Non-Dualism and Early Buddhism

Was early Buddhism non-dualistic? We'll begin by looking at what non-dualism means, then turn to its origins in some pre-Buddhist ideas. Then we'll turn to look at early Buddhism in particular. Last we'll look briefly at some ways non-dualism became important in later Buddhist philosophy.

✅ Videos mentioned:

✅ Books mentioned:

✅ Other resources:

Richard Gombrich, “Recovering the Buddha’s Message” (IBS, 2012).

Anālayo, “Mindfulness in Early Buddhism” Journal of the Centre for Buddhist Studies Sri Lanka, Vol. XI, 2013.

00:00 Intro
01:19 What is Non-Dualism?
05:14 Pre-Buddhist Origins
13:05 Early Buddhism: Not Non-Dual
20:00 Early Buddhism: Non-Dualisms
30:16 Later Developments

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[trevorjones]

SN 12.48 comes to mind. The Buddha teaches that “oneness” is an extreme view and instead he teaches the middle way of dependent origination.

[nicholasteo]

What an attempt to expound on such a complicated and deep topic. Kudos!!! I’ve been a lurker around your videos for a while and I’ve enjoyed them a lot (so much so that I’ve just enrolled into Buddhist Pali College to get my diploma in Buddhist studies) but you’ve really outdone yourself with this video! Thank you so much!! Sadhu sadhu sadhu 🙏🏻

[KyawThurein]

This is truly an intriguing topic. Thanks for sharing your wisdom ...

[photistyx]

Covered so much in 40 minutes! Great meaty video. And it's really useful to have it brought to the fore that early Buddhism did not teach non-dualism, even though it is at the top of the list of desirable insights for contemporary lay practitioners. It's more of a bonus insight.

[madallas_mons]

Wow Doug, an entire 40 minute video! Would love to see more long videos in the future, thanks!👏

[austinhill]

Thank you so much for this doug. This is something I've been wrestling with for years trying to fully understand. You make it easy to parse and clear. I'm going to rewatch this at least 4 more times.

[snakespeak]

Thank you. Over the years, I return to having confusion over this issue. You have provided an excellent analysis of this conundrum.

[chriskaplan]

Masterful handling of a challenging subject. Very enlightening. Well done as always Doug. I really enjoyed this longer format deep dive.

[Xaloxulu]

Such a lovely and concise video on such a difficult matter, thank you!

[IndianRaptorPack]

Fascinating topic. I remember reading a comment of yours on a video a while back, in which you said that you were working on (or were planning to work on) a video on non-dualism in Buddhism, along with the relation between Mahayana and Advaita Vedanta. I've had that in the back of my mind ever since and was ecstaticed to see this video finally pop up, and I must say that the length and material of this video definitely look like the culmination of years of diligent preparation. As always, thank you for all the information.

[Anders]

Great information! It gave me an idea of the simplest form of nonduality by starting with a single relation to itself. That gives rise to a new relation from the first relation and so on in an explosion of fully interconnected relations, like Indra's net but without the jewels. And the individual self is a unique position within that net.

[ndas]

Hi Doug. Thanks so much as always. I love that you integrate so much of early Buddhist ideas, their variations and add the contextual complexities to help understanding in a short time! This non-attached information is essential supplement for for a practitioner. Among many helpful clarifications in this video was a closer look at the different ways ppl use “non dualism”. 🙏🏽

[stormyphillips]

That was a big topic to tackle. Great job and thank you for the wonderful video.

[markosterdahl]

Thanks Doug for a great topic and a question that I think many of us is thinking about. Spinns my wheels so to say.
Much love!

[alexakroma]

Truly excellent work. Thanks so much Doug!

[nikhilkay]

Would like to hear from you about Advaita Vedanta

[saradamin]

So admirable... 🌟
All of your video are well explained and come up with the interested topics of the matter that going around in the Buddhist world. You have done well for each of them, informative, comprehensive and in concise enough to see it in whole picture.

Also your categorization as how we can interpret the thing in different ways, how is it said in Early Buddhist Texts, which is the later development in which influences the tradition.

By the way, you have presented as it is said in the context and be skeptical enough by not jumping fast into conclusion but always be polite and respectful for the difference in each tradition in the broader understanding and finally try to get the practical part of it to apply in life.

You do have this Buddhist spirit of pragmatic, skeptic, kindness, respect and so on, combined with the good ability to do the research and explain in detail with clarity.

Wish you be happy and safe, prosper on your path and always joyful to work on the Dharma to benefit of all beings

[aaryyank]

Very profound and you have a really good clarity of thought.
Thank you.

[venrakkhita]

Doing a great job Doug. Gratitude and blessings

[_g_r_u_m_p]

Awesome! I am deep into non-dualism right now. Taking a fundamentals of non-dual meditation course from Michael Taft and also reading books like “I AM THAT” by Nisargadatta, “The Transparency of Things” by Rupert Spira, “I AM” by Jean Klein. Though these books are not Buddhist it really helps to round out my understanding.

I’ve been looking for info on non-dualism in the Pali canon so this is perfect timing!

Thx for another great video Doug!