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Attention and Devotion are one || Acharya Prashant, on Adi Shankaracharya (2016)
Scriptures and Saints
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2 years ago
Atman
Duality
Adi Shankaracharya
Perception
Ego
Attention
Devotion
Spirituality
Description

Acharya Prashant explains that perception is inherently dualistic because it requires a perceiver (subject) and an object. Ordinarily, the ego-subject feels incomplete and searches for fulfillment in objects, which triggers an inner mechanism of memory, names, and expectations. This makes the experiencer a slave to the experience and the object. However, it is possible to live differently by being in a non-dual state where one recognizes the ever-conscious Atman. In this state, the mechanical game of duality continues, but the individual remains unaffected and calm, much like a Buddha whose nature is not impacted even if his body is hurt.