Our sense of self is often confined to the body we inhabit, the ego we nurture, and the world that immediately surrounds us. These limitations shape how we interact with reality, influencing our thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions of existence.
However, ancient Eastern philosophies, especially Advaita Vedanta and the concept of nonduality, challenge us to expand our consciousness far beyond these narrow confines.
These teachings invite us to explore the boundless nature of our awareness, allowing us to transcend the illusions of separateness and awaken to the unity of all existence.
The Illusion of the Ego
In Advaita Vedanta, a key principle is the notion of Maya, or illusion. According to this philosophy, the material world, including our physical bodies, minds, and egos, is ultimately an illusion, veiling the true, undifferentiated reality called Brahman.
The ego (Ahamkara), our sense of individual identity, creates the perception of separation between ourselves and the world. This illusion encourages attachment to our body, mind, and immediate surroundings, causing suffering and reinforcing a sense of limitation.
The concept of Atman, or the true Self, stands in contrast to this illusory perception. In Advaita Vedanta, Atman is not the individual soul but the eternal, infinite consciousness that is identical with Brahman.
The goal of spiritual practice in Advaita Vedanta is to realize this non-separation between the individual consciousness (Atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman). This realization reveals that our body, ego, and surroundings are transient manifestations of the infinite and are not the essence of who we truly are.
Nonduality: Moving Beyond Separation
Nonduality is the cornerstone of Advaita Vedanta. It asserts that there is no true separation between the self and the universe. This nondual awareness invites us to move beyond the dualistic distinctions of “me” and “other,” “self” and “world.”
Nondual awareness asks us to recognize that everything we experience, including our thoughts, sensations, and perceptions, is part of a unified field of consciousness.
When we identify exclusively with our body or ego, we limit our experience to a small fraction of reality. We view ourselves as separate from the vast, interconnected web of existence.
Nonduality encourages us to dissolve this false boundary. In this state, there is no “other,” only a seamless experience of Being. Meditation, self-inquiry, and contemplative practices are the gateways to this realization, offering glimpses of unity and oneness.
Our understanding of the world shifts as we deepen in this nondual awareness. Rather than seeing ourselves as isolated individuals striving for survival or success in a hostile environment, we begin to perceive life as a dance of interconnected expressions of the same source – Brahman.
The distinctions between inner and outer, subject and object, self and other start to blur. This expansion of consciousness naturally leads to greater compassion and a deeper sense of being part of the cosmos.
Expanding Beyond the Body and Ego
The expansion of consciousness begins with recognizing that we are not merely our bodies. In meditation or deep self-inquiry, we come to observe the body as an object in awareness, something we can witness but not something that defines who we are.
Our sensations, thoughts, and emotions all arise within consciousness, but they are not the essence of consciousness itself. By witnessing these phenomena without attachment, we begin to disidentify with them.
Likewise, the ego, the psychological construct that separates “I” from the world, becomes another object in awareness.
Rather than seeing the ego as the director of our lives, we start to recognize it as a bundle of thoughts, memories, and identifications that arises and fades. The ego is a necessary tool for functioning in the world, but it is not the totality of who we are.
Eastern philosophies encourage us to cultivate practices that dissolve the ego’s dominance over our experience. Neti, Neti (“not this, not this”) is a practice in Advaita that helps us peel away layers of false identification.
By repeating this phrase as we examine our experiences, we negate what is impermanent and ultimately come closer to the pure, unchanging essence of awareness.
The Surroundings Are Not Separate
Our immediate surroundings, environment, relationships, and circumstances contribute to the illusion of separateness. When we believe that the external world is something “out there,” separate from “in here,” we reinforce the duality that prevents us from seeing the unity of existence.
In Eastern traditions, there is a recognition that the external world is not truly separate from the self. The surroundings are an extension of consciousness itself. Tat Tvam Asi—“That Thou Art”—is a powerful declaration in Advaita Vedanta, affirming that everything we perceive is a reflection of the same underlying reality.
The world we experience is not external to us but arises within the field of awareness that we are.
As we expand our consciousness, we begin to experience the world as an extension of our own awareness. The trees, the sky, and the people we encounter are expressions of the same divine essence. This expanded awareness awakens a deep connection with the world around us, allowing us to move through life with greater presence, love, and harmony.
Practical Steps to Expanding Consciousness
1. Meditation and Self-Inquiry: Regular meditation helps quiet the mind and allows us to observe thoughts and sensations without identifying with them. Self-inquiry, especially the question “Who am I?” – encourages us to look beyond the ego and discover the formless awareness at the core of our being.
2. Contemplation of Nonduality: Reflect on teachings of nonduality and the interconnectedness of all things. Read the sacred Indian texts like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, or the works of sages like Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, who emphasized the illusory nature of the individual self and the ultimate reality of unity.
3. Living in the Present: Practice mindfulness in daily life by bringing full awareness to every moment. Recognize that all experiences arise within consciousness and are not separate from it. This practice helps dissolve the sense of separation between you and your surroundings.
Embarking on the Path of Expanding Consciousness
Expanding consciousness beyond the body, ego, and immediate surroundings might not appeal to everyone. However, taking this path can lead to great spiritual heights.
The teachings of Advaita Vedanta and nonduality guide us toward the realization that we are not limited, separate individuals but expressions of the infinite, indivisible consciousness that permeates all things.
By working on expanding our awareness, we transcend the limitations of the ego, dissolve the illusion of separation, and awaken to the boundless reality that has always been our true nature. In this realization, we find profound peace, unity, and love.
For some, all this might look like just a theory, but those who embark on this path of Self-Realization and living beyond the ego realize the truth of these words. They truly change and expand their consciousness and awareness.
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