The East-West synthesis is a philosophical approach that seeks to integrate the wisdom and insights from both Eastern and Western traditions. It is based on the idea that each tradition has valuable perspectives and knowledge to offer, and by combining them, a more comprehensive understanding of reality can be achieved.

In the context of Integral Philosophy, the East-West synthesis is a key component of Ken Wilber's work. Wilber argues that the East and West have traditionally been seen as separate and even opposing perspectives, with the East emphasizing spirituality and the inner world, while the West focuses on reason and the outer world. However, he believes that this dichotomy is limiting and that a more holistic approach is needed.

The East-West synthesis in Integral Philosophy is also deeply influenced by the concept of non-duality, which is a fundamental principle in many Eastern traditions. Non-duality refers to the idea that there is no separation between the individual self and the larger reality. This is in contrast to the Western notion of a separate, individual self.

Wilber argues that by incorporating non-dual perspectives from the East into Western thought, a more complete understanding of reality can be achieved. This includes recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and the idea that the individual self is just one aspect of a larger whole.

The East-West synthesis also includes the integration of different levels of consciousness, as well as the integration of different ways of knowing, such as intuition, reason, and direct experience. It recognizes that both the East and West have unique strengths and weaknesses in their approaches to understanding reality, and by combining them, a more balanced and comprehensive understanding can be achieved.

One of the key goals of the East-West synthesis is to move beyond the limitations of both Eastern and Western thought and create a more inclusive and integrative approach to philosophy and spirituality. By embracing both perspectives, it seeks to bridge the gap between the subjective and objective, the individual and the collective, and the spiritual and the material.

In summary, the East-West synthesis is a philosophical approach that seeks to integrate the wisdom and insights from both Eastern and Western traditions, incorporating the principles of non-duality and aiming for a more comprehensive understanding of reality. It is a key component of Integral Philosophy and highlights the importance of embracing diverse perspectives in our search for truth and understanding.