Ep 22: Why Non-Dualistic Thinking Changes Everything (Part 2 Good and Evil)

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Jer, Kirk and Jack revisit their conversation on non-dualistic thinking (episode 18) with a focus on the problem of good and evil. A problem that exposes the depth of the concept they are wrestling with, and why they are truly out of their depth. It is their hope that this wresting enhances your journey into non-dualistic thinking.

Jer opens with a statement he wrote which becomes the jumping off point: Here is a transcript:

"As I delve deeper into the concept of non-dualistic thinking, I find myself conflicted.

The problem I have with non-dualistic thinking-not the problem with non-dualistic thinking- is that it doesn’t sit neatly or tidily with my desire for certainty. And, I have trouble differentiating between healthy discernment and what is a hollow morality, or vagueness, apathy or passivity. There are certain things in the bible that seem clear...it is written multiple times as a conditionality that if one loves God he must hate evil. Good and evil are is an awkward dissonance to me when looked at through the lens of non-dualistic thinking. Where does discernment come into play? Where does righteousness, truth or morality fit into non-dualistic thinking? Or more poignantly, what are their values within non-dualistic thinking?

I believe Jesus was primarily a non-dualistic thinker, while at the same time he was called The Truth. This implies that from Him could come no falsehood, or confusion, or misgivings. He frequently confronted others with a proposed higher or better way to live. If there was no better or higher, and all that existed was simple different, then any style of living belongs or is morally equivalent and he would wasted his breath and His life.

The very notion of non-dualistic thinking seems to me a self defeating abstraction. If there is no ‘either or’ only ‘both and’, then dualistic thinking is no more relevant or beneficial than non-dualistic thinking and should be encouraged similarly. Unless it is a subjective posture, then, as most things it is more pertinent when beneficial. My difficulty with this concept lies in the tension or balance between living a life that is morally upright and following in the way of Truth or Jesus, while also not putting myself in the judgement seat, which also biblically has clear ramifications."

~ Jeremy Byrne