The Illusion of Separation: Revelations from a Non-Dualistic Cosmology

In the vast expanse of cosmic consciousness, where the fabric of existence weaves itself into the tapestry of reality, there lies a profound yet simplistically beautiful truth: all that exists is but a reflection of the self. The notion, as grand as it may seem, encapsulates the essence of non-dualistic cosmology, presenting a paradigm where the dichotomies that define our conventional perceptions—self and other, here and there, now and then—melt away into the singularity of being.

At the heart of this understanding is the concept of cosmic consciousness, a state of awareness that transcends the limitations of individual perception and embraces the unity of all existence. It’s akin to peering into an infinite mirror, revealing that every face you see, every eye that meets yours, is none other than your own reflection. The realization that what we perceive as ‘you’ is inseparable from ‘I’ not only challenges but fundamentally overturns the conventional notion of separateness.

In this light, the creation of ‘you’ as distinct from ‘me’ becomes an amusing dance of cosmic irony. For in the realm of cosmic consciousness, the illusion of duality dissipates, leaving behind the unalterable truth that there is no ‘other’; there is only ‘self’—not in the sense of egotistical selfhood but as the all-encompassing Self that is the universe and beyond.

The implications of this perspective are profound. By recognizing the interconnectedness and oneness of all existence, the boundaries that divide us fall away. It’s not merely a philosophical abstraction but a lived experience that invites a radical shift in how we engage with the world and with each other. This recognition fosters a deep sense of compassion and empathy, for how could one harm another when the other is none other than oneself?

It prompts us to reconsider the constructs of individual identity and the roles we play in the grand orchestration of existence. If the essence of who we are transcends the individual, then our actions, thoughts, and feelings are expressions of the cosmic whole. This doesn’t diminish personal responsibility; rather, it elevates our role as conscious participants in the unfolding drama of existence, where each act of kindness, each gesture of love, reverberates through the fabric of the cosmos.

To entertain the notion of ‘you’ in a non-dualistic cosmology, then, is to indulge in the cosmic laughter of the universe—a laughter that echoes through eternity, reminding us of the joyous play of existence. It’s an invitation to view life not as a series of isolated events and encounters but as a continuous flow of expressions of the Self. In this cosmic play, every conflict, every moment of connection, becomes an opportunity to recognize the underlying unity of all beings.

This perspective challenges us to live with an awareness that transcends the superficial layers of identity and separation. It asks us to look beyond the apparent distinctions that divide us and to see the underlying oneness that binds us. In doing so, it offers a path to peace, understanding, and a deeper engagement with the mystery of existence.

The realization that all that exists is a manifestation of the self, and that the distinction between ‘self’ and ‘other’ is but an illusion, serves as a powerful antidote to the myriad forms of alienation that plague our modern existence. It calls us to a higher consciousness, where the recognition of our interconnectedness becomes the foundation for a more compassionate, empathetic, and unified world.

To view the world through the eyes of cosmic consciousness is to see oneself in all things and all things in oneself. It is to laugh at the cosmic joke that in the endless expanse of time and space, amid the infinite expressions of being, we have been gazing upon our own reflection all along. This laughter, born from the heart of existence, carries with it the hope and the promise of a deeper understanding and acceptance of the self and the other—as one.


Bruce

Presently, I am 67 years old, and I am learning how to live the life of a retired person. I am married to Sharon White, a retired hospice nurse, and writer. Whose Death Is It Anyway-A Hospice Nurse Remembers Sharon is a wonderful friend and life partner of nearly 30 years. We have three grandsons through two of Sharon's children. I am not a published writer or poet. My writings are part of my new life in retirement. I have recently created a blog, and I began filling it up with my writings on matters of recovery and spirituality. I saw that my blog contained enough material for a book, so that is now my new intention, to publish a book, if only so that my grandsons can get to know who their grandfather really was, once I am gone. The title for my first book will be: Penetrating The Conspiracy Of Silence, or, How I Lived Beyond My Expiration Date I have since written 7 more books, all of which are now posted on this site. I have no plans to publish any of them, as their material is not of general interest, and would not generate enough income to justify costs. I have taken a deep look at life, and written extensively about it from a unique and rarely communicated perspective. Some of my writing is from 2016 on to the present moment. Other writing covers the time prior to 1987 when I was a boy, then an addict and alcoholic, with my subsequent recovery experience, and search for "Truth". Others are about my more recent experiences around the subjects of death, dying, and transformation, and friends and family having the most challenging of life's experiences. There are also writings derived from my personal involvement with and insight into toxic masculinity, toxic religion, toxic capitalism, and all of their intersections with our leadere. These topics will not be a draw for all people, as such personal and/or cultural toxicities tends to get ignored, overlooked, or "normalized" by those with little time for insight, introspection, or interest in other people's points of view on these troubling issues. There also will be a couple of writings/musings about "GOD", but I try to limit that kind of verbal gymnastics, because it is like chasing a sunbeam with a flashlight. Yes, my books are non-fiction, and are not good reading for anybody seeking to escape and be entertained. Some of the writings are spiritual, philosophical and intellectual in nature, and some descend the depths into the darkest recesses of the human mind. I have included a full cross section of all of my thoughts and feelings. It is a classic "over-share", and I have no shame in doing so. A Master Teacher once spoke to me, and said "no teacher shall effect your salvation, you must work it out for yourself". "Follow new paths of consciousness by letting go of all of the mental concepts and controls of your past". This writing represents my personal work towards that ultimate end.