice and teaching. It argues that despite the limitations of language in capturing the essence of non-dual reality, it is essential for communicating with those who are not yet enlightened. The paragraph provides an example of a spiritual practice involving sitting in a certain posture and looking within, which can lead to self-realization. It also touches on the transient nature of the material world and the limitations of language in describing the formless, non-dual reality. The paragraph criticizes the neo-Advaita stance of dismissing language as inherently dualistic and unhelpful, advocating instead for the compassionate use of language to educate and guide seekers towards enlightenment.

10:16

🕉 The Role of Language as a Pointer to Truth

The final paragraph emphasizes the role of language as a pointer towards the ultimate truth of non-duality, likening it to using a finger to point at the moon. It acknowledges the limitations of language in expressing the unchanging nature of reality and the difficulty of describing the formless self. The paragraph criticizes the neo-idwaitans for their lack of compassion in dismissing the use of language for teaching, arguing that it is a valuable tool for guiding individuals towards self-realization. It concludes by stating that language, despite its limitations, is a necessary means for educating and leading people to the practice that can result in enlightenment.

Keywords

💡Non-dual

Non-dual refers to the concept that all things are ultimately one and not separate from each other. In the video, this is the central theme, challenging the use of dualistic language to describe a non-dual reality. The speaker argues that despite the inherent duality of language, it is necessary to communicate the concept of non-duality to those who are ignorant of it.

💡Dualistic language

Dualistic language is the use of speech that implies a separation between the speaker and the listener, or between subject and object. The script discusses the inherent duality of language and how it contrasts with the concept of non-duality, yet it is still used as a tool for teaching and understanding.

💡Enlightenment

Enlightenment, in the context of the video, is the state of ultimate understanding or realization of non-duality. It is mentioned as the goal for advanced students who no longer need words but can understand through silence and 'vibes,' as illustrated by the stories of Dakshina Murti and Buddha's flower sermon.

💡Ignorance

Ignorance, as used in the script, refers to the state of being unaware of the non-dual nature of reality. The speaker emphasizes the need to use language to educate those who are ignorant, despite the limitations and inherent duality of language.

💡Brahman

Brahman is a term from Hindu philosophy that represents the ultimate reality, the supreme spirit, and the unchanging reality beyond the material world. The script mentions Brahman as the only reality without conditions or boundaries, and the ultimate goal of self-realization.

💡Silence

Silence is presented in the video as a powerful alternative to language, especially for those on the verge of enlightenment. It is used to convey deep understanding or realization that transcends the need for words, as seen in the examples of Lord Shiva and Buddha.

💡Practice

Practice in the script refers to the method of self-realization, which involves sitting in a certain posture, keeping the mind still, and looking within. It is described as a simple yet profound method to experience the non-dual reality.

💡Consciousness

Consciousness in the video is discussed in the context of being unconditioned and pure, as opposed to the limited consciousness of the body, senses, and mind, which is subject to change and death. It relates to the concept of Brahman as pure self-awareness.

💡Duality

Duality is the state of seeing the world as consisting of separate entities, as opposed to the non-dual view. The script uses the concept of duality to contrast with non-duality and to discuss the limitations of language and understanding.

💡Tautology

Tautology in the script refers to statements that are self-evidently true, such as 'reality is real.' It is mentioned to illustrate the limitations of language in expressing the non-dual nature of reality, as some statements may seem redundant or circular.

💡Self-realization

Self-realization is the process of recognizing one's true nature, which is non-dual and beyond the limitations of the physical body and mind. The script emphasizes that language, despite its limitations, can guide individuals towards this ultimate understanding.

Highlights

The necessity of using dualistic language to communicate non-dual concepts due to the inherent dualistic nature of language.

The acknowledgment that language, with its speaker and hearer, is dualistic and cannot be avoided in communication.

The observation that everyone starts as a dualist and must be reached through language despite its limitations.

The role of repetition in religious practices as a means to reinforce beliefs in duality.

The idea that advanced students can be enlightened through silence and non-verbal cues, as exemplified by historical anecdotes.

The critique of neo-Advaitans for their focus on the limitations of language, rather than its utility in teaching.

The argument that making any statement inherently involves duality, which is acknowledged but not a barrier to communication.

The practicality of using language to educate the ignorant about non-dualistic realities.

The tautological nature of some statements about reality and Brahman, highlighting the inherent limitations of language in capturing absolute truth.

The description of the practice of self-realization, emphasizing the simplicity of the method and its potential for enlightenment.

The acknowledgment of the formless nature of self-awareness, as illustrated by the Beatles' lyrics.

The transient nature of material reality and the dualistic world, as opposed to the unchanging nature of Brahman.

The critique of the Dao Te Ching quote, arguing against its use as a dismissal of the possibility of teaching truth.

The assertion that language serves as a pointer towards self-realization, like a finger pointing at the moon.

