What is the meaning of the term, ‘duality’ when applied to the mind? It is both spiritual and non-spiritual, says DR SANJAY TEOTIA
Duality at a more simplistic level is when the brain has two options for everything while making a decision or doing work. In this duality of the brain, the mind is continuously in a state of confusion till it is able to come to one conclusion with the help of previous experiences. Duality is a belief in which a person identifies with both his physical body as well as his or her spiritual part. This spiritual part is referred to as ‘soul’ or inner-self or consciousness.
Another contradictory belief is that our mind is physical and our feelings cannot be expressed in words; they can only be experienced. Our mind usually swings between the spiritual and the non-spiritual. This usually happens because of duality of the mind and this manifests in our thoughts, actions and words. Usually a person lives with the duality of consciousness or inner consciousness.
There are two dimensions of the mind: one is physical and the other is spiritual, in which consciousness has infinite qualities. Our ‘soul’ or inner self is considered a part of consciousness, which is automatically expressed by our brain.
Another option for the brain is physical or should we say, non-spiritual. According to materialism or the non-spiritual dimension, everything in the world is made of material, which includes both human body and mind.
According to the Bhagavad Gita, human beings are born due to the confusion that duality creates like opposites attract, likes and dislikes, and several other actions produced by our desire and hatred. Duality is a state of alienation from one’s own self, in which realism, extreme consciousness and God is also included.
When someone enters a state of alienation, he or she experiences deep sadness, depression, hopelessness and confusion which fill the mind with distrust, emotional turmoil, anger and fear. Due to these negative emotions, the person becomes physically and emotionally weak, and in more extreme cases, even loses the ability to face the daily challenges of life, thereby feeling lost.
According to religion, because of duality of mind, there are two supreme opposite powers that pull an individual — one may be faith in God and another may be belief in an evil power. These thoughts keep the world on the path of duality. A person may think that God is a separate power, and can never exist within himself. He assumes that to attain God, he has to conduct some religious ceremonies such as yagya, or some other religious rituals.
Every action should be to please God. Persons who do this are always in the consciousness of God
The oldest references to Adwaitwa are found in the first Hindu Upanishad, Brihadaranyaka of Indian culture and civilization and alongwith that, it is found in the Chandogya Upanishad of the pre-Buddha era, which emphasises the connection with one’s personal inner self, which is also known as the soul or supreme Brahm.
According to Hinduism, there are several kinds of Yoga to keep the brain stable and free from duality of the mind. Meditation and concentration is a medium through which a person can control the restlessness of his brain and can achieve peace and state of consciousness.
Dr. Sanjay Teotia is an eye surgeon and is Senior Consultant, Balrampur Hospital, in Lucknow (U.P.) He is a prolific spiritual writer and his articles appear regularly in Navbharat Times and in Times of India, apart from YoursPositively
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