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Significance of Duality

Duality, as viewed across various philosophical and spiritual traditions, signifies the perception of separation between distinct aspects of reality鈥攕uch as self and others. Tibetan Buddhism challenges this perception as an error in understanding, while Purana and Vedanta see it as an obstacle to spiritual liberation and a source of fear. Each perspective acknowledges that this perception can lead to misunderstanding the true nature of existence, which ultimately calls for transcendence towards a realization of unity and non-dualism in the pursuit of higher truth and self-realization.1
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Synonyms: Dual nature, Dichotomy, Dualism, Dual aspect, Contrast, Pair, Polarity, Ambivalence, Duplicity

In Dutch: Dualiteit; In Finnish: Kaksinaisuus; In Spanish: Dualidad; In German: 顿耻补濒颈迟盲迟

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Duality'

Buddhism Books

Duality in Buddhism encompasses the perception of opposing elements like self and other, the attachment to existence versus nonexistence, and recognizes both inner and outer aspects of reality, urging transcendence and challenging the erroneous separation of reality.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The understanding that two different aspects exist within all things, including inner and outer nature, leading to a greater comprehension of reality.[1]

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The attachment to opposing sides of existence, such as existence vs. nonexistence, which deviates from the Middle Way.[2]

From: Lankavatara Sutra

(1) The perception of two opposing elements or states, such as self and other, which Buddhism teaches to transcend.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The concept related to the existence of 'one' in 'many', which is suggested to be an abstraction that is not perceptibly valid.[4]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha鈥檚 words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Duality'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Duality signifies the perception of separation between entities, leading to misunderstandings of the Self. It contrasts with non-dualism, promoting transcendence to realize unity with Brahman, overcoming fear and ignorance associated with separation.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The perception of separation and difference, often contrasted with non-duality in the context of understanding the Supreme Reality.[5] (2) A state or quality of two parts, often referred to in the text concerning the existence of objects and their perception.[6] (3) The perception of separation and multiplicity which contrasts with the non-dual nature of reality.[7] (4) Duality refers to the perception of separation and distinction between different entities or phenomena, which is considered an illusion stemming from ignorance.[8] (5) The perception of separation between the self (Atman) and the mind, which results in fear and misery; Jnanis do not experience this due to their understanding of non-duality.[9]

From: Mandukya Upanishad

(1) The perception of separation and differences between self and others, which is transcended in the realization of non-dualism.[10] (2) The state or condition of being dual, reflecting the division perceived by those influenced by Maya.[11] (3) Duality refers to the condition of perceiving the world through opposing concepts like self and other, subject and object, reflecting the complexity of experiences.[12]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The perception of separation or two-ness in existence, which is ultimately resolved in the unity of Brahman.[13] (2) Duality refers to the state of having two different and opposing aspects, which is identified as the root cause of fear.[14] (3) The state of perceiving two opposing realities which leads to a misunderstanding of the true nature of the Self.[15]

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The belief in the existence of distinct entities or experiences, which prevents individuals from recognizing the oneness of the Infinite and the Self.[16]

From: Kaivalya Upanishad

(1) Duality is the perception of existence as divided into two opposing realities, which the enlightened seeker learns to transcend to attain higher Truth through self-realization.[17]

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The condition of being dual; existence characterized by the perception of separation.[18]

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) The concept that leads to conflict; cautioned against as it confines one to a limited understanding associated with the finite.[19]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):
Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) The quality or condition of being dual; existing in two elements or aspects.[20] (2) The state or quality of being dual; it implies the presence of two distinct aspects or components.[21] (3) A state of having two parts or aspects, which is contingent upon the functioning of the Intellect.[22] (4) The concept that consists in the negation of identity between two things.[23]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The notion that existence comprises two distinct entities, which is to be transcended for realizing the non-dual Self.[24]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The perception of two separate entities or realities, often in contrast with the singular unity of God.[25]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Duality in local and regional sources

History Books

Duality describes the human perception of separation from the world, fostering a sense of confusion and conflict. This concept highlights the struggles individuals face in reconciling their internal identity with external realities.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The concept that individuals perceive themselves as separate from the world, leading to confusion and conflict.[26]