Distinction and division are not the same thing. Duality gives rise to division and, more importantly, opposition.
Zen teachings often warn of the imperfection of words. These warnings typically point to the limits of language when trying to describe what can only be known through experience. Sometimes, however, words can be just plain misleading.
Let’s explore this problem by taking a closer look at the concept of duality. This should be pretty straightforward. Dualities are two similar but opposite things in conflict, right? Not so fast—because a misinterpretation of Zen’s intentions regarding this topic will take us down the wrong path.
The teachings often implore us to see past the illusion of duality. The problem is further compounded when Zen encourages us to experience the oneness of all things. So, at first glance, Zen’s teachings on duality seem to be pointing toward numbers—to the idea of there being two of something. This and that. Self and other. Transcendent and manifest. Of course, all of this is true—but for the purposes of this discussion, that’s the wrong path.
The Tao Te Ching reads:
“The Tao gave birth to the One.
The One gave birth to Two.
Two gave birth to Three.
And Three gave birth to the ten thousand things.”
Tao is the great Unnamable—the undivided source of everything. We are taught that Tao gave birth to the One. That One is pure perception—every bit and mysterious as Tao. It is non-dual and unbiased. It is, for lack of a better term, Tao manifest.
Now we come to the Two. This is duality, right?
In the literal sense of the word, perhaps. But for our purposes? Not so fast.
The Two that arise from the One are not separate. They are interwoven expressions of a single movement—and they are not in conflict. Perhaps some analogies can help us to better understand. Light and shadow both arise from illumination interacting with form. Electricity requires both positive and negative poles. Are breathing in and breathing out opposites—or are they the ultimate poetic example of interwoven expressions of a single movement?
Contrast and polarity give the world its context and definition. Indeed, you can’t function without them. For example, we understand the concept of love in relation to the concept of hate. Therefore, distinction is not the problem.
So what is the problem?
(Because you’re putting me to sleep here.)
The problem is opposition—or more accurately, the illusion of opposition.
There’s no flaw in recognizing that there are two things—that is pure perception. The flaw arises when the ego turns that distinction into a conflict. Then, all of a sudden, the lens becomes filtered.
The transcendent and the manifest are not at war—pushing and pulling each other in a never-ending struggle. However, once they become labeled as, let’s say, life and death, then division, opposition and bias come into play and everything changes.
There is much more to be said, but perhaps for today, saying less will be more beneficial. We have begun to lay the foundation of a new model of reality. Going forward, we will continue to take a closer look at what we have built—and also what we might be ready to leave behind.
Explore more:
Curious about the nature of self, distinction, and duality? If illumination gives rise to both light and shadow, what does that say about the source itself?
Check out Lightbulbing: Zen Drop 003, and drop in for a quick dose of wisdom.
Leave a Reply