Why is the Why-question irrelevant in non-duality?

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In non-duality, the question of “why” is often considered irrelevant because non-duality asserts that there is ultimately no separation between the self and the rest of existence. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Non-duality and Oneness: Non-duality, as a philosophical and spiritual concept, posits that there is no fundamental distinction between the self and the external world. It suggests that everything is interconnected and part of a unified whole. This perspective doesn’t see reality as being composed of separate entities or phenomena but rather as an undivided unity.
2. Transcending Dualistic Thinking: In everyday life, we often think in terms of dualities: good and bad, right and wrong, self and other, etc. Asking “why” often implies a separation between a cause and an effect, a subject and an object. In non-duality, these distinctions are seen as illusory because everything is part of the same underlying reality.
3. Beyond Causality: Questions of “why” often involve seeking causes or reasons for events or phenomena. In non-duality, the idea of causality itself is questioned. Rather than seeking reasons or explanations for why things are the way they are, non-duality suggests accepting reality as it is, beyond the realm of cause and effect.
4. Direct Experience: Non-duality often emphasizes direct experience over intellectual understanding. It encourages being present in the moment and experiencing reality as it is, without imposing conceptual frameworks or seeking explanations.
5. Language and Concepts: Words like “why” are inherently dualistic because they imply a separation between a questioner and an answer. Non-dual teachings often suggest that reality cannot be fully captured or understood through language or concepts. As such, questions like “why” are seen as limited or misleading when it comes to understanding the nature of reality.

In essence, the concept of “why” implies a separation between the self and the rest of existence, which contradicts the non-dual understanding of reality as an indivisible whole. Therefore, in non-dual philosophy, the question of “why” is often considered irrelevant or misleading in the context of understanding the ultimate nature of reality.

Sources:

• Rupert Spira – “The Nature of Non-duality”
• Adyashanti – “The End of Your World”
• Ramana Maharshi – “Be As You Are: The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi” (Edited by David Godman)
• URLs:
  • https://rupertspira.com/
  • https://www.adyashanti.org/
  • https://www.sriramanamaharshi.org/

Why is WHY irrelevant?