[verklingen]

we are only testing what we know to test.... What else are we missing or not adding to our understanding. This is the point on Non-dualism in my mind beyond the particular concept itself.

the historian of science thomas kuhn has written extensively on this. modern science is a framework of testing that engages phenomena only as they apply to previous testing.

there was a psychological experiment conducted in the 1940's where a deck of regular playing cards were interspersed with a few unusual cards, like a black queen of hearts. the cards of the deck were revealed one at a time, quickly the first time through and gradually slowing down thereafter, and the subject was asked to name the card. at high speeds there was no hesitation: a black queen of hearts was obviously enough a black queen of spades. as the deck revolved more slowly they started recognizing that something was wrong, but couldn't say what until the pace slowed further still and they had a long enough time to catch on. after the experiment they described the severe discomfort of this feeling.

science, and indeed our every perception, is much the same. we are so trained to see what "should" be there that we miss everything that is there, even while staring right at it. if something doesn't fit into our scheme it is perceived as though it does, because to perceive otherwise is uncomfortable. we fear the unknown evil more than the known, and will elect to sabotage reality before reality can sabotage our expectations and beliefs. the irony is that our expectations are sabotaging us! they sabotage our understanding by causing us to miss the evident reality, and this sabotages our happiness by leading to ignorance and misinterpretation. it makes for an unhealthy relationship with existence, like involving oneself in a personal relationship only superficially. there can only be balance between equals

and that's an interesting subject, balance. in my head the concept of balance closely approximates how i conceive non-duality. what do you think of this?

Namaste! and thanks for keeping this on a compassionate note Brother!
SageTree

of course, and likewise!