Today's Column

The Hard Argument

Non-duality rests on what is perhaps the single hardest point to argue in all of existence: that the arguer, him or her self, does not exist. Who, then, is making the argument? Who is writing this? The simple answer is that the brain does it by itself, with no “agent” necessary behind the scenes, anymore than there is actually any “it” behind the statement, “It is raining.” Philosophical approaches to this dilemma trot out seemingly counterintuitive perspectives, like the notion that there is an implicit “I” common to all observers, each of which becomes, by virtue of its manifestation in the world, an explicit “I.” The brain it seems, which is regularly enslaved by its notions of ego, is also quite capable of encompassing the idea that its deepest nature is grounded in the very fabric of reality, and that it looks both out of and into every eye.

There is a natural rhythm of enrapturement with the everyday that arises at birth and gradually loses its all encompassing grip as its limitations become apparent. This brain that glories in its own selfishness is also capable of the most amazing acts of kindness and charity. It is capable of letting go with just as much grace as it is capable of holding on. This is when doors are discovered to be standing open that weren’t even recognized as doors before. Once the notion that this dictatorial “I” is a phantom gains the slightest credibility the ego’s demands begin to collapse. In this moment no harm can come to me. There is no threat for which I must build defenses, and every “should” that has nibbled at my peace of mind turns transparent and melts away. For every demand that appears an equal and opposite surrender occurs automatically, and it becomes inescapably obvious that the petty little judgments we make are simply the reactivity of a mechanism built into the brain by billions of years of evolution.

This reactivity is the neurological medium of the game of hide and seek that the Real plays with Itself, always teasing the seeker, making life “difficult.” This prolongs the delight of watching oneself espouse the “ideals” of non-duality and twist in the wind over quirks of acquisitiveness or eccentricities of sexuality. It’s all so simple. The mind is the battlefield, but the battle is a play. The one who is refusing to give up that last little selfishness is that same One, that is not-two. This is it.

Namasté