Analysis of Non-Dual Ethics
‘Nonduality is the oneness before the number one.’ – Rabbi David Aaron
In Part One, we explored Deep Questions and Normative Systems and used those tools to analyze our beliefs. We will continue that today by getting a better hold on how to move from dual to non-dual ethics.
Dualism is a philosophical theory that reality comprises things or principles, mind & body, good & evil, material & immaterial, and being & thought. It is the foundation of our mechanistic worldview and why we think in parts instead of an interconnected whole. Dualistic ethics are defined by how they separate us.
Non-dual ethics, Emphasizes the interconnection of all things. There is no separation between me and you or even you and a tree. We are interdependent and rely on each other to survive. So do our concepts, could there be life without death? Nondualism is not ‘either/or‘ it is ‘both /and’.
The principles guiding you in your day-to-day decisions can be represented on a line, much like the number line you used in school when learning integers. For example, take one of Plato’s four virtues, Fellow Feeling Toward All, and place it on the line. Where would it fall for you?
-5 | -4 | -3 | -2 | -1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
- 0 Neutral
- -5 Strong Aversion
- +5 Strong Attraction
This line can be used in several ways from taking an ethic, value, or virtue and seeing where it resonates with you to analyzing those values through different lenses. Once it’s on the line, you can track its change over time or how your views are changing over time.
Ecospheric View:
-5 | -4 | -3 | -2 | -1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
<—Anthropocentric—— 0 ——Ecospheric—->
Non-Dual View:
-5 | -4 | -3 | -2 | -1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
<—Dualistic—— 0 ——Non-Dual—->
Social-Ecological View:
-5 | -4 | -3 | -2 | -1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
<—2nd Nature—— 0 ——3rd Nature—->
The point is to not judge yourself for where you are on the line. But to realize that change is always possible and actively work towards it.
Resource for Further Study:
- ‘Nonduality: In Buddhism and Beyond’ by David R. Loy
- ‘Everything Is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism‘ by Jay Michaelson
- ‘Aztec Philosophy: Understanding a World in Motion’ by James Maffie
- ‘Faith in Mind’ by Sheng Yen
Sources:
- ‘Everything Is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism‘ by Jay Michaelson
- Julie Hawkins, 2024, “Green Eco-Chaplains Manual: Level I”, Forest Star Academy, (2022).