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What is Jean Klein's perspective on duality and non-duality?
Jean Klein was a French master of Advaita, a philosophy that emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. His perspective on duality and non-duality can be summed up in his teachings on the nature of the mind and the true self.
Klein believed that the mind is the source of duality, the division between the self and the world. He saw the mind as a tool that creates separation and limitation, causing suffering and confusion. According to Klein, the mind is conditioned by our experiences, beliefs, and cultural influences, leading us to identify with our thoughts and emotions as our true identity.
In contrast, Klein taught that our true self is beyond the mind and cannot be grasped through conceptual thinking. He saw the true self as pure awareness, the unchanging and infinite essence that underlies all of existence. This true self is not separate from the world, but rather the very fabric of it. It is the source of love, peace, and joy that we seek in external objects and experiences.
For Klein, the key to understanding non-duality is to go beyond the mind and its dualistic tendencies. He taught that this can be achieved through self-inquiry, a process of questioning our beliefs and perceptions to uncover the true self. By recognizing that the mind is not the source of our true identity, we can let go of the illusion of duality and experience the oneness of all things.
Klein also emphasized the importance of living in the present moment, as it is the only place where we can truly experience the non-dual nature of reality. By being fully present and aware, we can let go of the mind's projections and connect with our true self and the world around us.
In summary, Jean Klein's perspective on duality and non-duality is rooted in the understanding that the mind creates the illusion of separation and limitation, while our true self is beyond the mind and is the essence of all existence. Through self-inquiry and living in the present moment, we can transcend duality and experience the oneness of all things.