“Nonduality” in Buddhist Teachings and Practice

Instructor(s): David Loy

Program Description:

Nonduality is a common theme in Mahayana Buddhist teachings and practices, but it means many different things within those traditions: the non-duality of dualistic concepts, form and emptiness, samsara and nirvana, practice and enlightenment, self and other, etc. In this program, we will distinguish these different types of nonduality and discuss what they mean and why they are important to the Buddhist path. The main focus will be on the nonduality of self and other (or subject and object), which is emphasized not only in some Buddhist texts but also in related traditions such as Taoism and Advaita Vedanta.

About the Instructor(s):
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  David Loy

  David R. Loy is especially interested in the conversation between Buddhism and modernity. His books include A New Buddhist Path, Ecodharma: Buddhist teachings for the Ecological Crisis, Nonduality, Lack and Transcendance, A Buddhist History of the West, The Great Awakening, Money Sex War Karma and The World Is Made of Stories. A Zen practitioner for many years, he is qualified as a teacher in the Sanbo Zen tradition.