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Philosopher David Loy on the Nuances of Nonduality and How to Apply it to Daily Life

Join Andrew and philosopher David Loy on an exhilarating ride through the nuances of nonduality, and how to apply it to daily life. What exactly is nonduality? If nonduality is the natural state, how did we get so dualistic, and how do we continue to practice duality? The conversation explores the power of language and evolution in generating a dualistic view, then turns to a close look at the role of vision and our sight-centric ways. Why did the senses even evolve if the world is nondualistic? And what is the relationship between light, mind and appearance itself? The discussion then explores the role of meditation in realizing nonduality, and the blind spots that afflict meditators. How can we use “spiritual reductionism” as a way to simplify the world’s problems into basic spiritual tenets? How does our inarticulate sense of lack drive virtually everything we do? How do the three poisons of passion, aggression, and ignorance get institutionalized? Dr. Loy’s gift is to bolt the philosophical with the practical, so the conversation shifts to current social and political unrest, and the role of the ecosattva in today’s ecological crises. What is the place of hope and fear in relating to current problems, and how can we continue to help the world in the face of so many obstacles? Does Buddhism have something to offer in terms of social activism, or is it irrelevant in this modern age? David is a rare blend of scholar-practitioner, and one of the most refined thinkers of our age. His insights have the potential to revolutionize “applied spirituality.”

About David Loy

David Robert Loy is a professor, writer, and Zen teacher in the Sanbo Zen tradition of Japanese Buddhism. He is a prolific author whose essays and books have been translated into many languages. His articles appear regularly in Buddhist magazines such as Tricycle, Lion’s Roar, and Buddhadharma as well as in a variety of scholarly journals. David lectures nationally and internationally on various topics, focusing primarily on the encounter between Buddhism and modernity: what each can learn from the other. He is especially concerned about social and ecological issues. (www.davidloy.org)

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