A Little History
The Harmonization of Non-Duality in the 13th and 14th Centuries
The 13th and 14th centuries marked a significant epoch in the history of spiritual thought, characterized by the emergence of non-duality as a key philosophical and mystical insight. This period saw the rise of various proponents of non-duality across different cultures, each contributing to the understanding of non-duality in their respective traditions.
Historic Examples of Non-Duality Proponents:
Vidyaranya (c. 1268–1386): A prominent figure in Advaita Vedanta, Vidyaranya taught the non-dual nature of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), emphasizing their unity.
Nichiren Daishonin (1222–1282): He focused on the inherent potential for enlightenment within all beings, suggesting a non-dual reality where the mundane and the sacred are not separate.
Meister Eckhart (c. 1260–1328): His Christian mysticism proposed a non-dualistic understanding of the soul’s union with God, where the divine essence is intimately connected with the individual soul.
Jalāl al-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (1207–1273): Rumi’s Sufi teachings and poetry often reflect the unity with the divine, portraying the lover’s union with the Beloved (God) as a non-dualistic mystical experience.
Awhad al-din Balyani (13th century, d. c. 1287): His works in Sufism explore the non-dualistic understanding of the self in relation to the divine, emphasizing the oneness of existence.
Dogen Zenji (1200–1253): The founder of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan, Dogen taught the non-duality of practice and enlightenment, emphasizing the unity of being and non-being.
Ibn Arabi (1165–1240): A Sufi mystic known for his concept of “Wahdat al-Wujud,” which expresses the non-dual nature of the divine and creation.
Moses de León (c. 1240–1305): A Kabbalist attributed with the Zohar, which discusses the mystical unity of the divine, reflecting non-dualistic elements within Jewish mysticism.
Gregory of Rimini (c. 1300–1358): His theological work influenced Christian thought, including interpretations that resonate with non-dualistic understanding.
Factors Contributing to the Global Convergence of Non-Duality:
The synchronicity of non-duality’s rise during this time can be attributed to several factors:
Cultural Exchange: The expansion of trade routes, such as the Silk Road, facilitated the exchange of ideas and knowledge between East and West, leading to a cross-pollination of spiritual and philosophical insights, including non-dualistic concepts.
Common Human Experience: The universal human quest for understanding the nature of existence and the self may have led to similar conclusions about non-duality in different parts of the world.
Socio-Political Factors: The 13th and 14th centuries were times of significant social and political change, prompting philosophical and spiritual introspection as people sought stability and meaning in times of upheaval.
Religious Reform Movements: Many of these figures were part of broader religious reform movements within their respective traditions, which often included non-dualistic elements.
Intellectual Developments: The period was marked by a renaissance in learning and literature, with increased literacy and the development of universities, contributing to the intellectual climate conducive to such spiritual and philosophical explorations.
These individuals from diverse spiritual backgrounds significantly shaped the discourse on non-duality during the 13th and 14th centuries. Their teachings continue to inspire those seeking deeper spiritual insights and understanding of the nature of reality. The convergence of non-duality during this era transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape that continues to influence contemporary thought.
In the 20th century, the enduring wisdom of non-duality found new expression through modern proponents who founded movements based on these ancient teachings. Among them were:
Ramana Maharshi: He emphasized self-inquiry as a means to realize the non-dual nature of the self and reality.
Nisargadatta Maharaj: His works further elucidated the principles of non-duality, making profound impacts on spiritual seekers.
Jean Klein: Coming from the tradition of Advaita Vedanta, he brought a unique and direct approach to non-duality, emphasizing the essence of consciousness.
Eckhart Tolle: With his contemporary teachings, Tolle has brought non-dualism into the mainstream of spiritual discourse in the West.
Adyashanti: His teachings have also played a significant role in making non-dualism accessible to a broader audience.
Francis Lucille: A teacher of non-duality who has been influential in the transmission of the Advaita Vedanta tradition, emphasizing the direct experience of our true nature beyond the mind.
Daisaku Ikeda: As a Buddhist leader and the president of the Soka Gakkai International, he has contributed to the dialogue on peace and the humanistic philosophy of the Lotus Sutra, resonating with the principles of interconnectedness and enlightenment potential in all beings.
Cynthia Bourgeault: A modern-day Christian mystic who continues the non-dualistic tradition of Meister Eckhart, emphasizing the transformative power of contemplative practice and direct experience within the Christian context.
Coleman Barks: Known for his translations of Rumi’s poetry, he has made the mystical teachings of Rumi accessible to the Western audience, emphasizing the non-dual nature of love and unity.
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee: A Sufi teacher who integrates the core principles of Sufism with non-dual wisdom, continuing the tradition of Rumi’s teachings on the mystical union with the divine.
These teachers have significantly contributed to the contemporary understanding and practice of non-duality, bridging ancient wisdom with modern spiritual inquiry. Their diverse approaches offer a rich array of pathways for those seeking.
Love
Freyja
