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Exploring Three Philosophical Perspectives: Scientific Materialism, Dualism, and Monism

Essay #1 on the way to my BA at Maharishi International University

By I AMPublished 8 months ago 2 min read
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In the realm of philosophy, different schools of thought offer diverse perspectives on the nature of reality, consciousness, and existence. Three prominent schools of thought, namely Scientific Materialism, Dualism, and Monism, each provide unique insights into these fundamental questions.

Scientific Materialism asserts that everything in the universe, no matter how complex, can ultimately be broken down into smaller, material components. This perspective acknowledges the intricate nature of the universe and highlights the presence of absolute beingness at every level. Scientific Materialism can be seen as the physical classification of consciousness, examining the material world as its primary focus.

Dualism, on the other hand, navigates towards the idea of pure consciousness while still acknowledging the importance of scientific materialism. It appreciates both the material and absolute nature of being, recognizing that these two aspects coexist and contribute to our understanding of reality. Dualism embraces the notion that both sides of the coin, the material and the absolute, contain essential truths.

Monism represents a viewpoint that does not negate scientific materialism or the possibility of dualism. It stands as beingness in its most absolute state, emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of all existence. Monism supports the idea that "All is the Mind," a concept found in esoteric texts like the Kybalion. In this perspective, everything, whether material or abstract, is interconnected as a manifestation of pure consciousness.

Personally, I identify with Monism as it embodies the purest form of the absolute, even though my awareness primarily resides in a state of Dualism. While acknowledging the presence of Scientific Materialism, I find myself teetering between these two perspectives with an underlying understanding of the unchanging nature of absolute being.

Through my identification with Monism, I've come to understand that everything around me reflects my inner state of being. Aligning with the absolute nature of things allows me to perceive more beauty in the world. In contrast, when I was primarily focused on the material and the relative state of consciousness, I could only see the tangible aspects of life. My perspective was limited to the grosser aspects of existence, predominantly pain and suffering.

Aligning with Monism has transformed my reality. I have gained access to a deeper understanding of the absolute truth, as I've learned to break down and recognize the smaller, more absolute parts of my reality. By aligning internally with the absolute nature of things, I've brought the proof of pure consciousness into my tangible reality.

Identifying with Monism has become my preferred and current state of consciousness, but I acknowledge the continued presence of Dualism and Scientific Materialism. It's important to note that, once we align with a particular state of consciousness, it becomes challenging to return fully to our previous states. This transformation aligns our conscious activity with our optimal expression, benefiting the whole, similar to how a squirrel's activity supports the population of trees.

In conclusion, Monism serves as a philosophical perspective that supports and harmonizes with other schools of thought. It views the world as a reflection of the activity or non-activity of the mind and recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence. While the surface level of the mind may classify and differentiate, a deeper understanding reveals the perfection in all things, as they exist as they are meant to be in the grand tapestry of consciousness.

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