How can we tell right from wrong?
As a school teacher, I am continually reminded that there are two meanings for the words 'right' and 'wrong.' We teach the students that fighting, disrespect, violence, defiance, and dishonesty are wrong. We also teach the kids that three times four equal eleven is wrong. Same word, but very different meanings.
Seen through the lens of non-dualism, the words 'right' and 'wrong' are more like the second usage than the first. Things are defined as 'right' when they are based on truth, reality, and fact. When things are not in accordance with reality, they are labeled 'wrong.' When looked at this way, everything about earth life is 'wrong' because earth life is not based on Reality, which is Oneness, Perfection, and Eternalness.
But the question is really about morality, isn't it? Most people who wonder about right and wrong, are wondering about the correctness of actions.
Morality is really just a set of guidelines for getting along within a world based on separation. When we infringe on another separate being, putting our own desires ahead of others, we would define those actions as immoral, or 'wrong.' In Reality, though, there are no separate beings, so the world's view of morality is just another part of the illusion.
Is morality useful? It can be. But remember, as with everything here, morality can be used by ego or by Spirit depending on our choice. I'm sure you can think of people you've known who always do the right (moral) things and then use their righteousness as a device to look down on others, which reinforces separation. Spirit can also use morality as a reminder of Oneness. When you realize this, it becomes clear why judgment is impossible. It's not that we shouldn't judge; it's that we simply cannot judge. In this world, the exact same actions or words can be motivated by either ego or spirit.
This is why the work of the non-dualistic path is done within the (seeming) confines of your OWN mind. It's all about how YOU see and react to the images and experiences of human life. Everything and everyone here are figures in your dream. When you judge them as 'right' or 'wrong' you are further entrenching yourself in the dream.
Seen through the lens of non-dualism, the words 'right' and 'wrong' are more like the second usage than the first. Things are defined as 'right' when they are based on truth, reality, and fact. When things are not in accordance with reality, they are labeled 'wrong.' When looked at this way, everything about earth life is 'wrong' because earth life is not based on Reality, which is Oneness, Perfection, and Eternalness.
But the question is really about morality, isn't it? Most people who wonder about right and wrong, are wondering about the correctness of actions.
Morality is really just a set of guidelines for getting along within a world based on separation. When we infringe on another separate being, putting our own desires ahead of others, we would define those actions as immoral, or 'wrong.' In Reality, though, there are no separate beings, so the world's view of morality is just another part of the illusion.
Is morality useful? It can be. But remember, as with everything here, morality can be used by ego or by Spirit depending on our choice. I'm sure you can think of people you've known who always do the right (moral) things and then use their righteousness as a device to look down on others, which reinforces separation. Spirit can also use morality as a reminder of Oneness. When you realize this, it becomes clear why judgment is impossible. It's not that we shouldn't judge; it's that we simply cannot judge. In this world, the exact same actions or words can be motivated by either ego or spirit.
This is why the work of the non-dualistic path is done within the (seeming) confines of your OWN mind. It's all about how YOU see and react to the images and experiences of human life. Everything and everyone here are figures in your dream. When you judge them as 'right' or 'wrong' you are further entrenching yourself in the dream.
posted by AWB @ 1/22/2011 05:21:00 AM
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