The importance of compassion in teaching and guiding others towards understanding non-dualistic concepts.

The final point emphasizing the value of language as a means to lead to ultimate self-realization, despite its limitations.

Transcripts

Namaste 🙏🏼 So the opponents, which could be the Buddhists or it could even be the neo-Advaitins,

Or even the dualistic believers in the personal gods and so on, they object to the use of

language saying that, well, you're saying that everything is ultimately non-dual, but

here you are using language which is dualistic and often repetitive.

And the answer is, "Eh, so what?"

We have to use language, and language is by its own nature dualistic.

What to do?

Because in language, there is a speaker and a hearer.

There is an originator and a receiver.

there is, in other words, a subject and an object. So it's dual. We can't get around that. Because in the beginning, everybody is dualist. Try to understand. Like just down the street from me, there's a big Catholic church. And it's Sunday morning. So everybody's in the church, repeating the catechism, you know, and the mass and all that.

The same words, the same thing over and over again.

I mean, God must really be tired of hearing this repetitive,

you know, impersonal speech over and over again.

Like, why don't you get it?

Well, they can't get it.

They have to believe in duality because to them,

it's the only reality.

So to reach people who are, to use the plain word, ignorant, one must use language and one must speak to this misunderstanding that reality is dualistic. Otherwise, it's impossible to communicate.

Now, when you have very advanced students who are like right on the verge of enlightenment, one does not have to use words. One can only use vibes, you know, and silence. So this is, for example, in the past time of Dakshina Murti, when Lord Shiva enlightened the five sages by simply sitting in silence.

or in the famous flower sermon of the Buddha, when Buddha was going to speak and he simply held up a flower.

And only one of the hearers got it. That's another story.

or in the past times of Ramana Maharshi, sometimes someone would ask, "Well, what is Samadhi?" or, "What is Brahman?" and he would simply go silent, lose the ego and stare off into space.

What else can you say? Because anything you say will be in duality. So the Neo

Advaitans in particular like to pound on this point. But all they're doing is

revealing their ignorance. Because if you make any statement at all, it is dualistic.

Yes, we know this. We know it quite well. On the other hand, how are we going to reach people who are ignorant without using language? It's simply not possible.

So from a practical point of view, use of language is necessary. And of course, some of the statements are going to be tautological. You know, like reality is real.

But only Brahman is real, because only Brahman exists without any conditions, without any boundaries, without beginning or end.

And therefore only Brahman is pure consciousness, pure unconditioned self-awareness, without any obstacle, without any boundary, without any end.

Everything else is bounded.

For example, the consciousness of the body and the senses and the mind. This all goes away when the body is finished at death.

And the mind simply gathers its memories together and picks up and leaves and goes to another body.

So, even though we're dependent on language in the dualistic state, the truths of Brahman

can be stated well enough that if someone actually sits down and does the practice,

they can get it.

So it is possible to describe the practice in dualistic language because the practice

This is simple. Sit down. Keep your mind still. Keep your body erect with the spine in a straight line. Look within. Maybe the eyes stare off into space or maybe they look sort of at the tip of the nose, but they're not focused there. The vision is focused within.

And what is there? Huh? What do I see when I turn out the light? I can't tell you but I know it's mine. The Beatles songs are somehow really right on. Can't tell you what I see when I close my eyes at night. Because it's formless.

Maybe it's a kind of shifting light, you know, which is nothing but the light of the self reflected in the moving mind. The mind is always moving. So anything that we say, the next moment is going to be untrue because things change. That's the nature of the material world. That's the nature of duality.

Whatever we say is a lie in the sense that we're talking about something non-dual as the substrate of everything.

So that cannot be explained in words. Only the phenomena superimposed on it can be expressed to a certain extent in language.

Oh, but the neo-idwaitans love to bring up that phrase from the Dao Te Ching that "those

who speak do not know, those who know do not speak."

That's a great hammer to smash any argument, right?

Except it's dumb.

It's dumb because that eliminates any possibility of educating people in the truth or even showing

them the way to reach the truth. So it's a very kind of hard, uncompassionate stance to take. And

we see this with the Buddhists and the neo-edwaitans, that they're much lacking in compassion.

That is to say, they don't really care about helping other people to understand. They simply

want to show off their own superiority and their ability to smash any argument. Well, yeah, of course,

any argument can be smashed because it's couched in the language of duality, which is the only

language there is. So if we are going to help people, if we are going to bring people to the

point where they can do the practice that leads to enlightenment. We have to educate them, and

language is the only means we have. So even from the point of view of Brahman, from the point of

view of non-duality, we use language to gradually point out where Brahman is, like the finger

pointing at the moon or like using the tree and the branch of the tree to point out a small star in the sky. They're only a help. They're only a pointer. But these words are valuable because they lead to ultimate self-realization.

Aung, k