We may tend to think of ourselves as physical beings and regard “awakening” as an experience that happens inside our biological brains and bodies. Yet, a nondual view does not regard awakening as happening exclusively within our physical bodies; instead, it is an experience of relationship that occurs when the deep aliveness within ourselves connects with the unbounded aliveness of the larger universe. When our life connects with the aliveness of a living universe, we awaken into an oceanic and unbounded sense of self. This view does not assume the universe is “alive” like a biological organism, instead it regards the universe as being infused with a unique life-force that sustains all that exists. In turn, our physical bodies are biodegradable vehicles for acquiring soul growing experiences by connecting with this larger aliveness.
In this session we will explore three, major areas:
1) how the frontiers of science view the universe as a unified system that is infused with an ecology of consciousness,
2) how the world’s wisdom traditions regard the universe as being continuously regenerated anew at every moment, and
3) how science and spirituality converge in a nondual understanding of reality and what this means for our everyday lives—the source of the “power of Now,” the meaning and purpose of our lives, our relationship with our consumer society and the natural world, and pointing out a path of awakening as resting in the creative aliveness of a living universe.
Duane Elgin Speaker, Author, and Social Visionary
Duane Elgin has an MBA from the Wharton Business School, an MA in economic history from the University of Pennsylvania, and an honorary PhD for work in “ecological and spiritual transformation” from CIIS. In 2006, Duane received the International Goi Peace Award in Japan for his contribution to a global “vision, consciousness, and lifestyle” that fosters a “more sustainable and spiritual culture.” His books include: The Living Universe: Where Are We? Who Are We? Where Are We Going? and Awakening Earth: Exploring the Evolution of Human Culture and Consciousness.
Recorded at SAND15 US
